Search - Phil Vassar :: Prayer of a Common Man

Outstanding album from the man that can do it all!

Doc Stew | Schaumburg, IL | 04/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is definitely one of Phil's best, if not THE best, album he's ever made. From start to finish, there really isn't a weak song at all. He raised the bar really high with "Shaken not Stirred", and I'll probably always love that album the best ("Amazing Grace" is maybe my favorite song of all time). This album is just as strong though, but in different ways.



Prayer is a more guitar driven, melodic album than Shaken. Sure, Phil still plays the piano on just about every song, but it's a little more toned down while the guitar is in the foreground. His vocals are as strong as ever - it always surprises me he started off as a songwriter first and not a singer. Don't get me wrong - his songwriting skills are just about second to none. But he's always had an amazing voice, and it's surprising he didn't break out sooner.



The tracks I can't stop listening to are:

"Around Here Somewhere" - a totally toe-tapping, catchy, really well written song.

"My Chevrolet" - such a fun, catchy song. Makes you want to drive down country roads with the windows open, blaring it.

"Love is a Beautiful Thing" - this song is currently in the top 10 on country radio for a reason. The epitome of an upbeat PV song.

"Prayer of a Common Man" - a song written about his father presumably. Introspective and melodic.

"Let Me Love You Tonight" - a supremely written ballad. I could listen to this over and over and not ever get sick of it. His vocals really shine on this song.

"Crazy Life" - mostly just Phil and his piano. This song blew me away the first time I heard it. This is what makes his songwriting so great - introspective, melodic, yet upbeat.



This is a very solid album, and Phil is in a class all his own. Nobody can do what he does as well as he does it. He sings, writes, plays piano all superbly. And nobody puts on a live show like he does. I've seen him maybe a dozen times, and every time he blows me away with his energy and his connection to the audience.



And if you purchase this album by May 31, he will send you an autographed album insert if you send in a self-addressed stamped envelope. Check his website for details.



This album is most highly recommended."

Vassar's "Prayer" Deserves to be Heard

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 04/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Prayer of a Common Man, Let Me Love You Tonight, Crazy Life



Though Phil Vassar may sing about the common man, he's far from being a mere plebian. Unlike the copious guitar-strumming studs that Nashville keeps churning out each year, Vassar's métier has been the piano. In fact, when Vassar first burst on the scene, critics have touted him as country music's Elton John. Unfortunately, with each release Vassar slowly evolved into the average country-rocker when jangly guitars and ear-popping drums take the fore. As a result his hits began to dry up to such a state that he was dropped from Arista Records. A subsequent hiatus due to his marital problems has served him well. Now with a new major label behind him and a new co-producer Mark Wright, Vassar has re-discovered his own creative mien. With a more organic approach encased with more rustic instruments like the piano, harmonica, banjo and fiddles, Vassar sounds refreshingly country.



Youthful emancipation of first love in one's Chevrolet on a summer night may have been one of the over-used narrative plots of numerous country songs, but the way Vassar re-tells it on "My Chevrolet" still sounds so vivid that it will immediately grab your attention with its picturesque lyrics he paints. Similarly, Vassar's warm and engaging delivery of the commercially country-pop wedding anthem "Love is a Beautiful Thing" (formerly performed by Kenny Rogers) makes you want to hear the song over and over again. The seamless male harmonies that sequel into a driving jolly "It's Only Love" calls to mind Vassar's hit "Carlene." Punctuated by Vassar's patented piano chops, "This is My Life" is a slice of American life, a song that ought to strike a chord with any listener.



However, the CD's best moments are in the more introspective cuts. Written at a low point in his life, "This Crazy Life," a gentle banjo-picked ballad packs all the emotional punches as Vassar reflects on the uncertainties of life. The title cut, "Prayer of a Common Man" is plaintive ballad that strings together stories of people in need (be it a daughter who need braces to a man who needs to job) crying out to God for help. With haunting lines to the Almighty such as "Hallelujah, is anyone up there?" and "I don't need charity but clarity." No, this is not your average feel-good religious chorus. Rather, "Prayer of a Common Man" is an honest heart's cry to God in the midst of need. Moving on to more happier moments, "Let Me Love You" is a gem of a love song--opening slow with Vassar taking his time to confess his love to his girl in a romantic way; this song rips right into the soul. Chalk up another big hit to come for this piano man.



All in all, there's not a bad song here. Every song spells personality, honesty and individualism. It's almost every song on his album has a story that waits to be to be told. Add to that Vassar has never sound more engaging and passionate. To top it off, the more subtle and countrier backings, certainly make the CD even more enjoyable. Vassar's "Prayer" deserves to be heard.

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Phil Vassar: Not Just Any `Common Man'

B. Bitter | West Jordan, UT | 04/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Country music's triple-threat Phil Vassar returns to the charts this week with his first true studio album in four years, "Prayer of a Common Man". In doing so, Vassar takes his introspective songwriting and soothing vocals to previously unattained heights. The album's bookends summarize its message well: This is My Life--A Crazy Life. Along the way, Vassar recounts tales of the good old days, love found and lost, and middle class struggles.



Indeed the past few years have been a crazy period in Vassar's life, including splits with his songwriter wife of five years, Julie, and his record label of seven years, Arista. These breakups have added fuel and sincerity to the songwriting machine as well as increased autonomy and creative input on the production side. These elements, combined with label president and co-producer Mark Wright's years of expertise (Brooks & Dunn, Lee Ann Womack, Gretchen Wilson), make "Prayer of a Common Man" a must-have for country and rock fans alike.



The album's opening track and vastly under-played debut single "This is My Life" chronicles the plight of the middle class in Vassar's typical upbeat style (think Carlene). Other highlights of the album include the title track "Prayer of a Common Man," a soulful ballad about struggling to make it through life; the current #5 single on the country charts "Love is a Beautiful Thing," the soon-to-be single and last minute addition to the album "I Would," written in a Las Vegas hotel room last December, and the sure-thing fan favorite "Crazy Life," an acoustic masterpiece that showcases Vassar's piano abilities and brings goosebumps with its intimate layers.



"Prayer of a Common Man" is a sure-fire hit and a wonderful addition to any CD collection. Vassar shows he is not just a "Common Man," but a certified talent and a force to be reckoned with in the country music world. Buy this album and support a nice guy and an amazing artist. And if you haven't been to a concert yet, you won't regret it. You will be amazed.

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