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CD Review
American Child
Phil Vassar
By Denise Schoppe
September 24, 2002
An artist's sophomore album is pivotal, even when the musician is as successful a songwriter as Phil Vassar. His first album produced a number one hit and four top 10 hits. Yet the big question remained: could he continue such success on his second album?
The answer is a resounding yes. His clear voice and writing talents on Ameircan Child join once again to produce an album of rocking songs and heartbreaking ballads.
Vassar co-wrote every song on the album, which boasts an eclectic array of writers. Included on this list is wife Julie, Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas, Fastball's Miles Zuniga, and well-known Nashville songwriters Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman.
The result is songs woven together with lines such as, "He's the redneck Picasso of the manual transmission" and "My moment of need was my finest hour." The songs are clever, poignant and, in some cases, amusing.
If the lyrics aren't enough to make listeners stand up and notice, the music will do the trick. The intro to "Athens Grease" will turn heads, as it slowly builds to the heavy downbeat and guitar riffs that bring to mind some of ZZ Top's biggest hits. In stark contrast, "I'm Already Gone" is devoid of the sharp electric guitar. Instead it's a lonely violin and piano that create a sober atmosphere.
With American Child, Vassar proves his latest endeavor as a music artist is far from being a mistake. It's a gift to the music world that can't be ignored.
Also Found Here
American Child
Phil Vassar
By Denise Schoppe
September 24, 2002
An artist's sophomore album is pivotal, even when the musician is as successful a songwriter as Phil Vassar. His first album produced a number one hit and four top 10 hits. Yet the big question remained: could he continue such success on his second album?
The answer is a resounding yes. His clear voice and writing talents on Ameircan Child join once again to produce an album of rocking songs and heartbreaking ballads.
Vassar co-wrote every song on the album, which boasts an eclectic array of writers. Included on this list is wife Julie, Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas, Fastball's Miles Zuniga, and well-known Nashville songwriters Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman.
The result is songs woven together with lines such as, "He's the redneck Picasso of the manual transmission" and "My moment of need was my finest hour." The songs are clever, poignant and, in some cases, amusing.
If the lyrics aren't enough to make listeners stand up and notice, the music will do the trick. The intro to "Athens Grease" will turn heads, as it slowly builds to the heavy downbeat and guitar riffs that bring to mind some of ZZ Top's biggest hits. In stark contrast, "I'm Already Gone" is devoid of the sharp electric guitar. Instead it's a lonely violin and piano that create a sober atmosphere.
With American Child, Vassar proves his latest endeavor as a music artist is far from being a mistake. It's a gift to the music world that can't be ignored.
Also Found Here
