Who Needs Pictures [ENHANCED]

Brad Paisley

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 1, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 1, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B00000IPYC
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,727 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

You'd never have guessed that this country hunk would turn out to have a brain and a heart hiding under his Western gear, but Brad Paisley's Who Needs Pictures is among the more encouraging albums to come out of Nashville in some time. Rather than running from country's traditions, Paisley embraces them, going so far as to include the gospel standard "In the Garden" alongside original songs that tackle more contemporary subjects such as single motherhood ("He Didn't Have to Be") or church services that interfere with a Sunday out on the lake ("Long Sermon"). Just as promising, the guitars (Paisley's own picks) and fiddles here have been recorded in all their biting, twangy glory. There are problems--a few arrangements are predictably busy and the gimmicky fake-out ending of "Me Neither" is clever precisely once--but overall, Paisley's debut seems like a sign of something good about to develop. --David Cantwell

Product Description

Includes CD, Case, Artwork!! Sticker on plastic case. Promo CD. Minor Scratches. Great Buy! Free Fast 1st Class Shipping!!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

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!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hank Williams Would Be Proud, January 19, 2001

By	Steven Fantina (Phillipsburg, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who Needs Pictures, December 9, 1999

By	Nancy Meither (Dry Ridge, KY) - See all my reviews

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!