Phil Vassar - Prayer of a Common Man
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Phil VassarEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
Format: Limited Edition
CD Release Date: 2008-04-22
Music Label: Universal South
Soundtracks:
- This Is My Life
- Around Here Somewhere
- My Chevrolet
- Love Is A Beautiful Thing
- Prayer Of A Common Man
- I Would
- Why Don't You
- It's Only Love
- Let Me Love You Tonight
- Baby Rocks
- The World Is A Mess
- Crazy Life
Free Music Notes for Prayer of a Common Man
Free Music Review: Vassar's "Prayer" Deserves to be Heard
Hit: 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.
Prayer of a Common Man Poster
Phil Vassar has gained much attention through his knack for hit songwriting and his compelling and highly entertaining skills on the piano. The Chicago Tribune writes, "Phil Vassar has the talent of a legend." He has sold millions of records both on his own and for other artists such as Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, and Colin Raye with his chart topping penmanship.His first Universal Records South release is co-produced by Vassar with Universal Records South President and noted producer, Mark Wright (Gretchen Wilson, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Ann Womack). Vassar's heart-swelling embrace of life's richest blessings is also apparent, especially on lead single "Love Is A Beautiful Thing." At the same time, his writing has grown more introspective and personal, as "This Is My Life" and the title track can attest. The new album may show Vassar's serious side, but he hasn't forgotten how to have fun. "My Chevrolet," "Why Don't Ya" and "Baby Rocks" rank among his best toe-tappers and are already getting warm receptions at his heralded live shows. Even on the love songs, Vassar shows his uncommon charm, wit and playfulness, be it "Around Here Somewhere" or "It's Only Love." And he's not shy about taking strong emotions head on with "I Would" or on the stunningly raw "Let Me Love You Tonight."
His songwriting is fueled by his hard-charging touring schedule. "People ask me why I still do so many shows, but you work your whole life just to get to the point where people want you to come play," he says.
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