Mr. Big

Mr. Big is the debut that brought together the advanced playing of Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan into the shape of singable hard rock. The technique is vivid throughout, but what supports the songs is Eric Martin’s melodic sense and the whole band’s light groove. It is a record that proved a gathering of virtuoso musicians also possessed a pop sensibility. From the drive of “Addicted to That Rush” to more melodic songs, the flashiness of the playing and the accessibility do not collide. The technique of Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan — two already known as masters at the time — is stunning, but it never gets in the way of Eric Martin’s singing. Pat Torpey’s precise drumming firmly supports the band’s drive too. Turning individual strength into band drive, it is a highly complete record as a starting point.