Mr. Big have (finally) returned to the U.S. Rock limelight with "Get Over It," their first album since 1996's "Hey Man." A fresh and fiery rocker, "Get Over It" has been tearing up the charts in Japan, mainly due to the success of their first single "Superfantastic" which reached #4 in the Japanese charts. "Get Over It" also marks the debut of new guitarist Richie Kotzen (ex Poison). Kotzen proves to be a great addition to the band providing freshness, energy, some serious axework, as well as songwriting and great vocals. It's great to hear Kotzen and Eric Martin trade leads on "Static."

This is a rockin' album that in a way is a throwback to their first album, but it also shows that the band has evolved. Kotzen brings a 70's Humble Pie and Bad Company type of feel to the band, shown on tracks like "Static," and "Hole in the Sun." But, having said that, the album also has a modern touch to it as shown on tracks like "Hiding Place." There's also the rockers like "Electrified" and "Dancin' With My Devils" which feature Kotzen rippin' through the solos. As far as lead vocals go, Eric Martin sounds absolutely great. His voice is more soulful than ever, and he soars like there's no tomorrow. He proves why he's one of the premier voices in Rock N' Roll today.

The bass parts are handled by one Billy Sheehan (we're not worthy!), arguably the best bass player in the world today. On "Get Over It" Billy's bass playing is showcased by him playing much more controlled, yet very difficult and inventive bass lines. It's a pleasure to put on headphones and play this album with the mindset of "just" listening to the bass, it's pretty amazing. Sheehan and Kotzen also team up for some serious harmonies and trade-offs, which are tons of fun to listen to. Pat Torpey is very solid behind the drums, his drumming sometimes is reminiscent of Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy), Ginger Baker or Simon Kirke (Bad Company). Torpey and Sheehan are a very tight unit and the driving force behind Mr. Big's unique sound.

The songwriting is awesome, and the production's excellent. There's not one "filler" song in this album -- every song is good. A track like "Superfantastic" (MetalGod's Pick) would be a smash hit if only U.S. radio program directors didn't have their heads up their arses. It's so catchy that I listened to it 5 times in a row when I first heard it, and many times more after that. Screw fads, screw MTV and screw trends! A good song is a good song, and a good album is a good album, and "Get Over It" is just that: a great album full of great songs! Now go and get it!!

Reviewed by MetalGod

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