Paul Gilbert's "best of" is ironically titled "Paul the Young Dude" and includes Paul's favorites compiled from his last 6 solo albums. Furthermore there are 2 new tracks included I'm Not Afraid Of The Police and The Second Loudest Guitar in the World.

I'm Not Afraid Of The Police has a great signature riff. Paul's vocals are very melodic and the song has extraordinary melodic redeeming elements with cool backing vocals. The ultra melodic song is spiced with very cool guitar playing.

The Second Loudest Guitar In The World starts out as sweet Pop/rock until the chorus where the song turns into a long guitar solo. Amazing fast shredding from Paul Gilbert and somehow I always comes to think of Eruption even though Paul plays faster than Eddie Van Halen on this one.

Furthermore Paul has included some unreleased songs for example a brilliant version of Carole King's I Feel the Earth Move. Chip Z'Nuff and Donnie Vie contributed with a nice pop tune called Girl Crazy and kudos to Paul Gilbert's sense of humor for incorporating Donnie Vie in his own composition Girls who can read Your Mind. The song evolves around a girl that left Paul.

I think of her every day
I know she's probably hanging
out with Donnie Vie
And they're doing more than kissing

Paul's really pets my melodic ear with most of his songs. He may not be the world's greatest singer, but his voice really suits the style. The CD truly displays diverse styles both in Paul's guitar playing and also his diversity in writing songs. The last part of the discs has some live tracks, which I am not too fond of.

As a special treat Paul Gilbert has included a bonus album titled "Gilbert Hotel". It's an all-acoustic CD with a laid back atmosphere. A fantastic cover version of Enuff Z'Nuff's Time to Let You Go definitely deserves a mention because Paul captures the feel of the song and provides excellent harmonies alike the original. Furthermore Paul shows off on the acoustic by playing 2 classic compositions of Bach. Three Times Rana shows Paul love for Beatles-like harmonies and when listening to this all acoustic CD it's unbelievable that Paul just got an acoustic when he should record Mr. Big's smash hit To Be With You.

"Paul The Young Dude" is certainly value for money - a 17 tracks compilation with new tracks and a 10 track bonus disc. Paul Gilbert is a very unpretentious person, which is underlined by his lyrics (listen to Older Guy) and a visit at his homepage. The album really entertains the listener and often puts a smile on your face.

Written by Michael
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Show all reviews by Michael

Ratings

Michael: 7/10

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