This is album number eight from one of melodic rock’s greatest bands. Released in 2014, four years after what was described as an original comeback and the release of What If. This would also be Pat Torpey‘s last album before stepping back due to poor health.

Now being a Paul Gilbert fan, it’s cool to see him playing the melodic rock tunes instead of the out and out shredder guitar hero stuff from his solo records and Racer X. Gotta Love The Ride lays it down with intent to let everyone know they still have something offer. Great uptempo groover with some monster playing. I Forget To Breathe keeps the groove going with another killer track. Eric Martin has such an amazing voice and he still looks as though he has just left school. Fragile is a more commercial sounding track with a very radio friendly hook and chorus. Satisfied is a straight up four to the floor blues rocker that is as close as you get to a trademark Mr. Big tune. The Man Who Has Everything follows and it’s ballad time. I guess of all the bands, Mr. Big were perceived to be the kings of the ballad mainly due to the success of To Be With You, so I’ll give them this one.

The Monster In Me blows the ballad away with some guitar histrionics before the main killer riff and groove kick in. They do this type of tune so well. What If We Were New is an old school dirty rock n’ roller that Martin did so well when he was solo. East West is the only track Martin didn’t have a hand in writing and is a mid tempo ballad with a nice PG solo. The Light Of Day seems to be taking inspiration from Hendrix and when you hear it you’ll know. This is my favourite track, I just love the whole groove to the song.

It’s ballad time again with Just Let Your Heart Decide. It’s Always About The Girl follows and the groove is a slow, funk/rock, swing with a riff right out of the mid seventies. So, the final side kicks in with Cinderella Smile. A slow busy riff and groove with a great hook and chorus. Next up is The Stories We Could Tell, the heaviest sounding track on the album. A deep heavy blues that sounds huge. The final track is a ripping live version of Addicted To That Rush.

Mr. Big don’t make bad records and this one doesn’t disappoint.

9/10 from The Grooveman.