After taking the last seven years to focus on his writing and his family, Phil Vassar finally released his ninth studio album on December 2, 2016. ‘American Soul’ includes eleven new songs, ten of which were written or co-written by Vassar, himself. In true Phil Vassar style, you will hear amazing piano trills, some rock and roll jams and powerful vocals. ‘American Soul’ was produced by Vassar and his longtime vocalist/guitarist and collaborator, Jeffrey Smith.
“I am beyond excited about this new music,” said Phil, whose reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 Hits. “We have an amazing team put together, and the time is right to get this new music out to the fans.”
1.) ‘American Soul’ – Written by Phil Vassar and Tom Douglas.
Impression: The album’s title track has Vassar written all over it. From it’s opening piano intro to its catchy chorus, the song paints the picture of what it means to be American, from ice cream to apple pie.
Favorite Lyrics: Hey baby take my hand, let’s watch the sunset in the promised land, shadow dance with me and the radio… Hey red white blue, you’re apple pie and craw-fish stew, all mixed up in a big old super bowl of American Soul…
2.) ‘I’ll Meet You There’ – Written by Phil Vassar and Layng Martine.
Impression: In the wake of all of the violence in our news today, ‘I’ll Meet You There’ is a song that makes the listener sit up and take notice. It reminds us that even though we may be different races, genders or religions when it comes to being American, we are all the same.
Favorite Lyrics: Wanna make God laugh up a storm, just tell him all your plans.. Tomorrow’s a question mark it’s out of our hands. What’s it matter anyway in the end it’s all dust, let’s love while we can and lift each other up…
3.) ‘Big Time’ – Written by Phil Vassar and Craig Wiseman.
Impression: Vassar’s extraordinary story telling talent is evident in this song. As you listen you can almost picture yourself sitting across from the singer at a coffee shop as he tells you the of story of he and his friends, who while growing up, dreamt of making it big.
Favorite Lyrics: We all knew some way somehow we would be big time… It’s funny how time turns a page and memories turn gold with age and those crazy days just blaze with glory…
4.) ‘I’m Not Made That Way’ – Written by Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Smith and Pete Kipley.
Impression: This song is an upbeat ballad. It is about understanding that relationships can be difficult, especially when they come to an end, and that there are others who can sympathize because they too have had the same experience.
Favorite Lyrics: I know they made you cry, they always said good bye they just weren’t strong enough to stay, but I’m not made that way…no I will never hurt you after all I’ve been through…I’m not made that way…your heart is safe right here by me…
5.) ‘Mississippi’ – Written by Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Smith and Billy Alcorn.
Impression: This song is bound to be a crowd pleaser. With all of Vassar’s signature sounds of piano runs, strong beats and a catchy chorus, it will bring you to your feet ready to sign along.
Favorite Lyrics: We were rockin’ on the road down in Tupelo it was a hot southern night at a sold out show…dancing by herself in the very first row, singing right along with every song I wrote…Mississippi… barefoot, beads and a cowboy hat…
6.) ‘Sound of a Million Dreams’ – Written by Phil Vassar and Scooter Carusoe.
Impression: A beautifully written song, it is no wonder David Nail chose to include it on his 2011 album of the same name. Vassar sings this song with strength and emotion and brings to the listener the understanding and passion behind the man who makes the music.
Favorite Lyrics: Maybe my voice will cut through the noise and stir up an old memory and out of these piano keys comes the sound, the sound of a million dreams…
7.) ‘Stay With Me’- Written by Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Smith and Aubrey Grant.
Impression: This love song has a beautiful ending. At first we hear percussion, Vassar’s voice, background singers on harmony, and the tinkling of the piano keys. Soon the piano, harmonies and then the percussion dwindle away, until we are left only with the sound of Vassar’s voice singing the very last notes as the song fades away.
Favorite Lyrics: It’s way too late to play it cool and let it go, because when we kiss I know you know… I’m a better man whey you’re around…so stay with me tonight…
8.) ‘Second Avenue’ – Written by Phil Vassar, Charlies Black, and Jeffrey Smith.
Impression: At the beginning of ‘Second Avenue’ we hear strumming of an acoustic guitar, light percussion and low hum of the keyboard imitating the sound of a slide guitar. The song has a simple theme. After a heartache it is hard to go on with your normal life but, you know deep inside that someday the pain will end. It is a song that makes the listener want to sway to its beat.
Favorite Lyrics: I’ll let you know when there’s no pain left, sitting in that corner booth, when I can say I’m glad to see you, and it’ll really be the truth… when I can find a place where someone misses no one, a place where no one is to blame…the sun will shine again on Second Avenue…
9.) ‘Voice In My Head’ (Featuring Sarah Darling) – Written by Phil Vassar.
Impression: This simple love song is beautifully sung and the harmonies between Vassar and Sarah Darling blend wonderfully together. Their voices collectively sound as one. The lyrics are light and sweet.
Favorite Lyrics: Time comes and innocence goes, the winds of change blow’s like the sweet summer breeze, your eyes pierce me like steel, and now they reveal what a soul plainly sees…kiss me and melt my defenses… your love is stronger than the voice in my head…
10.) ’Sure Feels Good’ – Written by Phil Vassar, Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen.
Impression: A fun, upbeat toe tapping country song about a special girl that makes your world happier for just being around her. Vassar tapped two of country’s best songwriters to help him co-write this track… Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen of country’s hottest band, Old Dominion.
Favorite Lyrics: She’s fact, fiction, she’s a contradiction, she wants to talk so just shut your mouth and listen, you never know what you gonna get when she wakes up… She says right now ya gotta be patient, keeps me swimming in anticipation… crazy how everything change’s when she walks in…
11.) ’The Ballad of Pretty Mae’ – Written by Charlie Black and Tim Ryan.
Impression: The final song of the album is the only one not written or co-written by Vassar. When he heard this track, he knew he wanted to include it on the album. The song, as the title indicates, is a ballad, or story, about two young people in a complicated relationship. Vassar performs the song as if he is telling the story. As the listener, it puts you on the edge of your seat just waiting to find out what is going to happen. Like a good book that is hard to put down, this song makes it hard for you not to want to listen to hear the next verse. The song has almost an earie feeling to it and it ends in a cliffhanger. Perhaps the ‘Ballad of Pretty Mae; Part Two’ may be written someday?
Favorite Lyrics: No time to think, underneath the sink, Pretty Mae kept a pistol of her own, yeah shots were fired broken glass a blown tire, but only a willow would know… Deputy Ray, young Dan and Pretty Mae somebody lived, somebody most likely died… The wind is high you can hear it cry, all the way to the cold cold moon…
Vassar’s many fans will not be disappointed with Vassar’s new album. From upbeat toe tapping country to slow soothing ballads, there is something for everyone on ‘American Soul.’
You can purchase ‘American Soul’ on iTunes and through Vassar’s website.
Album review written by Lorraine Frigoletto, contributing writer for New England Country Music. You can follow me on Twitter.