MR. BIG – Get Over It (1999 Atlantic)
Mr. Big broke up in 1996, and reformed in 1999 without Paul Gilbert. It wasn’t personal; he just wasn’t available. He was working with a revamped Racer X, and his solo albums were popular in Japan. In a stroke of genius, Mr. Big tapped a contemporary of Gilbert from his Shrapnel records days — Richie Kotzen. Kotzen, like Mr. Big, was popular, could shred, and could write commercial music. Kotzen has a distinct soul/blues vibe that he introduced to Mr. Big along with his own vocals.
The resultant Mr. Big album, Get Over It, was an amalgam of the two artists. Different, but still a good fit. Leadoff track “Electrified” is almost like a new band, based on the quality of the old. Kotzen, like Gilbert, can shred – check out “Hiding Place”. He just does it with more blues. He also sings co-lead vocals on “Static”, the only Kotzen solo writing credit. With him and Eric Martin in the same band, you get two of the most soulful hard rockers on Earth in one place at one time!
The song that, in past days, would have been the “bit hit” is a track called “Superfantastic”. This campfire rock track recalls the good old days, but the bluesy stuff is more interesting. Kotzen pours on the slide for “A Rose Alone”, which sounds like an old Shaw/Blades tune. “Try to Do Without It” is a delightful confection of soul and bluesy guitar.
Get Over It lacks in one way. Mr. Big albums are usually peppered with many unforgettable standout tracks throughout. Get Over It only has a handful of those, stacked near the beginning. It’s an enjoyable listen throughout, with no dull or skipable moments, but it’s missing those high points. The songs you remember for days after. Instead, Get Over It plays like cool bluesy (and sometimes funky) background CD.
3.25/5 stars
mikeladano.com 
Never heard any of this album at all. I dunno i kinda lost interest with them on the previous album and than they broke up..yada yada…
Amazing thing is in 1999 they still had a major record label…
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I think it was probably a one album shot. The best of pretty much indicated that the original contract was over. And then the next album (Actual Size) seemed to only get released in Japan!
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Makes sense…
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Richie was a nice add, as he always is. I don’t think he slept with anyone’s wife this time around! :-)
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No kidding eh! At least he married her later on. That must have really stuck in Rikki’s craw though….
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I have to relisten to this since it’s been a while and get back to u. I’m on a Aerosmith kick lately. Just now listening to Rocks and it does rock.
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I was just listening to Draw the Line. Man that’s an album!
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No way! That’s the one listened before Rocks…
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I really like this album. It has a bluesy groove. And Eric’s voice is so cool. Sounds like they are having fun jamming. It’s so fun to hear Billy’s bass and Ritchie’s guitar taking turns in soloing not forgetting Pat. I had forgotten how much I used to love this band and still do. I can’t help but smile and sing and play a little air guitar along these tracks. What a cool band.
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I had that feeling when listening to a mid-career oasis album the other day (Heathen Chemistry) – nothing skippable, but missing the late-album highs of previous records
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