Disco de Brad Paisley: “Who Needs Pictures”

When Brad Paisley was recently selected to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he invoked the memory of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. Many of the other cowboy hatted rock and rollers proliferating out of Nashville these days may have mouthed similar tributes. However, while it's highly questionable if the likes of Garth Brooks or Shania Twain even heard of Mr. Acuff or Miss Minnie before they attempted to snare country's loyal fan base, Brad Paisley's debut CD pays musical homage to Nashville's traditionalism.

Over the last few years, Lee Ann Womack and Chely Wright have done their best to get Nashville back on track, but its been quite a while since a male country newcomer was truly country. Songs like "Who Needs Pictures," "Sleepin' on the Foldout," and "It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway" would not have been out of place among Ernest Tubb's repertoire. The tasteful remake of gospel standard "In the Garden" is a welcome addition that seems impossible to imagine as a track on a Dixie Chicks or Faith Hill CD.

Even Brad's appearance is a happy throwback to country's better era. On the cover, his ten-gallon hat fits naturally unlike the Coca-Cola Cowboy style seen on so many of his contemporaries. His hair is refreshingly short, and he doesn't appear to be seeking the hunk status that populates so many sleazy videos these days. It's his music that he's selling because it stands by itself far better than the rocking sounds of Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, and so many of the other clones.

It looks like George Strait, Randy Travis, and Clint Black have a new member of their genuine country club, and Minne Pearl and Roy Acuff can rest peacefully again. Brad Paisley is bringing country back!

Brad Paisley is The Best thing to happen to country music in a long time! Brad is an excellent singer/songwriter/musician, a great all around entertainer! Brad's debut CD "Who Needs Pictures," is awesome, a must have CD! Every song on the CD is great! My personal favorites are "Who Needs Pictures," "He Didn't Have To Be(which hit #1! )," "Holdin' On To You," "We Danced," "Cloud Of Dust," and you've never heard, "In The Garden," until you've heard Brad sing it! I like the ballads, but I like the up tempo songs also, they're really great! I have seen Brad in concert twice, and met him twice, and Brad is a really nice guy who really cares about his fans! I wish Brad all the success in the world, and I just know Brad will become a household name...so watch out Garth, Alan and George! :-)

This is the best country album I have heard in a while. Brad Paisley is a true country talent and is going to be huge. This album showcases his remarkable songwriting, singing, and guitar playing abilities. The very first time I saw the video to "Who Needs Pictures", I knew I had to have this album, especially after I found out he wrote the David Kersh hit "Another You" based on a personal experience (he was dumped by his girl shortly after moving to Nashville). However, "Who Needs Pictures" is not the only hit on this album by far. "He Didn't Have To Be", a great song about a step-father in the eyes of a step-son, is destined to be huge. "Me Neither" and "It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway" are uptempo and quite humorous. I recently saw Brad in concert and had the chance to meet him. Not only is he a great songwriter/singer/guitar picker, he is also a very nice person. His debut album is great from beginning to end. Would I highly recommend it? YOU DERN RIGHT!

The picture on the cover of this album lead me to expect the worst -another pretty boy hat act with the usual slick production and disposable ,radio friendly tunes.I am delighted to say my cynicism was misplaced -this arist is an altogether better performer ,and this an altogether better album than I was expecting .

Paisley was a youthful 26 when this album appeared in 1999 but had several years of live performance experience behind him ,and several appearances on the famed Wheeling Jamboree ,not to mention having songs cut by seasoned performers like David Ball and Tracy Byrd .In addition he is a guitarist of exemplary talent --just listen to the crispness and fluidity of his playing on " The Nervous Breakdown " for a demonstration of his wizardry on the instrument ,if you want to hear for yourself .As a vocalist he sounds traditional without being self consciously retro unlike artists such as neo-traditionalists Dale Watson and Wayne Hancock .He is clearly aware of the greats of the music and indeed opened his 2000 London show with a medley of songs by artists such as Haggard and Miller, but has a style which manages to be unique while operating within the parameters of the music's past .

There may be better hardcore country singers out there but he is not deficient in the vocal department and has what it takes to be a major figure in the genre for years to come .

Pitch ; inflection and phrasing are all solid and there is the added bonus of his being an accomplished writer .The only well known co-writer featured is Tim Nichols and they collaborated to produce the witty and tongue in cheek opening track " Long Sermon " -deep it aint but it is charming and pertinent with a lively infectious bounce to it .He can do more serious stuff too as witness the touching hymn to a stepfather " He Didn't Have To Be That Way " -an attractive song with a positive message about family .Its the kind of song anti country people feel is hokey but that is their loss .I found it truthful and touching .Listen also the touches of Western swing on " It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway " and the wry self deprecation of the lyric to " Me Neither " .This is a man who takes the work seriously but not himself .

The best cut for my money is thr title song - one in the tradition of the Alan Jackson classic " Here in the Real World " a thoughtful well wrought refelective ballad about a lost love .

Excellent production from another debutant Frank Rogers and crisp playing from the musicians , mostly drawn from his road band rather than the usual studio musicians and what you get is a striking debut album that has worn well in the time since its release

Recommended to all who carrynthe torch for traditional country with modern day edge

It's a cliche, but this is the one to own. I never really liked the lead singles off this CD, so it was purely on a DJ's recommendation that I took a chance on it. I was really surprised by the nice variety of songs, and how he pulled off harmless light songs like "Me Neither" and yet conveyed the angst of a farmer in search of rain in the "Cloud of Dust". The violins at the end of "In the Garden" are divine and an incredible ending to a great CD.