Mr. Big - Get Over It

1. ELECTRIFIED [4.12]
A quite bluesy intro heralds the return of Mr Big, this is quite a laid back groove that has a nice flow to it. It builds a bit for the pre-chorus before opening fully for the chorus which is pretty catchy, and also features Richie Kotzen's superb backing vocals - 'I'm in over my head cause you're outta your mind, You got me electrified'. Eric Martins voice has lost none of its crystal clear melodic quality and this is a very enjoyable opener, the sound is more akin to 'Bump Ahead' era that the shredtastic debut or weird 'Hey Man'. The track is a great grower and represent a good place to enter this new Mr Big chapter.
2. STATIC [3.05]
Another cool bluesy rocker with an funky riff, the verses are brilliant with Eric Martin and Richie Kotzen swapping verses to great effect. Richie's guitar sound is also cool, very clean and Fendery, allowing his tone to flow. The chorus is again very infectious and if you don't find yourself singing this after a few spins you have no regard for a decent hook!! The solo is quite Jazz Fusion and fits well, another solid track.
3. HIDING PLACE [4.45]
Quite a dark number, with a menacing bass sound, the verse riff is quite Sabbathy which is quite a departure for the band, while the chorus is on more familiar territory. The solo sees all kinds of effects with phasing, flangers and wahs - quite psychedelic. The outro sees more effects and builds a nice wall of sound, hey, there's even some guitar shredding to add more textures.
4. SUPERFANTASTIC [3.48]
Well it had to happen sooner or later, yes its ballad time. This is more of the major key upbeat variety, the chorus does sound quite similar to 'To Be With You' until Eric throws in a unexpected twist. Generally it is pretty run of the mill and sound like you've heard before by countless others.
5. A ROSE ALONE [3.51]
Another bluesy mid paced track that sound a bit like classic Black Crowes. The chorus is pretty cool and would probably receive a lot of airplay if Rock was in favour. This is the kind of track that sounds best on a sunny day with a few cold beers and your mates round, in fact that has always been the best setting for Mr Big albums. Their is yet more great guitar work from Richie, this time its some rather nifty slide work, showing another side of his talents.
6. HOLE IN THE SUN [3.47]
Yet again a good song, simple as that, it has quite an infectious funky wah riff over the top of acoustic guitar. The chorus is again catchy 'I saw the world with diamonds in my eyes, And I'd take my heart and throw it in the sky. I believed that I'd be forever young, I could burn a hole in the sun', this track is like so many different things but still maintains that Mr Big signature sound.
7. HOW DOES IT FEEL [4.14]
This track is in the same kind of vien of Richie's work in Poison ['Until You Suffer Some' being the main reference], just a little more restraint. There are several great hooks throughout and again Eric Martin's vocals are great. There is some great Hammond organ scattered here and their which I am always rather partial to, the guitar solo is pure hard rock blues. One of the more obscure highlights of this album.
8. TRY TO DO WITHOUT IT [4.53]
Another song in the bluesy mold, more Black Crowes and Cry Of Love references with a bit of classic Rolling Stones thrown in; its nothing new but Mr Big do this kind of thing with a quality and class many don't. Simply another solid track.
9. DANCIN' WITH MY DEVILS [3.42]
A great drum pattern start promisingly before a Hendrix guitar figure ala 'Stone Free' and 'Spanish Castle Magic'. Billy's bass fingers are fleeting all over his bass creating a lot of great backing for Richie to open up for another bluesy flurry, the band sound like they are having fun here - 'Smoke em if you got em, Ain't no place like rock bottom'. The band are almost jamming at the end before a unison flurry of notes from Richie and Billy end the track.
10. MR. NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS [5.40]
A Zeppelin meets Free riff opens the track before a shuffle drum track and almost jazzy lines from Billy pave way for Eric - 'I was up and down all night, thoughts stick to me like glue. Sometimes the sunrise doesn't look too good when the sun sets down on you', I think we all feel like that sometimes. Things heat up a little before the solo where Richie again plays with that impeccable tone and feel. This track has a bit of the 'Lean Into It' quality about it and is one of the highlights of the album.
11. MY NEW RELIGION [3.21]
Another ballad, this time its a bit more reflective and not so happy go lucky as the other, Eric's voice really seems to stand out in the mix. This track has a very Beatles-esque quality about it, a lot of melody and good chord progressions. The chorus is again strong 'I gave up on magic wands, for the right to get it wrong. And brave the worlds collisions, I'll turn out the crystal ball if I stumble I will crawl, Its my new religion' This is just another solid track, no wild instrumentation, no solo's [not that any are missed] and is an fine way to end the album.