Brad Paisley's New Play
Sigh. Brad Paisley has a new album coming out in early September and to be honest, I couldn't care less. Because it's an instrumental album called Play. Even though he's the CMA's male vocalist of the year, he won't be singing on the majority of the tracks. He'll just be playing guitar. And to make matters worse, he won't even be limiting himself to country guitar. There's allegedly some jazz and metal songs on there, too.
Is it me, or is it a shame to waste an entire album on guitar playing? Paisley's picking is some of the best in Nashville. Plus, Vince Gill and the late Buck Owens and a few others are featured on the album as well. And, yes, they are all very impressive guitar players. But still. Doesn't Paisley realize that his songs climb the charts mainly because of his songwriting? He's one of those rare breeds that can sing a ballad that makes you cry immediately after a rocker that makes you laugh out loud. Like on his last album, I'd giggle when I pictured the epiphany he has around a campfire in "Better Than This," where he manages to rhyme Emeril Lagasse with kielbasa. Then two minutes later, I'm in awe of his insightfulness when he promises an ex that she can go ahead and leave because he can be in love with her or without her.
Why would he turn his back on that gift? Maybe this is one of those albums he just needs to get out of his system. And maybe it'll turn hundreds of thousands of guitar geeks into Paisley fans. I, however, will be waiting for the next album where he gets back to his writing roots.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
JM Carter says:
I have read mostly sharp eyed opinions on this section of the CMT site…I have read some Chet Flippo penned insightful pieces on this site. With that said: I have NEVER been sucked into a response comment in my life but this piece of moronity has scaled and topped a mountain of stupidity!
How can you review something you have never heard. Site specific examples of possible entrees and decry them. Does this person actually get paid or does she review things she has never heard for free?
I have ACTUALLY heard the album and it is possibly his most personal and expansive showcase of talent for Brad as of this date. It is the most Grammy worthy project of musicianship since Vince Gill’s Album of the Year nomination. The songs that are vocals are fun and one with a duet partner nearly made me cry! The other made me say WOW! The songs “without lyrics showcase a master musician worthy of comparison to Eric Clapton and Tennessee’s virtuoso of the INSTRUMENTAL Chet Atkins.
It is simply fine to have an opinion after the fact but to claim ” waste of talent” is nothing short of uninformed….. especially if you have never heard any of it!!!!!
Now…..
I think I will go ahead and get ahead and review all of next year’s films. Transformers 2 sounds like crap…Hmmm Mel Gibson is returning to acting that must be great. Let’s see….Hmmmm Star Trek is coming that can’t be as good as the Shatner stuff….You get the point…Can I now get a job at CMT?
Every one in this great country can have an opinion but writing something like this that is potentially hurtful is wrong. You can NOT review something you have not seen or heard! I would love to have you in my class so I could flunk you! If this was done to get comment and stir people and raise circulation, shame of you and CMT… If the editors were on vacation then you can apologize to them…I hope no one actually approved this piece.
MiaT says:
Hey Alison, Yes I to wish he was going to sing on the album but…….I can’t wait to hear him play. Maybe then when I tell everyone that he is one of the best guitarists they will believe me. I love his songs but when I try to turn him on to other people they just think he writes those cutsie songs & they never really hear him “Play”. He is the most clever writer out there but he is soooo much more than that.
Kaitlyn Wright says:
I agree JM Carter You can not judge something if you have never heard it. Brad Paisley happens to be a amazing guitarist and i really look forward to getting this C.D. Ever since i heard Little Moments I have just been waiting for an instrumental Album from Paisley.
Erin says:
While this type of album doesn’t necessarily appeal to me, I still say kudos to Brad for putting something out there that he believes in and is such a part of who he is as an artist!
Dan M. says:
I don’t mean to gang up on Alison - she’s a good writer who’s just expressing an honest opinion - but I’m of the impression that Paisley’s been playing for just as long or longer than he’s been writing songs. In that sense, playing is more a part of his “roots” than any other element of his artistry.
Cory says:
If you support some of his singles then you really dont know much about country. GOOD country music is much more than novelty lyrics and Hallmark messages which Brad is SO FOUND OF. And he is releasing this album because he can. I am sure he like the rest of the Nashville kiss ups will hurry and rush through another album. But to support his latest material is just awful he unlike other established artist is getting worse with time. Songs like “Alcohol” “Online” and even the balads pale GREATLY in comparrison to his early material. He in my opinion is the biggest waste of talent country music has to offer. And again its not just about the mainstream as you would like to think….
flutterfly says:
Wow, you think Brad shouldn’t explore his guitar playing talent and see where it takes him for one album just because he’s such a great songwriter? Does that mean artists should only stick to what they’re best at and not develop any other related talents? Did it not occur to you that exploring this aspect of his talent in the studio might help Brad make an even better writer?
You’re entitled not to be interested in Brad’s album but I can’t wrap my mind around calling this album a “waste.” Especially when you haven’t heard a single note. What a narrow view of artistry you must have.
Calvin Gilbert says:
Blog entries and subsequent comments should be viewed as one person’s opinion. And as one of the editors responsible for overseeing CMT.com’s blogs, I contend that everybody’s opinion is worth considering — even if I don’t agree with it. Personally, I can’t wait to hear Paisley’s instrumental album, and I’m somewhat jealous of anyone who has already previewed it. The guy is a monster guitar player, and the collaborations on the new album are undeniably intriguing. But let’s face it: Unless it’s smooth jazz or new age, instrumental albums don’t usually appeal to the masses. And when was the last time anybody had a huge instrumental hit at country radio? Paisley is a smart guy, though, and he knows his instrumental album isn’t necessarily going to appeal to everyone who bought his previous CDs. He’s obviously doing this one because it’s important to him. (Thank God there are artists such as Paisley and Vince Gill who are still willing to take some artistic chances.) And while the instrumental album is going to be important to a lot of us — including Grammy voters — I honestly think Alison is representing an attitude that will be shared by a lot of country music fans who would much prefer to hear Paisley sing than play instrumentals. I could be wrong, but my guess is that the sales will probably reflect that. And not that Alison needs me to defend her, but she didn’t write that the album isn’t going to be good … only that she’s not interested in hearing an all-instrumental project. We all have our likes and dislikes. I loved Chet Atkins’ guitar playing, but I hated those rare occasions when he’d sing.
flutterfly says:
Mr. Gilbert, you said it: Brad Paisley is obviously doing this album because it is important to him. So when Ms. Bonaguro makes comments like this:
“But still. Doesn’t Paisley realize that his songs climb the charts mainly because of his songwriting?”
She’s completely missing the point. This isn’t about climbing any charts but it’s as if she thinks artistry should be dictated by chart considerations. When she calls a whole album of guitar playing a “waste” - that shows a real restrictive view of artistry. When she melodramatically asks “Why would he turn his back on that gift?” just because Brad is veering off the beaten path for an album, she shows no understanding of how these side projects can enrich a person’s artistry.
There are a lot of commentaries on this site I’ve agreed with and lots I’ve disagreed with strongly. I’m in no way questioning anyone’s right to post what they think but I’m downright stunned by the closed-mindedness of the original blog.
Elizabeth says:
Who is this blogger for CMT? Wow… Maybe CMT should send her to a Brad Paisley concert. Obviously, the blogger has no idea of his talents. I am speechless and disappointed. We fans are even more excited about the release of the album. I will be sure to check this sight after Brad’s album sales are off the charts
JCH says:
I always look forward to Paisley’s instrumentals on all of his records. In the same way that the Dixie Chicks put equal effort and focus into vocals and instrumentation on each track, Paisley does the same. It’s a welcome change from some of the material being spit out of the Nashville factor at the moment…I’m looking at you, Kristy Lee Cook.
Cole Edwards (JensBoyfriend) says:
I can’t wait to get my hands on this album and use it as some great background music when I am reading or something.
But, to be honest,….
….I can see why some people aren’t excited about this. Really it’s a love it or hate it thing, and if you hate it, I can’t really blame you. :)
Alison says:
Calvin’s right. I never meant to give the impression that the album wouldn’t be good. In fact, we could argue all day about what Paisley’s best at: guitar playing or songwriting. He is crazy talented, any way you look at it. His playing transcends ordinary three-chord country. And I’m happy for him that he’s at a point in his career when he can take risks, stretch his boundaries and make the kinds of albums he wants. Just as I’m happy for those of you who will be downloading this one the day it comes out. I have plenty of Brad Paisley albums to keep me occupied. (I have all six of them. Yes, six. Even the Christmas one.)
And JM Carter, since you’ve heard the album already, I’m sure you know more about this than the rest of us. So enlighten us. Tell us about the music. Whick track made you say “Wow.” And which duet was it that made you cry? WOuld love to get your opinion this time.
Calvin Gilbert says:
Cole makes an insightful observation. To a great extent, it probably does come down to a “love it or hate it” proposition. Whether that’s a logical attitude is another discussion altogether, but I think most of us have at least a few musical prejudices. I prefer to think that I don’t, but the reality hits when somebody drives up next to me at a traffic light with their car stereo cranked to 11, their subwoofer rattling and their windows down. For some reason, the music they’re playing always sucks.
Michelle says:
I agree with the first commenter. HOW can you critisize something you haven’t heard yet? I have NEVER seen ANYONE do something like that. It’s critics like that that lose my respect. I am sorry but I can not possibly read our blogs the same way!
Had you listened to this preveously I wouldn’t find a need to comment.
This is the last time I read one of your blogs.
Goodbye
Shelly123 says:
All I can possibly be able to say is….. How DARE you.
You don’t have any right to judge something you’ve barely heard of!
I wish CMT would stop posting these horrible blogs.
I agree with Michelle you have lost me too.
And I give Kudos to JM he captured what you were doing well!
August says:
Yes these blogs often do get out of hand. I think Brad Paisley is very happy with this album and i can understand why, this album shows his talent in many ways it shows his KILLER
August says:
SORRY! guitar skills, his humor and how brave he is because no one has done an instrumental album in a very long time. And Brad already knew from the time he started this album that it might not sell as great as the other ones, but Paisley has been playing for a very long time and i think he should get some credit for his amazing work.
Kevin says:
I hear the Duet with the Late , Great “Buck Owens” is going to be a smash…Buck wrote the song and played Guitar and sang the best he had in years !! Brad did his part with vocals ….Can’t wait….I predict a # 1 for Buck & Brad….That would be something else :)
Scott Taylor says:
I to have never lowered myself to commenting anyone’s opinion because, to use the words of the writer, “I couldn’t care less,” about anyone opinion and I dont think of myself as being so important that other people need to hear my opinion.
However, I just wanted to say to the writer of this article that you obviously know nothing about country music and its roots. Country music has a firm and deep foundation in the realm of instrumentals and its about time that this generation put out a few of them to give homage to the way music has been played since the beginning of time.
Yes, he is one of the best songwriters out there, but there is more to great music than record sales and lyrics. In my opinion if an artist or person doesn’t believe in the power of a good instrumental then they don’t deserve the right to be called a country fan or artist. You should be thanking and praising Brad Paisley for keeping the dream and the roots of country music alive.
Anna says:
Brad Paisley has stated so many times that if he had to choose to be either a singer or a guitar player, he would be a guitar player. He also has been quoted as saying that in concerts, he sings just to get to the next guitar solo. Brad is a guitar player, and he is an amazing one at that. Keith Urban has also been quoted as saying that he would like take a lesson from Brad because there are some things that Brad does on guitar that Keith Urban can’t figure out.
Brad already doesn’t expect this album to sell well. He is doing it because he wants to display a truly great and dying artform of country music and any music in general. Brad includes an instrumental track (sometimes more than 1) with every album because he loves to do so. Other artists used to do the same thing, but they succumbed to listeners like this blogger and no longer include them.
I almost want to guarantee you that Brad Paisley does not care about songs climbing up the charts to number one. He has plenty of those and will continue to have top 20 songs as long as he keeps playing country music. He’s doing a remarkable job at it so far. By the way, “Better than This” was not written or co-written by Brad at all. It was written by Chris DuBois, Trent Willmon, and David Lee Murphy. And let’s explore how many duets he’s actually written. “Oh Love”? Nope, that was written by Hillary Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, and Gordon Sampson. “Whiskey Lullaby”? Nope, that was written by Bill Anderson and Jon Randal. “When I Get Where I’m Going”? Nope, that was written by Rivers Rutherford and George Teren. “Too Country”? Nope, that was written by Bill Anderson and Chuck Cannon. “Bigger Fish to Fry”? Nope, that was written by Steve Bogard and Jeff Stevens. “Out in the Parking Lot” was written by Darrell Scott and Guy Clark. Oh, but here’s one: “College” written by Brad Paisley and Pat Green. “Hard to be a Husband/ Hard to be a Wife” is written and sung by Brad Paisley and Chely Wright. “New Again” is written and sung by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans. The point? All of Brad Paisley’s popular duets were not written by him at all!!
I own 22 albums because of Brad. This means in addition to the 6 released under Arista (plus 2 extra copies of Time Well Wasted because of extras with them on the day of release and 1 extra copy of 5th Gear), the others are all albums to which Brad has lend his voice, his songwriting, or his guitar playing. Yes, I bought David Kersh’s cd and Tracy Byrd’s cd because of his songwriting. But I also bought All Gone Fishin’ just for Brad’s guitar playing. I have a list of 10 other albums still to buy where most are simply his guitar playing on one track.
I am sorry that you feel that this is a waste of a record. Brad Paisley does not feel that way, nor do I feel that way.
Eddie says:
Alison said, “Is it me, or is it a shame to waste an entire album on guitar playing?”
It’s you.
Jennifer says:
I don’t mean to get personal but in my opinion, yes, OPINION, Alison Bonaguro is not a fan of country music but of country RADIO. There is a huge difference. I find her blog pieces a bit uninformed so most of the time I don’t waste my time reading them anymore. I’m glad I read this one, though, as it simply reinforced why I don’t like to read her stuff. More power to her, but it is my simple OPINION that she should be writing on her own blog and not on this one. I can read fan blogs all day long; I preferred the CMT blog to read the thoughts and opinions of those who listen to music a little bit deeper and have more of an inside take on things. Alison’s entries, in my OPINION, are no more insightful than anything I can pick up on some random person’s blogspot.
Cole Edwards (JensBoyfriend) says:
Calvin Gilbert says: Cole makes an insightful observation. To a great extent, it probably does come down to a “love it or hate it” proposition. Whether that’s a logical attitude is another discussion altogether, but I think most of us have at least a few musical prejudices. I prefer to think that I don’t, but the reality hits when somebody drives up next to me at a traffic light with their car stereo cranked to 11, their subwoofer rattling and their windows down. For some reason, the music they’re playing always sucks.
**********************************************************
Thanks Calvin! I just wanted to say that I think Alison gets attacked way, way too much on CMT Blog, which is a shame because she always has interesting points and talks about current topics.
By the way, I know what you mean about the loud car stereos. :)
Shelly123 says:
Where can I email CMT and ask them to get rid of this trash?
Always Right says:
At least Brad CAN play. AND write. Unlike 85% of the people currently on country radio.
Chris N. says:
“Doesn’t Paisley realize that his songs climb the charts mainly because of his songwriting?”
Er … despite having no words, the instrumental album will include SONGS that have been WRITTEN. Hundreds of years’ worth of classical music, not to mention 60 years of bebop jazz, is predicated on the notion that compositions don’t necessarily require lyrics to be legitimate.
peppersprout says:
ROFLOL
Ms. Bonaguro,
Please stick to doin’ what YOU DO “best” - writin’ shallow comedic “fluff” blogs under the guise of bein’ a professional critic of “country” music AKA a pimpette for mainstream “country” radio and its stable of mostly pretenders.
Leave the professional critiques for the REAL pros, please .. . you know, the ones who actually LISTEN to AND appreciate REAL talent AND artistry from the musicians.
BTW, there ARE some of us not caught up in the whole downloadin’ thing … those of us who still buy actual vinyl records/cds … you know, the kind of people who would actually listen to Brad Paisley’s - or anybody’s - instrumental music before judgin’ it and callin’ it a “waste” of talent.
You really should save those words for the little pop tarts and tartlets you are so fond of pushin’ and praisin’.
Leah says:
I agree with the first post as well. That said, I would like to applaud Brad Paisley for stepping out of the norm for a country music performer. It takes guts for a star that big to take a chance with an accoustic album. It can either go up or it can go down and I think in Brad’s case, he doesn’t care. His true fans will be there no matter what. I personally am very excited to hear his new music. I have been to many many of his shows and have never been dissappointed. He is a true artist and is true to himself no matter what the critics say!
Liz says:
Now…to be fair…yes Brad is an AWESOME musician…but I don’t know that the average Joe Listener will pick up on that. At live concerts, during any longer-than-average instrumental solos…what typically happens? People start to sit or filter out to use the bathroom or get beer.
When you finally reach the status Brad has as a popular artist, you are finally afforded some flexibility by your label to “play” and finally record some of that “always wanted to do” material, and I’m sure it will be great as a stand alone project. But don’t expect a platinum record out of it.
Garth Brooks says:
I tried to take some risks once. Took my music in a new direction. Went against industry recommendations. And look where it got me. If I could give an artist any advice, it would be to stop and think about Chris Gaines.
Jay says:
Brad is a great guitar player and I am excited to hear the album. Someone with his talent show use it. I always enjoy the instrumental cuts he includes on this regular albums. And don’t worry. Brad is good. He will come back better than ever with great lyrics as always.
Lori says:
Hey Garth,
Could you elaborate a little more on some of your points, especially the Chris Gaines part.
Leah says:
But Garth….aren’t you a rich man? And everyone still loves you right?
A. Fan says:
Where is the album review everyone is complaining about? Is there a link to one? This blog is not a review and I don’t see any parts that the writer is saying hurtful things. It sounds like she’s a fan of Paisley.
Alex C says:
Whoa CMT actually cares about music still? Thats news to me. Let me guess, the author of this story probably thinks Jessica Simpson is the greatest country star of all time.
QUOUTE”is it me, or is it a shame to waste an entire album on guitar playing?”QUOTE
You can’t say a album is going to be bad because there is no singing in it. If you think that, you have no right at all to be reviewing music. You, the writer, are contradicting your job.
Find a new job.
K thanks
Kelly says:
It seems like the only thing CMT really cares about is criticism and lately I have been watching even more Gac because it seems like they are the ones that actually care about the music. If you have seen cmt lately you will understand, the only thing that has to do with music is in the morning, and a few times i have seen Hogan knows best?!?!?!? Now I know it’s because MTV owns CMT but if this keeps happing I’m just gonna ditch CMT!
Marty says:
Brad Paisley will only be remembered for stupid songs like Alcohol or Celebrity. Other than that he will be forgotten in 10 years or less. There is a reason he’s never won Entertainer of the Year. Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and the Dixie Chicks are far superior and will be here way after Paisley has limped away from the music world. Maybe he can get a job as a studio musician or a writer of greeting cards.
I guess he’s trying to redeem himself by putting out an instrumental album. Sure.
The best thing he should do is put out a greatest hit album and go away.
H Smith says:
I love Brad Paisley and i hope he stays along for another 15 or 20 years because he is amazing! He writes amazing songs like i just love Letter To Me, Celebrity, online, ticks, and, He didn’t have to be.he always makes me laugh when i feel like crying. His wife is so beautiful, and his son is so cute. I really don’t know why he hasn’t won entertainer of the year. I think Kenny only deserved 2 or maybe even 1 and, Brad should have won the last 2 or so times. I have been a Brad fan for many years and i think it is just so rude to criticize him, he is a great singer, guitarist and, family man. I can easily tell that you do not like Brad Paisley so why did you even open this blog up??? To me it just seems like your jealous because he has such great talents. Are you even a fan of country music? because if so you have a very bad taste in artist. Give all of Brad Paisley’s fan’s a break and just leave him alone ,and please stop looking at a blog of somebody you hate!!!
MBK says:
‘Play’ is expected to be released in the fall. Though pegged an instrumental album, Paisley does report that he sings on a few songs.
Marty says:
H. Smith, you need to think about taking grammar lessons. I found at least 7 errors in your first 4 lines. I hope you are not the type of student our high schools are producing.
Rachel says:
How dare you trash talk an album that hasn’t even come out yet! Brad doesn’t expect this album to sell well, but it’s just something that he’s wanted to do for a long time. If you really knew about Brad, you’d know that he cares about his fans SO much, and it’s not just his writing that puts him at the top. His true fans will put any of his songs to the top even if Brad doesn’t write them. Did Brad write When I Get Where I’m Going? No, but it was a #1. Did Brad write Waitin’ On A Woman? No, but it’s going to be a #1. Brad just knows what songs to put out, and he hopes that his fans will respond well to them.
You can’t say that an album of instrumentals is a waste, because it’s not all instrumentals, he sings a duet with Buck Owens.
Michelle says:
MArty How Dare you! I know EXACTLY where you should go when YOU die!
Auntiesuzz says:
Always learning, growing and changing is an important part of living.
Striving artistically to show who or what you are feeling and getting people to like the project is always subjected. It really is the nature of the music business …actually all artistic endeavors are like this. Many artists run into “heads” who hate their music, bring the same song to another “head” they love it and becomes number one hit for them. Liking something depends on so many factors.
That’s why you don’t give up just someone thinks it’s a bad move for you commercially. It’s wonderful that Brad is doing an instrumental, and I’m happy that Garth tried Chris Gaines. They should try something different..
Deb says:
I think Brad is one of the few real country music singers out there right now. I can’t wait to hear this album. I think you all should wait until It’s out before you say anything about it. How do you have a comment without hearing it first? There will be some singing on it too so I have heard. Brad has said he does not think it will sale to many copies but I hope It does well with sales then I can say to all who thinks this is a bad thing to do told you so. Let’s see what the sale’s say.
LoriK says:
Brad is a rare talent not only in country music but in all, and is a gifted guitarist as well. Talent like that is hard to come by. To say he is only good for writing songs with entertaining lyrics is ridiculous! I hate to think that the person who wrote this is so uninformed! Especially working for Country Music Television! (or maybe that IS why…)
LoriK says:
Part of my post was deleted. It should read:
Brad is a rare talent not only in country music but in all music genres. Not only can he write lyrics, he is a gifted guitarist as well. Then, after writing amazing songs he can also sing them! Talent like that is hard to find all in one package! Check out most musicians today. There are few that can do it all. To say that Brad is only good for writing songs with entertaining lyrics is ridiculous! I hate to think that the person who wrote this is so uninformed, especially working for CMT! (or maybe that IS why…)
In my onpinion “Play” only provide room for Brad to expand upon his many talents!
JOP says:
Marty, keep showing your ignorance. It will get you so far in life!
Cory, I’m sure you think Toby Keith is the most talented in the industry. He makes his money by singing songs like “The Angry American”, that in reality are ridiculous government propaganda. I’m sick of artists who exploit perilous situations for their own financial gain.
As for Mr. Paisley, he has many fans who will continue to support him no matter what. He is an amazing musician and can only gain fans from this venture.
Michael Anthony Curan says:
Greeting from Alicia, Bohol, Philippines
i read somewhere that Brad doesn’t make this record for the chart but as to let out his artistic cravings
Calvin Gilbert says:
Michael, you are absolutely correct, and thanks for pointing that out. And to reiterate something I said earlier, Alison’s original blog was not a review of the album but rather her observation that she personally doesn’t want to hear a collection of instrumentals. (A lot of readers are responding to the interpretations of others rather than taking a second look at what she wrote in the first place. And that’s OK, but it’s a point that should be made.) You can love ice cream and still have no desire whatsoever to taste certain flavors. That’s why there’s a wide variety of ice cream flavors at the grocery store. Thank goodness, too, there’s still a wide variety of music at stores and on the Internet. Instrumentals are a specific flavor of music.
Mark says:
Wow! I read the original blog and was so angry because Alison absolutely no idea what she is taking about!!!! JM Carter, you are brilliant and I agree 100% with your comments. I don’t know how you have heard the album but you are incredibly lucky! Brad didn’t do this album to sell records. He did it because he is the best guitar player on this earth and he LOVES IT!!! Alison, have you ever picked up an instrument and tried to PLAY it? I get goose bumps just listening to Brad PLAY. I am so pumped up about this album and I can not wait until Sept. 2nd which is when I heard it was coming out. I have never joined a fan club in my life and will be joining Brad’s shortly. As far as Garth Brooks comments (if it is really him) you did something different. No big deal because you are extremely talented and I still own all of your country records. All I can say is get back to REAL COUNTRY music. The stuff they play on the radio today makes me sick. Thank you Brad for putting this album out and please, please keep PLAYING.
peppersprout says:
Here’s some info for those of you NOT of the mindset that this album is a “waste of talent.”
September 2 is the release date.
The tracks are as follows:
1. Huckleberry Jam”
2. “Turf’s Up”
3. “Start a Band”
* featuring Keith Urban
4. “Kim”
5. “Departure”
6. “Come on In”
* featuring Buck Owens … song co-written by Buck Owens
7. “Playing with Fire”
8. “Kentucky Jelly”
9. “More Than Just This Song”
* featuring Steve Wariner
10. “Les Is More”
11. “Pre-Cluster Cluster Pluck Prequel”
12. “Cluster Pluck”
13. “Cliffs of Rock City”
14. “Let the Good Times Roll”
* featuring B. B. King
15. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
H-m-m-m … wonder if #10 is a tribute to the great Les Paul? … and to which song is Vince Gill a contributor? … can’t wait to hear the vocal AND instrumental collaboration of Brad and Buck Owens!
With all THAT legendary talent plus his own playin’ on one record/cd, how can this recordin’ be anything BUT a coup for Brad?!?!?!
How refreshin’ for a mainstreamer to break away to break away from the “formoola” format and do somethin’ so “darin’” as to release an instrumental renderin’!
Kudos to BRAD for havin’ the cajones to put out such a “stand up” project!
PLAY on, Brad!
Tom says:
your point of view looks a little short-sighted to me.
bill says:
Wow. An instrumental album from Brad Paisley. That should sell dozens of copies…
Ray says:
You could at least give it a listen before calling it a “waste.” (Sorry, but that’s awfully lame & shallow).
I’m at least one Paisley fan who can hardly wait to get a listen of “Play.” I have a feeling it’s gonna really surprise some folks.
Dane S says:
Ms. Bonaguro,
You imply that writing an instrumental doesn’t count as songwriting. I dare you to apply that idea to Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Ellington, Basie, or any one of a number of composers that have left an indelible mark on the history of not only music, but world culture through songs written entirely without vocal content.
True, Brad is an incredibly talented songwriter. Thank goodness you got something right. But to trivialize the importance of Brad’s playing in his creative process is to completely miss the point of his music.
To expect him to limit himself to the country genre is entirely unrealistic as well. His music is peppered throughout with jazz, blues, and rock in addition to all the nuances of country and bluegrass. One of my favorite live recordings of his work is a song from “Time Well Wasted” that starts with the band riffing on the opening bars of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin, a band which inspired the creation of the phrase “heavy metal” when applied to rock music. Brad has has in interviews that he listened to and learned from Van Halen, Clapton, and numerous other artists outside the country genre. Many of his songs speak to his education in the jazz genre. He regularly quotes Clapton musically in his own playing, especially in “She’s Everything”, a song which no doubt brought such an emotional listener as you to tears.
If you sincerely believe that the instrumental aspect of music is not a critical element of the songwriting process you have no business writing about music for any publication that would lend you credibility.
Alex says:
Ok Alisson first off this album will probably help Brads carreer in the long run and a lot of Brads songs have a lot of guitar solos in them anyway. I mean who knows give it a chance. I know you think its lame, but listen to it before you talk bad about it. (short translation = screw you Brad rules just like all his CDS)
Ray says:
I take it you’re not a guitar player or not much of one.
tammie says:
Yes it tkes lots of work to be a guitar player with tons of practice. Brad’s been playing for a long time and he is very happy with this album, it means alot to him. You should never call guitar playing a watse.
Danni says:
WOW!!! Who ever said Brad Paisley IS NOT Country is soooo mistaken!!! He has the best down home values and the best guitar pickin’ talent I could imagine. Why does a song have to have lyrics to be good????? I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but my goodness……..
Brad is amazing and I WILL buy his new album and I am sure I will love it just like the rest!!
Chasity says:
hey. Brad your new song called waiting on a women. I think that is one of your best songs. Well i do like all of your songs but that touched my heart. to be only a fifthteen year old i think that you are one of the best singers.Well Brad keep up the work and i hope that you go far. THINKS FOR EVERY THING,,,
Barrett says:
Most of my opinoin has already been stated by others as I am a huge Brad fan. But just a few notes to put out:
Number 1, CMT as an affiliate station of MTV only cares about profits which is why they normally don’t promote articles about people that damage the ones they have in the limelight at the moment, which are normally not the REAL talents, normally just the fluff newbies they think can get them more money. Obviously an instrumental album on the surface doesn’t seem like it will provide CMT with anything that they can use to make money so they go ahead and put it down so CMT fans may not bother. But there’s enough Brad fans that will eat this album up, and he knows that. He not did it just for himself but for his core fan group. We will love every minute. But wait a second lets think about the possiblity of Brad going back and doing a video with Buck like Hank Jr. did on Tear in my Beer, or perhaps jammin’ away with Urban?? that would appeal to alot of people actually. There will be old timers interested in B.B. King, Owens, and Vince, and new fans interested in Urbans contribution on top of just Brads fans so think about all that. He told Galante when he asked to do this record that it probably wouldn’t sell much but hes doin it for us core fans that will appreciate it, and Galante is fine with that.
Also don’t get all upset thinking this is replacing a normal Paisley album. Brad has been known to relase an album every other summer since 1999 and will be back in the studio this fall to have another ready for summer 2009 so this instrumental album is just something extra. Showing how Brad is capable of going Above and Beyond most anyone else while being out on one of the top and highest grossing tours of the year and raising a family and still writing for the upcoming project. So Play will be a side project but Brad will have plenty of other normal material as always that Play may never release a single altho i really hope it does. Summer ’09’s album will likely have a single released early Spring which is only a few months away.
Go Brad, you rock everytime I’ve seen and heard you and you are truly a great member of country music and society in general. One of the nicest artists I’ve ever met and talked with.
travis says:
well, i am stoked to hear this news..
i know i speak on behalf of alot of my guitar buddies when i say that many people actually bought thier 1st paisley album for the guitar work.. i did. then after the 2nd and 3rd albums i really fell into his writing and vocals too.
I see your point too, dont get me wrong.. valid point too.
I respect that. :)
But i think there are many people out here that have followed brad through ‘guitar player’ magazine or ‘Musician’ mag etc.. downloaded his tabs off the net and worked for hours upon hours to be as good as he is.
watched every youtube from Brad and Redd Volkaert, to crossroads with john Mayer to Brad and kermit the frog..
the fact is, he is as big in the guitar player world as he is in the country music world, he actually attracts and conforms non coutry listeners (some country haters) into loving it. Just like Chet, merle Travis and Joe Maphis and all before him.
i have a group of friends (thrash metal guitarists) who thought country was boring til i showed them Paisley.
they now own his records and are exposed to what i believe is great, real country music.. they would never, ever had listened before otherwise. no doubt about it.
so, i guess what i mean is, brads fanbase is broader than those who dig country singer/songwriters alone, much broader. Good on you brad. i Look forward to it.
travis says:
ps. Marty, you sound like a tossbag
Dave says:
It’s obvious that blog-poster Alison has a limited concept of music. Brad IS one of the best guitar players around Nashville, and he can play with anybody. Just watch his jam with Tommy Emanuel. I’m sure Brad will appease music appreciators and novices with the few songs on the new record on which he sings. And Cory is completely off-base by saying Brad is getting worse with time. Obviously, Cory has an musical aptitude problem. Brad just won his first grammy for the instrumental on 5th Gear. I suspect the new album will draw interest across the musical spectrum, and I’d bet it will be nominated for a Grammy as album of the year.
ctrnikeg qcxvmn says:
pleyn vpamu keqc ajmrqiz rehbkux wmjlbhgce rycuqp
guitaristwife says:
I am the wife of one of the guest star guitarists who will appear on this album playing guitar with Brad Paisley. I have never commented on a “blog” before but just had to in this instance because this is honestly the most narrow minded and stupid piece I have read in quite some time. Sadly, people log onto this website and read blogs like this and actually believe the ignorance that is being fed to them by writers like you. You certainly have your right to an opinion but know that your feelings are just that - yours alone.
I remember when Brad originally planned to record this album he said privately and publicly that no one would buy it but that it was something he really really wanted to do for himself. He knew from the beginning that it was not a choice that would make everybody happy and does not expect it to sell well. I however think it will. There thousands if not millions of people who love real musicianship and enjoy hearing an artist who normally has to stay in a tiny box stretch and show his fans the real scope of his talent and what he enjoys musically instead of what he knows he must do to sell albums to the masses. I think it is a very brave thing to do and am proud my husband was asked to be part of it.
I think we are selling Brad Paisley’s listening audience short to believe all of them share your aversion to a bit of jazz and some really great guitar playing. I guess we will find out soon enough.
Nathan says:
He has alot of himself singing. Also he should be making more music videos.