Top 10 Mr. Big Songs

Photo: Plamen Agov • studiolemontree.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our top 10 Mr. Big Songs looks at the song of a great 90s rock band fueled by the brilliant musicianship of four superstar musicians who could play their hearts out. Led by the superior bass talents of superstar bassist Billy Sheehan, Mr. Big was not just your typical 80s and 90 glam rock band. These guys balanced brilliant musicianship with a cast of great rock songs delivered with that very addictive glam metal sound that was so popular during the 80s and 90s. On guitar was the extraordinary Paul Gilbert who was one of the most respected and best shredding rock guitarists in the business and former member of the killer band Racer X. Teamed up with Billy Sheehan on bass, Gilbert and Sheehan could tear it up on a level beyond almost every other rock band out there.

At the time Billy Sheehan had gained great popularity as the bassist in the David Lee Roth Band after David Lee Roth split from Van Halen. Sheehan’s work in that band with Steve Vai on guitar was the stuff of legend. However, his work with Paul Gilbert in Mr. Big along with Pat Torpey on drums and Eric Martin on vocals would only help cement his legacy as one of rock’s all-time great bass players. Our Top 10 Mr. Big songs take a listen to ten of their finest recordings.

# 10 – Nothing But Love

This one was really interesting. The song begins with a very Beatlesque string arrangement that, of course, explodes into a huge-sounding arrangement in which all members are playing up to eleven if you know what I mean. The song “Nothing but Love” was featured on the band’s 1993 album entitled Bump Ahead. Nothing but Love” was written by Paul Gilbert. I love watching Billy Sheehan singing backing vocals in the video.

# 9 – Green Tinted Sixties Mind

In the number eight spot on our Mr. Big songs list is the great track “Green Tinted Sixties Mind.” The song was released on their 1991 album, Lean Into It. The song was also written by Paul Gilbert, proving to the world how much of a talented songwriter he was as well as one of the most outstanding guitarists in the rock music scene.

# 8 – Had Enough

We couldn’t pass this one up. The song “Had Enough” opens up with a stunning bass solo by Billy Sheehan. The man is one of the best ever in rock and roll history. As the bass solo fades out, the song slowly fades in, becoming one of the band’s epic pieces. Paul Gilbert delivers a stirring solo in the middle of the track, proving why he is also one of the best in the business. “Had Enough was released on the band’s debut album titled Mr. Big.

# 7 – Shine

We picked this wonderful song, “Shine” because It has one of those choruses that just makes you feel good. The song was released on the band’s album entitled Actual Size. The album was released in 2001. The song would be the band’s last single to chart as it was a big hit in Japan peaking at number four. The song “Shine” was written by Richie Kotzen and Richie Zito.

# 6 – Take Cover

The song “Take Cover” opens with some roaring drum playing by Pat Torpey. The guitar lick creates an air of anticipated excitement as one can hear this song building to what you know will be a slam-dunk chorus. The song was composed by Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, and Andre Pessis and released on the band’s fourth album, Hey Man.

# 5 – Undertow

In the fourth spot on our top 10 Mr. Big songs is the great song “Undertow.” The song was released on Mr. Big’s seventh studio album, What If… This is a powerful, heavy cut yet also has almost a progressive rock sound. We really dig the harmonies in the pre-chorus. The song’s chorus will blow your mind.

# 4 – Just Take My Heart

In the number three spot on our top 10 Mr. Big songs list is the track called “Just Take My Heart.: The song was featured on the band’s fourth album entitled Lean Into It. The song “Just Take My Heart” became a top 20 hit for the band peaking at number sixteen on the US Billboard Hot 100. This video is so precious. Eric Martin takes this one to an entirely new level.

# 3 – Wild World

Yes, I know this one sounds very familiar. It was very cool to hear Mr. Big covering the legendary Cat Stevens song “Wild World.” Cat Stevens had a huge hit with this song in the early ’70s. Mr. Big puts its own spin of classy glam metal to this wonderful song. The band nails it well. The band released the song in 1993 on their Bump Ahead album. The song became a top 10 hit for the group peaking at number twenty seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 2 – To Be With You

Now we are pretty sure you know this one. In the tradition of many 80s metal bands like Extreme, Poison, and so many others, Mr. Big released a big-sounding rock ballad filled with luscious harmonies and good time camaraderie. It’s the type of huge rock ballad that audiences fell in love with in the 1980s and early 90s. How could you not love this one? The band’s biggest hit of their career featured Eric Martin on lead vocals, Paul Gilbert on acoustic guitar, handclaps, and backing vocals, Billy Sheehan on bass guitar, handclaps, bass drum, and backing vocals, and Pat Torpey on tambourine, bass drum, handclaps, and backing vocals. The song “To Be With You” went all the way to number one on the Billboard Top 100.

# 1 – Addicted to That Rush

Closing out our top 10 Mr. Big songs list is the sensational track “Addicted to That Rush” from Mr. Big’s self-titled album. We wish the band woudl have released more songs like this because it really showed off the out-of-world musical skills of the band. Billy Sheehan is playing as he did in the David Lee Roth Band and on his solo albums. The man is a monster. Standing right next to him and holding his own and then some, is the very underrated brilliant guitarist Paul Gilbert, who is simply one of the best in the business.Pat Torpey is destroying the drum set with his powerful skillset while Eric Martin’s sensational vocals bring it all home. Welcome to the sounds of Mr. Big