Paul Brandt Albums (9)
What The Critics Say
Canadian country star Paul Brandt marks a decade in the genre with this record, one that has a bit more risk and as a result, a bit more reward than anticipated. Although there are the radio-friendly country-meets-pop tunes such as the opening "Didn't Even See the Dust," the artist is able to take these songs for an enjoyable and breezy summer ride. However, it's the lengthy fade out which seems to drag the effort down slightly. The singer, however, has much better luck with "The Little Space Between" which is a bit more concise and leaner. From there the artist delivers the standard three-minute, quasi-Southern and rather groovy "Come On & Get Some" which brings to mind the likes of Big & Rich or Montgomery Gentry. Meanwhile, "Virtual Life" is a rather safe look at contemporary life and all of its gadgetry and "That's Worth Fighting For" is a large, orchestral-tinged power ballad that would give Tim McGraw a run for his money. The title track meanwhile is probably the prettiest sounding track of the dozen as Brandt doesn't seem to force the string-laced song into his natural country niche. The song that seems to be the biggest disappointment might be the lengthy and somewhat draggy "Hold On (Love Will Find You)" that never truly evolves into anything grand. Fortunately a song such as the gentle and melodic "Scars Are Beautiful" shows the better side of Brandt's work. The same can certainly be said on the tender closer "Out Here on My Own." ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide
'What I Want to be Remembered For'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 12
Label WEA/Warner
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
For the second time in his career, Canadian country neo-traditionalist, or former neo-traditionalist Paul Brandt issues a Christmas recording. The reason for the comment "former" in front of neo-traditionalist is because here on A Gift, his opening read of "Let It Snow," would be more at home on a Louis Prima or Brian Setzer record with a huge horn section and a string orchestra to match. The tune swings in beat fashion with only an upright piano and a pedal steel to remind the listener that Brandt's supposed to be a country singer, though to be fair, his voice betrays this as well. The title cut brings us back to earth, however, and offers the listener renewed proof as to why Brandt is one of the best country singers in the business. He's up there with George Strait, Ronnie Dunn, and Randy Travis. In fact, the title track is so moving it's almost worth the purchase price by itself. Other tracks don't fare so well. "White Christmas" just doesn't cut it, and it's not his fault; there are so many fine readings of this it's tough to find one that makes it in the big leagues. The bluesy, funky reading of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is original and fine, and the track "Christmas Convoy" should never have been thought of, let alone recorded. "Mary Did You Know," and "Hands" are gorgeous, though. So A Gift is a mixed bag, but there are certainly cuts here for anyone's Christmas compilation. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Paul Brandt left Reprise after his 1999 album That's the Truth, and he spent the next five years in the wilderness. He signed with BMG Canada and released two albums -- 2000's What I Want to Be Remembered For and 2001's live Small Towns and Big Dreams -- before he managed to get another contract in the States. He finally resurfaced on Orange, a subsidiary of Universal, in the fall of 2004, and with the new label came an opportunity to redefine himself and reinvigorate his career, and he seized it, writing or co-writing every song on the album apart from the opening cover of "Convoy," which all too faithfully mimics C.W. McCall's original. While it's entertaining, it starts the album on an awkward foot, but things straighten out quickly with "Leavin'," an arena rock-influenced ballad whose echoed guitars echo U2 quite heavily. This is a brooding, intense number that finds Brandt stretching himself and succeeding, and while more of the album could have benefited from going as dark as this, he takes other risks on the record, such as the swaggering, vaudevillian "The King" and assured, anthemic title track. These songs are sly fusions of contemporary country and '80s modern rock, and show that Brandt is developing a distinctive voice. Unfortunately, the rest of the album isn't quite as adventurous, as it's devoted nearly entirely to ballads. Many of these ballads happen to be fairly good, but they tend to sound a little samey, and would have sounded better if there weren't quite as many on the record. Even if there are a few too many ballads, This Time Around is still a successful return to the spotlight for Brandt, and one that points him in the right direction. Hopefully, he'll follow this path even further next time around. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'A Paul Brandt Christmas: Shall I Play For You'
Release Date 8/10/1999
Tracks 10
Label Reprise
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What The Critics Say
Paul Brandt's A Paul Brandt Christmas: Shall I Play For You? features a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday tunes as well as guest artists like Union Station, who appear on "The Way In A Manger" and "What Child Is This." Terri Clark collaborates with Brandt on "Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy," and Kim Richey appears on "Run Run Rudolph." Brandt's renditions of "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," "The Little Drummer Boy" and others round out this holiday collection. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Reprise released the title track of Paul Brandt's third album as a single months before the full disc appeared, in an attempt to re-ignite radio interest in the singer. But like all his singles and radio tracks since the two country Top Tens that launched his career in 1996, "That's The Truth" was a disappointment, which did not help set up the subsequent album. The song, co-written by Brandt, is a lyrically confused effort that starts out excoriating politicians and lawyers before settling into romantic cliché. After it's out of the way, Brandt turns to simpler, more conventional country sentiments, from the wedding song "It's A Beautiful Thing" to the unrequited love of "That Hurts." "Scrap Piece Of Paper" is an entertaining novelty in a honky-tonk style, but the big surprise is Brian Setzer's typically rockabilly/jump blues-tinged "Let's Live It Up," which is given a Western Swing treatment and could be a left-field hit. Certainly, it's time to take chances in Brandt's faltering career. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Paul Brandt's second album, Outside the Frame, is a successful continuance of the neo-traditionalist formula that made his debut, Calm Before the Storm, such a success. Again working with producer Josh Leo, Brandt finds the middle ground between traditional honky tonk and contemporary country pop and while the songwriting is occasionally uneven, the conviction and passion of the performances make the weaker moments glide by. All in all, the album -- from the ballad "What's Come Over You" and the rocker "Yeah!" to "A Little in Love" -- proves that Brandt is one of the better mainstream contempoary country vocalists of the late '90s. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Calm Before the Storm'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 10
Label Reprise
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Paul Brandt's debut Calm Before the Storm introduces a neo-traditionalist singer/songwriter of considerable potential, with an ability to skillfully bridge vintage honky tonk with a contemporary country sound; along with the chart-topping "I Do," the album also includes the much-acclaimed "My Heart Has a History," Brandt's first Top Five hit. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
