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Phil Vassar's newest release, "Prayer of a Common Man," is quite a doozie. Back with his fourth album, Vassar is not fooling around. He's looking to make a point and have fun while doing it - a feat he accomplishes with ease.
His CD starts out with a punch in "This is My Life." He sings about the problems in modern day America, from high gas prices to corruption in the political system, but he criticizes without sounding judgmental. He simply points out the flaws and wishes they would change.
"Fat cats just getting fatter/Lining their pockets/What does it matter?/All I want is an honest wage /A piece of ground where my kids are safe," Vassar sings.
To Vassar it is not about changing anything, but about speaking his mind and making sure that he and his family can support themselves and live a decent life.
Vassar's skill with a piano marks him as a great artist. He incorporates his piano into his concerts and shows that he is no fraud and can play his own music. As Keith Urban does his thing with the guitar, Phil Vassar shows him up with his beautiful skills with those ivory keys.
Vassar is very good at shifting his mood in his albums. For example he goes from a fired up song like "This is My Life" where he is just lashing out, to "Let Me Love You Tonight," a slow love song with deep piano notes. From there he goes straight into "Baby Rocks" which is a get up off your feet and dance song.
This man's skill seems to be unlimited. Already with a number five country hit single, "Love is a Beautiful Thing," there is no stopping this man. He has a voice and lots to say and will make himself heard.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
