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Album Review: Brad Paisley, "Time Well Wasted" (Arista)
Since Brad Paisley ’s 1999 debut, fans have come to expect three things from him: a sly sense of humor, stirring vocals and nimble, impressive guitar work. All three characteristics abound on Paisley’s best effort to date, "Time Well Wasted."
The album showcases 10 Paisley-penned tunes, as well as collaborations with Alan Jackson ("Out in the Parking Lot," an ode to tailgating at concerts), Dolly Parton (the weeper "When I Get Where I’m Going") and a collection of Grand Ole Opry members on the bonus track "Cornography."
He kicks off "Time Well Wasted" with "The World," in which he opts for the humorous side of a love affair, but the album gives equal time to "She’s Everything," one of the few serious love songs that Paisley has written. On a side note, "The World" doubles as a vehicle to show off his guitar work, which is magical and inspiring.
"Alcohol" is one of the best odes to liquor since the Barenaked Ladies’ song of the same name. The intoxicatingly hooky song, which serves as the album's first single, is driven home by a massive singalong at the end.
"Easy Money" possesses stellar guitar work, sharp humor and sweet vocals. It tells the story of Paisley making his way from a roofer to national touring star. "We’re laughing all the way to the bank / ’cause it all just seems so funny / a bunch of guys like us / in a big tour bus / making that easy money."
Paisley couldn’t have chosen a better title for his album. Listening to the set is definitely time well wasted.
