Brad Paisley New Album - American Saturday Night

[rodeo_joel]

anybody got this one yet?

I've not been able to get into the big city to make the purchase yet, but i've heard a few of the tracks online already. It's alright. The songs are very simple this time around i think.

It's gonna be hard (IMO at least) for him to top "Play", but that's just cuz i loved the instrumental aspect of it.

So far my fav is "Catch All The Fish" - it's got everything in it that makes a good Paisley song for me. It's got that tongue in cheek humor and plenty of pickin'

[mcfm2n]

I downloaded it yesterday, loved it.

[golfnut]

I got it a couple of days ago and listened to about 3 times. Not very impressed with this album. There are some good moments but not a strong album like Mud on the tires or 5th Gear.

[indiobravo]

how does it compare to Play?

[Mark-00255]

I went out at lunch Tuesday and bought it - probably listened to it about 3 times so far. I like it a lot so far - not as much corny stuff as Mud on the Tires, and really well produced (of course). I find that I like almost all the songs - they are all really listenable. There won't be as many radio-ready hit singles, which is okay with me. The tune with Robben Ford is almost worth the price of admission by itself - cool song and not at all what I would have expected from Ford.

That said, some of the solos sound a little forced in spots - I had to think of the GP interview a while back where Brad said he and his producer are always listening back to old solos to make sure they're doing something fresh when cutting new solos. While I appreciate that attention to his long-term artistry, if you will, I think he's such a strong player melody-based solos work just fine for him and maybe he's trying too hard not to be repetitious. Minor point, though, really, because most of the guitar playing is stellar.

What other contemporary, radio-popular artist out there is putting out great guitar music like Paisley does?

[T Prior]

ok, I'll, play, being a big fan of Brad and the band , I didn't like the first pass of listening to this one, sorry Brad. I just think these types of songs ( content) are getting old. I think Brad is one of the finest players out there but to me I didn't really hear any nice phrasing and melody driven solo's, I hear fretboard gymnastics and forced bizarre solo's. Where's Little Moments ?

I'll give it another listen this weekend and maybe I'll have a different take, I hope so. I do like the song "Then", but we have been hearing that for a while now so I am not including that one in my opinionated review .

t

[Ignatius]

I've been through the whole disc twice now, and my impression at this point is that it has more depth to the songwriting and production than perhaps any of his prior releases. There are some of the common themes present (guys are different from girls, women control men, fishing references, good ol' boys doing things that good ol' boys do, you're my woman and I love you and you're everything, etc.) but that's partly who the guy is and partly the country music demographic that they're pushing a product to. Both understandable I guess, but I was at least pleased that these themes don't seem to be conveyed as, um, 'cornily' as on his previous work.

Regarding the 'forced' guitar solos commentary, there is one really fast lick on one tune (can't recall exactly where at the moment) that sounds way out of context for the tune. It was odd that it leapt right out of the speakers and hit me like that. But I think that's maybe being a bit overcritical, and of course the playing is excellent all over the CD.

[Tele Joe]

I am a huge Brad Paisley fan so it's going to be hard for me not to like anything new he puts out. To be fair though i'll agree with some of what's said here about the songs being simple this time around.

The way I see it the big tracks are American Saturday Night, Welcome to the Future, Then, Anything Like Me, and Catch all the Fish. I also really like No but I don't know if that will be a hit. This is his 7th studio release (8th if you count the christmas album) so it's only natural that some of the magic starts to disappear. Like I said i'm a huge fan, many of the tracks on this cd hit me on a personal level just like they did on the previous albums. Can't wait until 8/15 until he comes to New Jersey.

[Larry K. Williams]

Originally Posted by Tele Joe

The way I see it the big tracks are American Saturday Night, Welcome to the Future, Then, Anything Like Me, and Catch all the Fish.

I have listened to it about a dozen times over the last month and those are the tunes that really stand out for me too.

And, with Brad, even the "throw away" tunes are good!

[BradPaisleyFan]

Originally Posted by Tele Joe

I am a huge Brad Paisley fan so it's going to be hard for me not to like anything new he puts out. To be fair though i'll agree with some of what's said here about the songs being simple this time around.

The way I see it the big tracks are American Saturday Night, Welcome to the Future, Then, Anything Like Me, and Catch all the Fish. I also really like No but I don't know if that will be a hit. This is his 7th studio release (8th if you count the christmas album) so it's only natural that some of the magic starts to disappear. Like I said i'm a huge fan, many of the tracks on this cd hit me on a personal level just like they did on the previous albums. Can't wait until 8/15 until he comes to New Jersey.

I disagree with you on this...i think "No" is one of the next singles. It has that "when i get where im going" vibe and it can relate with alot of people. My girlfriend started crying half way through the song and i didnt know till about an hour after that its such a personal song and i think it will be up there...its simple and just perfect for radio if you ask me. ASN will be a single for sure...welcome to the future is a great song as well...Remember brad co-wrote every single song and they tried to make it fit the times right now. Also remember that he just gave us a intrumental album about half a year ago and probably used 2/3 of his licks there...so knowing that i knew this album was going to be a little more basic in terms on guitar playing...JMO.

[therhodeo]

I would really love to see Brad do another 2 or 3 mainstream albums then do an album of classic honky tonk covers with lots of guest stars. I would love to hear him trade licks with guys like Junior Brown.

[1charger69]

Originally Posted by T Prior

ok, I'll, play, being a big fan of Brad and the band , I didn't like the first pass of listening to this one, sorry Brad. I just think these types of songs ( content) are getting old. I think Brad is one of the finest players out there but to me I didn't really hear any nice phrasing and melody driven solo's, I hear fretboard gymnastics and forced bizarre solo's. Where's Little Moments ?

I'll give it another listen this weekend and maybe I'll have a different take, I hope so. I do like the song "Then", but we have been hearing that for a while now so I am not including that one in my opinionated review .

t

im kinda feelin the same at this point...i too am a fan of brads works and he is the only artist in which i have made an effort to go buy all his CDs. this album hasent really spoke to me yet as his others have the past have.....i really like the vibe of the "time well wasted: album. alot of slower and blusey stuff of this new one......its all good stuff but something the i personally could do with out..after all....the stuff that brad put out in the beginning is what drew me in in the first place......dont mess with what works....hard core country guitar slingin and goods times!

[Tele Joe]

Originally Posted by BradPaisleyFan

I disagree with you on this...i think "No" is one of the next singles. It has that "when i get where im going" vibe and it can relate with alot of people. My girlfriend started crying half way through the song and i didnt know till about an hour after that its such a personal song and i think it will be up there...its simple and just perfect for radio if you ask me. ASN will be a single for sure...welcome to the future is a great song as well...Remember brad co-wrote every single song and they tried to make it fit the times right now. Also remember that he just gave us a intrumental album about half a year ago and probably used 2/3 of his licks there...so knowing that i knew this album was going to be a little more basic in terms on guitar playing...JMO.

I don't disagree with you at all about the song No. I love it. If it's the next single that would be great.

[golfnut]

I'm thinking the next single could be "Welcome to the future. The album is starting to grow on me a little more. I find it different than his other albums, in that I loved them first listen. This one needs a few listens to grow in to.
Of his other albums his strongest stuff is what didn't make it to the radio. The real corny tunes like Celebrity, Online and The bambi song made it to the radio but in my opinion wasn't the best of Brad.
On his newest album there doesn't seem to be songs like Celebrity or Online.

[Tele Joe]

Originally Posted by golfnut

I'm thinking the next single could be "Welcome to the future. The album is starting to grow on me a little more. I find it different than his other albums, in that I loved them first listen. This one needs a few listens to grow in to.
Of his other albums his strongest stuff is what didn't make it to the radio. The real corny tunes like Celebrity, Online and The bambi song made it to the radio but in my opinion wasn't the best of Brad.
On his newest album there doesn't seem to be songs like Celebrity or Online.

They are already playing Welcome to the Future on my local country station so i'd say so

[golfnut]

Originally Posted by Tele Joe

They are already playing Welcome to the Future on my local country station so i'd say so

Well that confirms that for me. We up here in Canada don't get it as quick as you in the US.

[DickensCPA]

I'm a card carrying fan club member and diehard BP nuthugger. I'll preface with that. I have started this post and deleted it too many times before posting in case I changed my mind. I have not warmed up as of yet.

I wanted two things out of this album: more "country" if you will and funny and humor (which I love) but not slide too far into corny, ala Online. I kinda got both wishes with the exception of two bluesy numbers. I'm not complaining about those though cause country and blues trade places as #1 and #2 daily. LOL! Just don't like poppy stuff or country that tries to be too hard rock, hopefully you know what I mean.

IMHO, his first three albums and Play were on another level, period. Time Well Wasted is so dadgum close to being right there I hate to leave it out. 5th Gear was the first album of his where I might skip one maybe two songs, but it had other tunes on it that were monsters I couldn't live without. Throttleneck, It Did, I do like Ticks and With You Without You.

He's been all over TV this past week or two and he's said a few times Welcome to the Future is his favorite tune on the CD and maybe he's ever done. This will definitely be a CD where the radio tunes are not going to be on repeat for me. American Saturday Night, No, Welcome to the Future and Then are more than likely going to be his singles + or -. I like Then a lot, but the other "singles" just don't do it for me.

I find myself repeating 3 songs - Then, Oh Yeah You're Gone and She's Her Own Woman. Great numbers, but I didn't buy BP's album to satisfy the blues side of me, I look to him for twang and chickn pickn. Almost forgot, I do like Water a lot too. It's clever and funny without being corny.

I will say after multiple plays of the CD I've warmed up more, but I don't think it will ever be as constant as his previous CD's.

It hurt me to admit that, but it's true.

[Larry K. Williams]

Originally Posted by therhodeo

I would really love to see Brad do another 2 or 3 mainstream albums then do an album of classic honky tonk covers with lots of guest stars. I would love to hear him trade licks with guys like Junior Brown.

You know he's "traded licks" with a lot of guys on most of his discs. But a project of classic honky-tonk covers would find me very anxious..........

And "country" label execs have let a few others do it: Patty Loveless and Martina McBride......theirs were both GREAT discs!

[FenderNic321]

I like Brad's cd called "Play", there is some awesome tele work. I think it's my favorite so far.

[rodeo_joel]

I'm probably gonna pick this one up tonight when i'm in the city. I'm interested to see how it makes me feel.

Like i said before, it's gonna be VERY hard for this one to top "Play" for me. I loved how the last album focused heavily on the music and less on the lyrics.

I could listen to "Departure" over and over again, absolutely brilliant. "Kentucky Jelly" - one of the coolest riffs AND best guitar tones i've ever heard.
"Les Is More" i could also listen to many times over (the steel guitar solo in that one just floors me, so beautiful).

Unfortunately these are all styles and genres that we probably won't hear Brad cover for a long time now. He's gone back into his mainstream country sound.

[rodeo_joel]

Well i finally picked this one up and listened to it all the way home.

Now i can probably say there aren't a lot of songs on this one that i'll listen to over and over again, but there are a lot of beautiful songs on this album.

I listen to songs repeatedly if they've got the one thing i look for - guitar pickin'. Now it really looks like Brad didn't go all out on the guitar playing on this one, which makes sense. He's probably burned out of licks from his last album.

I get the sense that what he says is very true. These songs are very heart-felt and sentimental for him.

Favorite song - Catch All The Fish (great licks, catch and really funny)

Cheers!
Joel

[Ignatius]

Really interesting how we all like different things or want to hear different things. To me, you can put on any of his CD's and hear great guitar playing. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's these "guitar hero" releases where the songs are only lightweight vehicles for soloing and wanking (although Play was not like that). Yeah, I'm a guitar player and I love to hear great guitar playing but that's not the kind of music that stays with me. I like good songs. I like the whole package, great songs with great musicianship and great production. It's a rare combination.

I think Brad's trying to explore some new areas with this release, and I like it. I'm happy as hell that he's not as 'lite' as Kenny Cheeseney (although Brad's clearly trying to write hits about popular themes for his target audience). I'm glad the Kung Pow Buckaroos aren't on this one, and I'm glad there's nothing so corny as 'Ticks'. Those themes are great to bring around for every few CD's but it started to feel like one release was just a template for the next one. This one doesn't fit a mold, and there are a few tunes that have a distinctively different feel to them as compared to tunes on his other discs. I really like that, and I don't want to hear the same thing, same style same playing from one disc to the next.

[blueslover2]

On Oh yeah, You're gone, does anyone think at 3:06 the solo sounds kinda John Mayerish. How do you do that lick anyway? I think he busts out some unique moves in the song. Me like. I will likely have more to say on this album. I am a huge fan as well. No other artist has influenced me/changed me like brad has except maybe U2. Overall, I do love the album so far. Still feeling it out. I think Then is ridiculously amazing and I love the extended solo we now can hear on the album version. I hope the rest of the world realizes what a gem this guy is. However, pop culture doesn't value his guitar skills as much as we do, hence, he doesn't quite have the Kenny Chesney, football field filling effect, but I kinda like it that way. Brad and his "skills" are kinda our secret if you know what I mean. More to come...Thanks for all your opinions.

[ecsong187]

Yea Blueslover2 his solo at 3:06 on Oh yeah, you're gone does remind me a lot of John Mayer. When his single "Then" came out I commented on how I feel that Brad's 1st. solo in that song also has some Mayer sounds to it. I'm a huge Mayer fan so I can't complain. haha.
I do like the new album, but my favorite will always be TWW, but I am still hoping that he does a more traditional country album next.

[DickensCPA]

I didn't know who Mayer was until the Crossroads episode on CMT. Then I never gave him a chance afterwards. About 4 weeks ago I was shopping with the wife and while she pondered every piece of clothing in the building, I picked up his live double CD from LA and me and my 7 yr old ( a huge guitar fan) went and sat out in the car and listened to both CD's twice. I love that live CD of his. I'm a sucker for live anyway.

My son is so cool. He has compiled his own CD collection since three. He turned 7 this past 6/14 and I kid you not his collection consists of Paisley (favorites are Mr Policeman, Throttleneck, Surfs Up and Cliffs of Rock City) fan of the instrument maybe? I swear his favorites are the instrumentals. HUGE Clapton fan, Santana, SRV, Cream, JM Beano album, Keith Urban, Los Lonely Boys, Lynard Skynard, Willie Nelson and Buck Owens. He has raided my CD collection since 4. He's been to 2 Paisley shows. We can just get in my truck and drive and listen to music. If I had to choose I'd say Layla is his favorite song, especially the EC and Friends 1999 DVD version. He's wore it out along with Mud on the Lens and the Crossroads DVD's.

What's odd to me is judging from his taste in artists and a Dad that plays guitar, you'd think he'd play. I bought him a mini Strat, touches it 3-4 times a year. OTOH, amazing instant ability on drums. He's played drums on every demo I've turned in. Don't have a hit yet LOL! but he and I have a blast together!

ETA: Forgot to mention he learned to set Tivo on his own and never misses an episode of the Marty Stuart Show.

[rodeo_joel]

Originally Posted by blueslover2

On Oh yeah, You're gone, does anyone think at 3:06 the solo sounds kinda John Mayerish. How do you do that lick anyway? I think he busts out some unique moves in the song. Me like. I will likely have more to say on this album. I am a huge fan as well. No other artist has influenced me/changed me like brad has except maybe U2. Overall, I do love the album so far. Still feeling it out. I think Then is ridiculously amazing and I love the extended solo we now can hear on the album version. I hope the rest of the world realizes what a gem this guy is. However, pop culture doesn't value his guitar skills as much as we do, hence, he doesn't quite have the Kenny Chesney, football field filling effect, but I kinda like it that way. Brad and his "skills" are kinda our secret if you know what I mean. More to come...Thanks for all your opinions.

That's the song that he wrote and recorded with Robben Ford as a guest. The John Mayer tone/sound is probably coming from Robben's playing more than Brad's.

Good song, i liked it.

[brittwin]

His new album is still growing on me. I really also am liking "Water" ... I agree it's a fun song without the "corny" factor. The solo is killer too, without being overly complicated. I love Brad's music, but someome there is a lot of fretboard acrobatics that seem sometimes forced. Don't get me wrong, he is VERY talented. I'm not suggesting otherwise. There is alo nothing wrong when a little humor is dispersed from time to time, but sometimes if you add it to too much of your work, you become the guy with the funny songs, and people start to take you less serious. (Ray Stevens "Ahab the Arab")
I'm just glad there was no Kung Pao Buckaroos in sight on this release...

[rodeo_joel]

Originally Posted by brittwin

I'm just glad there was no Kung Pao Buckaroos in sight on this release...

I don't know man, i kinda liked them. I totally loved it on 'Mud on The Tires' when they were introduced. I felt like their contribution was very clever and humorous. I'll admit that the corny-ness began to escalate after 'Time Well Wasted' but i liked how it seemed to be becoming something Brad was turning into a tradition on his records.

'Spaghetti Western Swing' was and is one of my all time favorite products of Brad Paisley ever.

[psychotelepathic]

While I'm a big BP fan, this album is among his weaker efforts. What it lacks is a timeless classic that fans will want to play over and over again (i.e. Mud on the Tires, Little Moments, I'm Gonna Miss Her, Whiskey Lullaby, Alcohol, When I Get Where I'm Goin.) Sorry, but I don't hear single song that's of the caliber of the aforementioned tunes.

That being said, we should all be glad that BP is still making records. His worst album is 1000% better than most of the junk being pumped outta Nashville right now. Example below...What the h*ll is this?

[brittwin]

Originally Posted by psychotelepathic

While I'm a big BP fan, this album is among his weaker efforts. What it lacks is a timeless classic that fans will want to play over and over again (i.e. Mud on the Tires, Little Moments, I'm Gonna Miss Her, Whiskey Lullaby, Alcohol, When I Get Where I'm Goin.) Sorry, but I don't hear single song that's of the caliber of the aforementioned tunes.

That being said, we should all be glad that BP is still making records. His worst album is 1000% better than most of the junk being pumped outta Nashville right now. Example below...What the h*ll is this?

I know.... just horrible.... Amen on the 1000% stat...

[jeffksmith001]

Like most of us I'm a huge fan, but for the most part I have an even BIGGER RESPECT for him and his talent(s). But to be honest, after listening to it a couple of times, it feels a little rushed (if that makes any sense). Even though there is still some really cool pickin' in it, I would have liked to seen a bit more "Classic Paisley" touch to it (song selection, lyrics, not so "Future"???). Now please don't get me wrong, it's still WAY, WAY, better than most of the junk country music has become. Again, just an opinion, I could wake up in a couple of days and love it like I do ALL of his past albums.

JS

[Breen]

Originally Posted by mcfm2n

I downloaded it yesterday, loved it.

You what?

[rodeo_joel]

Originally Posted by jeffksmith001

Like most of us I'm a huge fan, but for the most part I have an even BIGGER RESPECT for him and his talent(s). But to be honest, after listening to it a couple of times, it feels a little rushed (if that makes any sense). Even though there is still some really cool pickin' in it, I would have liked to seen a bit more "Classic Paisley" touch to it (song selection, lyrics, not so "Future"???). Now please don't get me wrong, it's still WAY, WAY, better than most of the junk country music has become. Again, just an opinion, I could wake up in a couple of days and love it like I do ALL of his past albums.

JS

Rushed is a good way of putting it. He's gotta be under pressure from his record company to be constantly putting out hits and coming up with ways to create income.

i like that, "Classic Paisley". There's something about his early work that will always be great and, in a way, never be outdone. You can't blame him or anybody associated with him for saying things like "this is his best album ever" or "he's outdone himself again". I mean, they have to. They can't say stuff like "well, it's alright but not as good as the last one".

I firmly believe that Mud On The Tires was his best work, ever (album-wise). And also that 'Mud On The Tires' (song) was his best and most well written song. This is just my opinion, but i'll stick to it. It's almost like his music is becoming watered-down, mass produced and commercialized sounding.

I'll also stick by what's been said in that his music is still great and many times greater than most of what rolls off the music row assembly line these days.

But we're all biased. We're gear nuts. what can ya do...

[Capel]

Originally Posted by mcfm2n

I downloaded it yesterday, loved it.

Originally Posted by Breen

You what?

It's called iTunes....

Gave it a good listen today going to & from work.... musicianship was good - I didnt like the lyrics though... I could anticipate what the next line was gonna be.

[DickensCPA]

A couple of people said it above, but it's exactly the same as I feel. 1000% better than anything else out there, but no timeless classics on there. I said in my first post on this thread that I was looking for more country and less corny and got both, but the quality of songs suffered somewhat to me. Of course this whole thing is simply my humble opinion.

OTOH, my wife loved it and it'll probably be her favorite. She's not a huge music fan though. I have to skip American Saturday Night and Welcome to the Future, even my wife disliked those two. Although BP feels those are two of his best songs ever.

BP said on Good Morning America that this album was like open heart surgery and his most personal. My not too literal analogy is akin to a beautiful poem written very personally, but doesn't rhyme. Yes the words are beautiful, but if it don't rhyme people won't read it twice. Take that analogy with a grain of salt it was a knee jerk analogy to convey a feeling.

I can handle weaker songs with a little more guitar, not unneccesary acrobatics but more guitar. Without good guitar, I need strong songs.

[Chickin-Pickin]

I really liked American Saturday Night, but many of the songs this time hit me where I live. 'Then' really affected me as my wife is expecting our first child in November, we have been together for 11 years (married 8 1/2). We tried for what seemed like a long time to have a baby. The line about "I can just see you now, with a baby on the way" ...well I thought I loved her when we got married and thought I couldn't love her more, so I thougt I loved her "then".

Continuning on the theme of babies, we are having a boy!!! So "Anything Like Me" is just great and so timely for me in my life at this time.

I agree that this is not Mud or 5th Gear, or like any of his other albums, but I don't think that's what he was shooting for. His songwriting just gets better IMO, and just because he doesn't put all his licks on this album doesn't make it less of a great album, just different. Anyways, I think I would be a little less lick oriented after putting out "Play", too.

Oh yeah, No is a GREAT song too. It says a lot in such a simple way.

That's my take on American Saturday Night.

[JohnK24]

Well, as one who has been listening to BP since 1999...I gotta say...I'm not sold on the CD...in fact it's the first Paisley release I was not waiting at the door of Target at 8AM on release day. Sorry, there's no magic here, the guitar work is forced and songs blend together as country elevator music (I hate to say that...sorry, really, I am..). I continue to hold the first three releases..."Who Needs Pictures", "Part II" and "Mud..." as his best works...playing, tone and listenable songs each and every one of them... I did appreciate "Play" and love the Christmas release too...but "American Saturday Night"...argh..

Idea...a release of country covers...one take, LIVE studio recording...add Redd to the mix....and ONE amp...that old red VOX AC30 with Old Pink...that's it...no Bruno, no Trainwreck, no Z-Wreck, no Zendrive.....just Old Pink into a hot AC30 (just like "Who Needs Pics")....ok, I'm done...sorry if I disappointed some of y'all...but that's the why I feel...and I do love this man's talents (I've seen him 6 times live in the past ten years)...this one just misses the mark - big time, for me.

ymmv

[Tele Joe]

In my last post on this thread I was somewhat on the fence about this cd other then a few big tracks. After a little more time i'm in love with it. Granted it's not Mud or 5th Gear but those two albums are his finest work in my opinion and will not be easily eclipsed. Other then the tracks I listed last time my new favorites are Everybody's Here, Water, She's Her Own Woman, You Do The Math, and The Pants. I think it's just a matter of the "new stuff" not being as good as the old until the new becomes old and next year we have the same debate with the next album.

[zoppotrump]

it´s really an album, you have to listen to quite a few times and will get better with each round.
first impression was a little disappointment, but after 10 days of repeated listening, i like it very much. it was the same with the 5th gear album.
i don´t know, if i would really like an "second" mud on the tires album, i prefer a steady progress in an artist work.on all of his albums you find great songs and some smaller songs as well.
you really don´t want an artist to copy himself on and on, that would be really boring. he still got his recognizable sweet tone and his skills and i think he´s far beyond the point to have to prove his speed on the fretboard again. tastier licks are much better than fast ones...(imho)
my personal favorites are
- anything like me
- catch all the fish
- everybodys here
- welcome to the future

zoppotrump
:O)

[huggies]

Originally Posted by Tele Joe

The way I see it the big tracks are American Saturday Night, Welcome to the Future, Then, Anything Like Me, and Catch all the Fish

Originally Posted by Larry K. Williams

I have listened to it about a dozen times over the last month and those are the tunes that really stand out for me too.

And, with Brad, even the "throw away" tunes are good!

totally agree with both posts :)
its a great album