Over the last few years, Lee Ann Womack and Chely Wright have done their best to get Nashville back on track, but its been quite a while since a male country newcomer was truly country. Songs like "Who Needs Pictures," "Sleepin' on the Foldout," and "It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway" would not have been out of place among Ernest Tubb's repertoire. The tasteful remake of gospel standard "In the Garden" is a welcome addition that seems impossible to imagine as a track on a Dixie Chicks or Faith Hill CD.

Even Brad's appearance is a happy throwback to country's better era. On the cover, his ten-gallon hat fits naturally unlike the Coca-Cola Cowboy style seen on so many of his contemporaries. His hair is refreshingly short, and he doesn't appear to be seeking the hunk status that populates so many sleazy videos these days. It's his music that he's selling because it stands by itself far better than the rocking sounds of Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, and so many of the other clones.

It looks like George Strait, Randy Travis, and Clint Black have a new member of their genuine country club, and Minne Pearl and Roy Acuff can rest peacefully again. Brad Paisley is bringing country back!

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


Who Needs Pictures  Dec 09, 1999 By Nancy Meither
I first saw Brad in May of this year in Cincinnati, OH, at the Taste of Cincinnati in a free concert. Needless to say, after seeing his performance I went out and bought the CD the next day. Every single cut is fantastic. His musical abilities are tremendous. Not only can he sing, but he can write and pick a mean guitar. His humor is welcome in these troubled times. More artists need to follow his lead and lighten up. I have seen Brad in concert four more times and each time it only reinforces my belief that he will be the "George Strait of the next millenium". He also takes time to talk with his fans and asks for their opinions. He is definitely here to stay and the country music world is a much better place!

11 of 12 found the following review helpful:


A Truly Great CD From A Truly Great Performer  Feb 01, 2000 By A Reader and Fan of Bruce and Seth Hall
Brad Paisley is The Best thing to happen to country music in a long time! Brad is an excellent singer/songwriter/musician, a great all around entertainer! Brad's debut CD "Who Needs Pictures," is awesome, a must have CD! Every song on the CD is great! My personal favorites are "Who Needs Pictures," "He Didn't Have To Be(which hit #1! )," "Holdin' On To You," "We Danced," "Cloud Of Dust," and you've never heard, "In The Garden," until you've heard Brad sing it! I like the ballads, but I like the up tempo songs also, they're really great! I have seen Brad in concert twice, and met him twice, and Brad is a really nice guy who really cares about his fans! I wish Brad all the success in the world, and I just know Brad will become a household name...so watch out Garth, Alan and George! :-)

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


Watch Out!  Dec 19, 1999 By Erich Rudis
I first heard Brad Paisley on CMT in the video "Who needs pictures". I had a feeling about him. I bought this CD with mixed emotions. I would have to say that this is one of the best CD's that i own. He has a wonderful sound and his songs are true to the heart. I think that he is going to become another household name along with George, Alan, and Garth. I think that he is one of the best newcomers so far and i would not be surprised if he does even better.

See all 74 customer reviews on Amazon.com