If you clicked on this page you probably know the story of the band, and you know that the band has changed the drummer again, choosing one of the best on the market for them (considering that he is also a singer): Nick D'Virgilio. Ten will probably be the American band's last album, as their last tour is a farewell tour. But we can't be so sure, considering that some bands have been touring for years and years saying "Hey, this is our last tour".
But let's talk about the album, which unfortunately to my ears, is one of the weakest of their career, if not the weakest. Ten features 10 not-bad tracks with some highlights but nothing that, to me at least, really stands out, apart maybe (and I repeat maybe) from the ballad (the house special) Who We Are and the opener and single Good Luck Trying (I love the drumming on this one).
There are other enjoyable ones like I Am You or Right outta Here (very cool oriental riff) but Eric Martin does not have much voice left and definitely doesn't help the songs. Billy Sheehan doesn't stand out as well compared to his usual standards, and this makes sense as he was not involved in the writing sessions of the album. On the contrary, you can hear (in some spots, at least) all the class from Paul Gilbert, with some wonderful solos like the one in Courageous.
Honestly, I find this album good as background music. Again, I don't think the songs on this album are bad at all, but if I want to listen to the real Mr.Big, in my opinion, they are just not here.
Rating 60/100
Top tracks: Who We Are, Good Luck Trying.
Tracklist:
1. Good Luck Trying
2. I Am You
3. Right Outta Here
4. Sunday Morning Kinda Girl
5. Who We Are
6. As Good As It Gets
7. What Were You Thinking
8. Courageous
9. Up On You
10. The Frame
11. 8 Days On The Road (Bonus Track)