But even if I wasn't blown away with most of the songs, I still give Phil Vassar rave points for other things. His enjoyment of music comes shining through; and so he sounds like he's having so much fun. Also he gives great live performances, with his charisma, charm, and great rapport with the audience. You find yourself tapping your feet and bobbing your head along with him.

Phil reminds me of Billy Joel because he writes and sings like an Everyman observer, singing about the everyday experiences of the average person ("Just Another Day in Paradise"--almost everyone can relate here). On "Didn't You Know She's Gone," I heard a phrase of two that sounded exactly like Joel's music.

Though his music reflects the shift from traditional country to country-lite, Phil Vassar is a good songwriter who builds solid lyrics. I'm looking forward to hearing more from him.

Phil Vassar... Brought Me Back to Country!
I first saw Phil Vassar as a guest on the televison show Nashville Star. He was providing advice and inspiration for the budding singer songwriters on the show.
I had no idea who he was and was sure he was just a songwriter and not a performer... boy was I wrong. Phil didn't necessarily look the part or fit the bill in a traditional sort of way. And that is more than okay!
I think that is the reason why I am drawn to him as a country artist. He seems very humble and a real "everyman". That really appeals to me.
This self titled album is full of honest, straightforward yet very creative songs. He has an upbeat approach and also is so deeply invested in his ballads that every word he sings rings so true.
The happy in everyday life song, "just another day in paradise" is an anthem for all of those average Joe's and working men and women. Phil embraces the life of a family man and portrays that convincingly in this awesome tune!
I enjoy his ballads. I especially liked the 4th track, "Rose bouquet." This song is filled with such whistfulness and longing. You surely can feel the pain in the lyrics.
Phil just comes across so honestly in everything he sings. I really like the fact that he knows who he is, and makes that apparent in all he writes and puts out there. Purchase this CD now and you will be won over to country music too!

Pure listening enjoyment!
I originally purchased this CD just for the beautiful song, "Rose Bouquet", not expecting much more from the CD. (I figured it would be like all those others that have only one or two good songs and the rest would be disgusting.) Wow - what a pleasant surprise to hear the truly amazing songs on the whole CD. I tell you, every song on this CD is really great. Never have I listened to any CD until now, that either I was forced to use the Skip button (sometimes repeatedly) or else Program the cheesy songs out. Not on THIS CD. This is 100% Pure Music - NO Filler! (To paraphrase an old ad campaign.) Every single song on here is fabulous, each one worthy of having been released as a single in its own right. What a truly talented songwriter, performer and singer Phil is. He should go far in this very tumultuous business. This CD is worth every penny. For the first time EVER, I don't feel cheated by purchasing it (by buying a lot of filler material for just one or two really good songs, as with so many other CDs). Get this one! You won't regret it. The piano-playing is extremely pleasurable to the soul and ears, too! This is the fastest 41 minutes and 14 seconds you will ever experience! ;)

WOW
I have well over 300 CDs and this is my favorite. I first got a taste of Phil Vassar's music when I heard "Little Red Rodeo" by Collin Raye, and JoDee Messina's "Bye Bye" and "I'm Alright". When I bought this CD, I was blown away. I love how he tells stories in songs. His lyrics are catchy at times, while other times, the song breaks your heart. "Rose Bouquet" tells of perfect love gone sour, "Six Pack Summer" is just about kicking it, and my favorite "That's When I Love You" is upbeat and is what any girl would want her boyfriend/husband to say. The rest of the tracks are well worth a listen, as well.
I've also seen him in concert and he is AMAZING! What a talent--singer/songwriter/performer. I love his everyday sounding voice and love the CD.

HOLY COW!!
I have never been much of a country music fan until recently. This CD ROCKS!!! I'm not a very patient CD listener. Usually I'll constantly skip through songs, but not this one. I have listened to this CD all the way through several times. I love it!! I would recommend this to anyone....country fan or not!
Songwriters who make the jump to recording artist often have a tough time--either their personalities are too introverted or their voices better suited for demos than major-label debuts. But the piano-playing Vassar, who's penned hits for Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson, should be able to take the leap in stride. Stylistically, he's gleefully reminiscent of other favorites: "Joe and Rosalita" is dead-on Billy Joel, "Like I Never Loved Before" seems straight out of Michael Peterson, and doesn't that piano line on "Lucky as Me" remind you of Bruce Hornsby? But whether he's a talented imitator or a marketer with an eye for the Billboard charts, Vassar's regular-guy vocals and upbeat persona--undeniably infectious and feel-good, despite several forays into mawkish ballads--seems just the ticket as country meanders through its current identity crisis. --Alanna Nash