Mr.Big
Hey Man!

For many bands, the third album is the most important. However, I consider this fourth album by Mr. Big as their best work.

A fusion of rock, hard rock, metal, and pop that is truly remarkable. With the excellent 'Hey Man!', the playful and fun atmospheres of the already great "Lean into It" are forgotten.

Naturally, praise for the band abounds, composed of true phenomena on their respective instruments: Paul Gilbert uses his guitar with a taste and musical intelligence that is truly above standard, and he is also one of the best backing vocalists I have ever heard. Sheehan, I don't think I'm exaggerating, is one of the best bassists in the world, and it shows and sounds like it. Eric Martin has a unique vocal timbre. Pat Torpey does a decent job, the right work behind the skins. And it's a surprise to hear the album start with a piano intro: "Trapped in Toyland" is one of their best songs, but the list of gems from this album continues relentlessly with "Take Cover": almost melancholic, yet captivating.

And the rhythm of "Jane Done" is captivating, while a special mention goes to "Going Where the Wind Blows". We're not at the level of "To Be With You", but it is a mature ballad and perhaps the best ballad written by these four guys. It continues with the slow "The Chain", less exciting than the previous one but very enjoyable. The energy returns with "Where Do I Fit In?" and "If That's What It Takes", truly excellent. "Out of the Underground", "Dancin' Right Into the Flame", "Mama D.", "Fool Us Today" encapsulate the same essence of the previous tracks: energy, melody, originality among distorted and acoustic sounds, and excellent vocal solutions from a Martin who would never again replicate at such levels. The last true gem from this band that couldn't repeat itself, not even as solo artists. And with this album, Mr. Big probably said everything they had to say.

A summary of their three previous albums, but it possesses its own personality almost detached from its predecessors. Inspiration that Mr. Big would not find again, not even with Kotzen, until their farewell.