Customer Reviews

Who Needs Pictures

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I'm not usually fond of the new talent that comes into country music nowadays. They always seem too untraditional and pop for my tastes. However, I'm MORE than willing to make an exception for Brad Paisley. He's one of the most talented new artists I've heard in a long time! He sings traditional country with a bit of humor in some of the songs on his debut album "Who Needs Pictures." In fact, the songs Me Neither and It Never Would've Worked Out Anyway are very comical. However, he can also be serious when he's singing about memories he has of a breakup (Who Needs Pictures) or the love of a step father (He Didn't Have To Be). I highly recommend this album to any country music fan! You will be amazed at the talent of this newcomer. I hope we hear much more from Brad Paisley in the future!

When Brad Paisley was recently selected to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he invoked the memory of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. Many of the other cowboy hatted rock and rollers proliferating out of Nashville these days may have mouthed similar tributes. However, while it's highly questionable if the likes of Garth Brooks or Shania Twain even heard of Mr. Acuff or Miss Minnie before they attempted to snare country's loyal fan base, Brad Paisley's debut CD pays musical homage to Nashville's traditionalism.

Over the last few years, Lee Ann Womack and Chely Wright have done their best to get Nashville back on track, but its been quite a while since a male country newcomer was truly country. Songs like "Who Needs Pictures," "Sleepin' on the Foldout," and "It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway" would not have been out of place among Ernest Tubb's repertoire. The tasteful remake of gospel standard "In the Garden" is a welcome addition that seems impossible to imagine as a track on a Dixie Chicks or Faith Hill CD.

Even Brad's appearance is a happy throwback to country's better era. On the cover, his ten-gallon hat fits naturally unlike the Coca-Cola Cowboy style seen on so many of his contemporaries. His hair is refreshingly short, and he doesn't appear to be seeking the hunk status that populates so many sleazy videos these days. It's his music that he's selling because it stands by itself far better than the rocking sounds of Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, and so many of the other clones.

It looks like George Strait, Randy Travis, and Clint Black have a new member of their genuine country club, and Minne Pearl and Roy Acuff can rest peacefully again. Brad Paisley is bringing country back!

I first saw Brad in May of this year in Cincinnati, OH, at the Taste of Cincinnati in a free concert. Needless to say, after seeing his performance I went out and bought the CD the next day. Every single cut is fantastic. His musical abilities are tremendous. Not only can he sing, but he can write and pick a mean guitar. His humor is welcome in these troubled times. More artists need to follow his lead and lighten up. I have seen Brad in concert four more times and each time it only reinforces my belief that he will be the "George Strait of the next millenium". He also takes time to talk with his fans and asks for their opinions. He is definitely here to stay and the country music world is a much better place!

Brad Paisley is The Best thing to happen to country music in a long time! Brad is an excellent singer/songwriter/musician, a great all around entertainer! Brad's debut CD "Who Needs Pictures," is awesome, a must have CD! Every song on the CD is great! My personal favorites are "Who Needs Pictures," "He Didn't Have To Be(which hit #1! )," "Holdin' On To You," "We Danced," "Cloud Of Dust," and you've never heard, "In The Garden," until you've heard Brad sing it! I like the ballads, but I like the up tempo songs also, they're really great! I have seen Brad in concert twice, and met him twice, and Brad is a really nice guy who really cares about his fans! I wish Brad all the success in the world, and I just know Brad will become a household name...so watch out Garth, Alan and George! :-)

I first heard Brad Paisley on CMT in the video "Who needs pictures". I had a feeling about him. I bought this CD with mixed emotions. I would have to say that this is one of the best CD's that i own. He has a wonderful sound and his songs are true to the heart. I think that he is going to become another household name along with George, Alan, and Garth. I think that he is one of the best newcomers so far and i would not be surprised if he does even better.

This is the best country album I have heard in a while. Brad Paisley is a true country talent and is going to be huge. This album showcases his remarkable songwriting, singing, and guitar playing abilities. The very first time I saw the video to "Who Needs Pictures", I knew I had to have this album, especially after I found out he wrote the David Kersh hit "Another You" based on a personal experience (he was dumped by his girl shortly after moving to Nashville). However, "Who Needs Pictures" is not the only hit on this album by far. "He Didn't Have To Be", a great song about a step-father in the eyes of a step-son, is destined to be huge. "Me Neither" and "It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway" are uptempo and quite humorous. I recently saw Brad in concert and had the chance to meet him. Not only is he a great songwriter/singer/guitar picker, he is also a very nice person. His debut album is great from beginning to end. Would I highly recommend it? YOU DERN RIGHT!

you can hardly put a price on this cd! thats how good it is. paisley has good vocal skills, plays the guitar, and writes his own awesome, and "speak to the heart" songs! you should really buy it!

The picture on the cover of this album lead me to expect the worst -another pretty boy hat act with the usual slick production and disposable ,radio friendly tunes.I am delighted to say my cynicism was misplaced -this arist is an altogether better performer ,and this an altogether better album than I was expecting .
Paisley was a youthful 26 when this album appeared in 1999 but had several years of live performance experience behind him ,and several appearances on the famed Wheeling Jamboree ,not to mention having songs cut by seasoned performers like David Ball and Tracy Byrd .In addition he is a guitarist of exemplary talent --just listen to the crispness and fluidity of his playing on " The Nervous Breakdown " for a demonstration of his wizardry on the instrument ,if you want to hear for yourself .As a vocalist he sounds traditional without being self consciously retro unlike artists such as neo-traditionalists Dale Watson and Wayne Hancock .He is clearly aware of the greats of the music and indeed opened his 2000 London show with a medley of songs by artists such as Haggard and Miller, but has a style which manages to be unique while operating within the parameters of the music's past .
There may be better hardcore country singers out there but he is not deficient in the vocal department and has what it takes to be a major figure in the genre for years to come .
Pitch ; inflection and phrasing are all solid and there is the added bonus of his being an accomplished writer .The only well known co-writer featured is Tim Nichols and they collaborated to produce the witty and tongue in cheek opening track " Long Sermon " -deep it aint but it is charming and pertinent with a lively infectious bounce to it .He can do more serious stuff too as witness the touching hymn to a stepfather " He Didn't Have To Be That Way " -an attractive song with a positive message about family .Its the kind of song anti country people feel is hokey but that is their loss .I found it truthful and touching .Listen also the touches of Western swing on " It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway " and the wry self deprecation of the lyric to " Me Neither " .This is a man who takes the work seriously but not himself .

The best cut for my money is thr title song - one in the tradition of the Alan Jackson classic " Here in the Real World " a thoughtful well wrought refelective ballad about a lost love .
Excellent production from another debutant Frank Rogers and crisp playing from the musicians , mostly drawn from his road band rather than the usual studio musicians and what you get is a striking debut album that has worn well in the time since its release

Recommended to all who carrynthe torch for traditional country with modern day edge

Finally, a new male country singer who is a genuine talent and who performs real country music. Independent labels include great talents such as Dale Watson, but who seem destined never to make a major commercial breakthrough. Mainstream success does not always signify greater talent, but Brad Paisley has, in the past three years, proved that he can combine true country music with enormous commercial success. Surely the next superstar in the making, Paisley has a similar vocal style to George Strait and Mark Chesnutt, and can also be classed alongside Alan Jackson, another modern country great who has never "sold out" to the demands of country radio. Standout songs on this, Paisley's debut album, include the frenetic and very funny opening track, "Long Sermon", the equally fast and fun "Me Neither", and the quality ballads, "Who Needs Pictures" and the album's best song, "He Didn't Have To Be". Paisley is also a fantastic guitarist and plays lead guitar on every track. The inclusion of the instrumental "Nervous Breakdown" highlights what a great guitarist Paisley is. This album has the same first impression as Randy Travis' "Storms Of Life": that means it ranks alongside the very best of modern country music with a traditional feel. He should enjoy the same success as George Strait and Alan Jackson if he continues to produce music of this standard.

It's a cliche, but this is the one to own. I never really liked the lead singles off this CD, so it was purely on a DJ's recommendation that I took a chance on it. I was really surprised by the nice variety of songs, and how he pulled off harmless light songs like "Me Neither" and yet conveyed the angst of a farmer in search of rain in the "Cloud of Dust". The violins at the end of "In the Garden" are divine and an incredible ending to a great CD.