Amazon.com: Like his friend Vince Gill, Brad Paisley has achieved the often-difficult feat of reconciling being an entertainer and world-class guitarist. He's proven that on four admirable albums, and 5th Gear follows in that vein. Certainly "Ticks," an airy, radio-friendly ditty, is not the true substance here. That comes with such superior fare as the insightful "All I Wanted Was a Car" and "Online," a sly satire of people's Web facades. While his duet with Carrie Underwood ("Oh Love") is a bit cut and dried, Paisley ably handles "Letter to Me," "It Did," and "Mr. Policeman," a 21st-century outrun-the-law tune. The closing hymn, "When We All Get to Heaven," and ripping instrumental "Throttleneck" are Paisley at his best. It's admirable that he invites his venerable buddies, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Vince Gill, and Bill Anderson, along with Dolly Parton, to join in, but the obligatory "Kung Pao Buckaroos" skit is wearing a bit thin. Better to feature them musically, the way he includes Dickens, Gill, and Anderson on "Bigger Fish to Fry." In a time where lines between county and pop are blurring far too much, it's comforting to know Paisley still realizes and respects the differences. --Rich Kienzle
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Brad Rules!!!!
This CD had 3 of my favorite songs on it, so, it was a winner even before I opened it (they are: Ticks, I'm Still a Guy, Online). I admire his versitility, with fun songs, ballads, love songs and message songs. Not to mention his guitar playing skills.
Brad is the Man!!!!
Rating: - Just Great!
Not only did this CD have the exact songs that I was looking for, but ones that I hadn't heard yet and just love. Brad Paisley fans will not be disappointed with this one.
Rating: - Great Music that makes you cry,laugh and want to sing along....
This is one of artist that you should buy the WHOLE album. The extra stuff that will never hit radio is what makes it so special. If you love country music pick up the CD and enjoy. Warning - when you first listen to Bigger Fish To Fry and When We All Get To Heaven - you will laugh out loud moments - it was hard to explain while I was at work!
Rating: - Paisley's 5th Gear
"Ticks", "On Line, and "I'm Still a Guy" crack me up. You've gotta love the SPIRIT of this CD! It is CERTAINLY a keeper!
Rating: - 5th Gear
Brad Paisley has been around in country music long enough to know what music is good, it's called trust! That's why I bought this album.
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