Mr Big - Lean Into It (11 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

2nd album showed they could WRITE as well as they could play

Bill M. | MA, USA | 11/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first Mr. Big album showed that the band members were each virtuosos on their individual instruments. "More chops than a butcher block" as singer Eric Martin described it. But their second album, "Lean Into It", showed that Mr. Big could also strip away all the flash and 7-minute solos, and simply create well-written songs with rhythm, groove, and good melodies.By the late 80s, "shred" was somewhat popular -- the new wave of progressive "musician's bands" who could play mind-blowing complicated riffs on their instruments at lightning speeds. Mr. Big was in that same category that would include musicians like Steve Vai, Nitro, Blues Saraceno, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, and Dream Theatre. On top of that, members Billy Sheehan (ex-David Lee Roth, Talas) and Paul Gilbert (ex-Racer X) already had that reputation before forming Mr. Big.However, with this album Mr. Big proved they were truly a BAND, not just 4 individual musicians waiting for their turn to solo. This crucially set them apart from the many short-lived groups of virtuoso musicians thrown together. "Lean Into It" certainly has its share of dazzling playing in the solos and certain intros, but over all it's a CD that non-musicians are going to like too. "Alive and Kicking" and "Never Say Never" are great hard rock songs with a strong 4/4 grooving beat. "Little Too Loose" and "Voodoo Kiss" are great heavy, bluesy songs, one up beat and the other really laid back. "Road to Ruin" and "Green-Tinted Sixties Mind" have incredible singing harmonies by the band. And of course there is the #1 hit, "To Be With You", with its great vocals and a guitar solo that's flawless in every way. Mr. Big followed up with more albums of damn fine song writing, but this was the real big turning point in their writing direction. They're one of the few bands to master both technical playing and "song" playing, and it's a shame that most people aren't familiar with them beyond one song."

Desert island take-along

Mark White | Memphis, TN | 11/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This would have to top my list of CDs to be stranded with, not even a 4 star song in this 5 star bunch. From the Makita drill intro of Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy to the last falsetto of To Be With You Eric Martin and company delivers. Tight arrangements, impeccable musicianship and the best vocalist to stand in front of a microphone all blend seamlessly into one of the best all time hard rock releases. In Japan Mr Big, with new guitarist Ritchie Kotzen, are one of the biggest acts touring, too bad America let them slip away."

A perfect hard rock album

Wyldephang | Prince Frederick, MD | 03/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the perfect hard rock album. Seriously. There's something for everyone on this CD: love ballads that can be either depressing (Just Take My Heart) or hopeful (To Be With You); rock songs with pop influences (CDFF-Lucky This Time, Green-Tinted Sixties Mind); full-force hard rock tunes (Daddy, Brother, Lover...) - some of which have a bluesy edge to them (Alive and Kickin').

I'm going to comment on some of my favorite songs on the album:

Alive and Kickin' - this is probably my favorite song on the album. It's got a bluesy drive, although the emphasis is clearly on hard rock. It starts out with a short bluesy guitar solo that sets the tone for the song, and quickly progresses into the main riff, which remains dominant thru-out the majority of the song. In other words, this song keeps it simple and to the point.

CDFF-Lucky This Time - I am a big hard rock fan, so I will love anything that... rocks hard. This song mixes pop and rock very well - it reminds me a lot of Bon Jovi. Great vocal work by Eric Martin.

My Kinda Woman - guitarist Paul Gilbert originally wrote this riff for his rock / metal band, Racer X, but he let Mr. Big record it first. The song has a chugging riff that carries it along smoothly, and has a seemingly somber tone. The original title for this song (when it was written for Racer X) was Mad at the World, so that explains its musical mood.

Just Take My Heart - this song is about a relationship break-up. "Just take my heart when you go, I don't have a need for it anymore." As the lyrics suggest, the song has a sad tone, but it is captivating enough to hold your attention. As with Alive and Kickin', the tune starts with a guitar intro that sets the tone for the song and stays consistent to the end.

These are the songs that I feel best represent the album as a whole. An honerable mention goes to Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy. This song stays fast from top to bottom, and features Paul Gilbert on guitar and Billy Sheehan on bass playing their instruments in harmony with electric drills. You can't miss it."

This album is excellent

Wyldephang | 07/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this album, Mr. Big came up with the smash hit "To Be With You," along with many other great songs. This entire album can be listened to without skipping any songs. Mr. Big was one of the most underrated bands. Just about everyone has heard the song "To Be With You," not knowing who sings it. Plus, very few people have heard any of their other songs. Hell, some people have never even heard of the band itself! I don't think they got the credit they deserve. Mr. Big, you are awesome."

A band of real musicians playing real musicians music..

Wyldephang | 04/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Gilbert, and Billy Sheehan are clearly the backbone of this band. I met all of the band memebers in Overland Park, Kansas at a local record store there back in 1994 when they were touring for the "Bump Ahead" album. But as for this album, "Lean Into It", it is great, just as the other two are. Mr. Big managed to stay in the mainstream even when "grunge" came in and took over in 1992. Paul Gilbert, being G.I.T. educated absolutely rips on this album. I mean he gives that Ibanez guitar a work over. Billy's Yamaha bass cuts through everything and sings nicely. The song "Green Tinted Stixties Mind" is great, really great. It's melodies are nicely done, mostly in the major scale, so it is sort of a "party" tune if you will. You would thoroughly enjoy this album, especially if you are a musician and enjoy and appreciate quality musicianship."

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