For those of you who can't stand country music this is one album that you should be able to tolerate and possibly even like. I love country music and feel that Phil Vassar is quite talented. His self-titled album contains 11 songs, all of which he co-wrote. I am really impressed with performers who not only sing, but write the hits as well. Before he came out with his own album he wrote hits for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Collin Raye and Jo Dee Messina.

This is what his website says about him: "Compound incredible writing ability with dynamic vocals and keyboards, throw in an innate flair for entertaining." This is an accurate description of Phil Vassar.

The album came out in 2000 on Arista Nashville. Byron Gallimore and Phil Vassar produced it. Here are the songs on the album:

Carlene (Phil Vassar, Charlie Black, Rory Michael Bourke)
This is about a guy that is looking back on his high school days. Years later, he meets up with Carlene. She is surprised to find out that he is a country music songwriter and has some songs out on the radio. He is surprised to find out that she got her Ph.D. but gave it up for modeling. They end up getting together and going out. Collin Raye sings background vocals.

Just Another Day in Paradise (Phil Vassar, Craig Wiseman)
This song is about a couple that has kids, bills, everyday pressures and problems. There is always something going on that they don't get much time for each other, but there is no other place they'd rather be. He asks the Lord for one more day in paradise. When I first heard this song I thought how much this song could relate to any working, married couple with kids.

That's When I Love You (Phil Vassar, Julie Wood)
This is about a guy that loves this woman for who they are. No matter where she is or what she is doing he loves her in good times and bad.

Rose Bouquet (Phil Vassar, Robert Byrne)
He is looking back on their wedding now that they are breaking up. He realizes that they threw away everything they had just like she threw away her rose bouquet.

Joe & Rosalita (Phil Vassar, Charlie Black)
This song starts out slow, then changes to a fast pace. It has piano, guitar, drums and fiddle. This is about a typical high school couple. They had a wild love, making out, going to the prom, and having fights. They got married and 10 years later they are still together with 2 kids. They are known as the legends of love.

Six-Pack Summer (Phil Vassar, Charlie Black, Tommy Rocco)
The winter was cold and miserable and summer is here now. It's time to have fun. Turn up the radio, grill steaks, drink beer and listen to Jimmy Buffett.

Lucky As Me (Phil Vassar, Robert Byrne)
This song has piano and guitar. He doesn't have a fancy car, just a truck that he is late on the payment. He isn't a millionaire, but he got it all when he got her. He thinks he is the luckiest man in the world to have her standing by him.

Like I Never Loved Before (Phil Vassar, Robert Byrne)
He tried a few times to make different relationships work just wasting his time. This time he finally got it right. He now feels like he has never been loved before.

Didn't You Know She's Gone (Phil Vassar, Don Sampson)
This is a clever song with catchy lyrics. "Said the cloud to the sun, Today's no time to shine/Didn't you know she's gone". He can't forget this girl and move on.

Somewhere in Between (Phil Vassar, Julie Wood)
It is so hard for him to lose her. He is somewhere in between in the middle of darkness and light. Her memory sometimes sneaks up on his. He isn't laughing or crying but still isn't over her.

Drive Away (Phil Vassar, Charlie Black)
Him and his girl are up and down. You could just get in your car and drive away. He thinks they should just stay unless they drive away together. They wish they could drive away from her problems.

Musicians:
Drums: Lonnie Wilson
Bass: Glenn Worf, Mike Brignardello
Keyboards: Steven Nathan
Piano: Phil Vassar
Acoustic Guitar: Larry Byrom
Electric Guitar: Brent Mason, B. James Lowry, Michael Landau
Steel Guitar: Paul Franklin, Dan Dugmore
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Percussion: Terry McMillian

Background Vocals: Chris Rodriguez, Tim Davis, Jo Dee Messina, Collin Raye.

This is a great country album. It isn't like this twang sounding country, but it isn't too pop sounding either.

You can visit Phil at his website:

www.philvassar.com






Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Cleaning the House