Review MR. Big “Ten”

Mr. Big are one of the greats when it comes to hard rock music. Formed in 1988, the band had a huge hit with ‘Lean Into It’, including the number one single ‘To Be With You’. After the first era ended in 2002, the band returned in 2009 in the original line-up. The band immediately connected with their sound of the 90s, but sounded more lively than towards the end of the first phase.

A blow of fate hit the band in 2018 when drummer Pat Torpey passed away far too soon and the band decided to embark on a worldwide farewell tour in 2024. Overwhelmed by the euphoric welcome they received in every city they played, Mr Big decided to adapt their plans. The result of this adjustment is a new album called ‘Ten’ which, surprise, surprise, is the band’s tenth studio release.

With Nick D’Virgilio behind the drum kit, Mr Big have put together a track list of eleven songs for the album that showcases the full range of the four-piece’s trademark sound. Rock and blues are the driving forces behind these songs, all of which serve as exquisite examples of powerful and emotionally charged music.

The album opens with the grooving ‘Good Luck Trying’ with a riff that reminds me of Kiss. It’s an excellent start to the album as it’s a powerful opening to an album that’s a treat for the ear.

Light-hearted and with a great swing, that’s “I am You”. This upbeat song has the potential to be another hit single before some more sophisticated song structures are the musical pattern of “Right Outta Here”, which is followed by the pounding rocker “Sunday Morning Kinda Girl”. These four songs showcase the full spectrum of Mr Big. Paul Gilbert’s stunning guitar work, the strong rhythm section and Eric Martin’s breath-taking vocals are the elemental pillars of Mr Big, which blossom with rockers such as the up-tempo “What Were You Thinking”.

The great thing is that each of these four iconic musicians use their talent and experience to create amazing songs, rather than putting their ego first. This album is all about music – nothing more, nothing less.

You can hear that each of these songs has been created with joy and no boundaries beyond the love for music. “Up On You” is a song that perfectly reflects this approach, which is also reflected in the balladic “The Frame”. The latter is a quiet and soulful moment towards the end of ‘Ten’. Despite being a ballad, ‘The Frame’ avoids any of the ‘To Be With You’ moments and is a listening experience in itself.

“Ten” is a great addition to a discography rich in highlights. Mr Big got noticed right from the start and their breakthrough album cemented their position. The latest release, however, shows musicians who love what they do, which makes each of these songs come straight from the heart. This is what brilliant hard rock should sound like, and it would be a shame if ‘Ten’ really was the last album from these legendary guys.