Forgotten Music: Mr. Big

Smack dab in the middle of the Hair Metal heyday (1989) the band, Mr Big, came out of nowhere to prove that some rockers could still play instruments, not just wield blow-dryers. Their first release, the self titled Mr. Big, demonstrated a mature set of musical chops much more polished than the average band stalking the flourishing metal scene. Their style of music, called shredding by some, emphasized technical aptitude and quick tempos. Mr. Big fit this mold perfectly while lead singer Eric Martin also brought a bluesy edge to the table.  In my opinion the two best songs on the disk are Addicted to that Rush and Wind Me Up. Both frenetic and fun. The songs rarely falter on execution, but some are more memorable than others. The album wraps up with a worthy cover of the Humble Pie classic 30 Days in the Hole.

 Track listing
   1. "Addicted to That Rush" (Paul Gilbert/Billy Sheehan/Pat Torpey) – 4:46
   2. "Wind Me Up" (Eric Martin/Gilbert/Torpey) – 4:11
   3. "Merciless" (Gilbert/Martin/Torpey) – 3:57
   4. "Had Enough" (Sheehan) – 4:57
   5. "Blame It on My Youth" (Gilbert/Martin/Sheehan) – 4:14
   6. "Take a Walk" (Gilbert/Martin/Sheehan) – 3:57
   7. "Big Love" (Martin) – 4:49
   8. "How Can You Do What You Do" (Jonathan Cain/Martin) – 3:58
   9. "Anything for You" (Gilbert/Martin/Sheehan) – 4:37
  10. "Rock & Roll Over" (Martin) – 3:50
  11. "30 Days in the Hole" (Steve Marriott) – 4:12