Description
Brad Paisley – 5th Gear – Double Yellow and Blue Vinyl Records
VMP Country Record of the Month for September 2022.
First ever vinyl release of Paisley’s platinum selling 5th album
Lacquers cut by Barry Grint, Alchemy Mastering at AIR
Pressed on exclusive 2LP yellow + blue vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Andrew Winistorfer
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
5th Gear is the fifth studio album by American country music artist Brad Paisley, released on June 19, 2007. This album is one of Paisley’s most commercially successful and critically acclaimed works, featuring a mix of humorous, sentimental, and socially conscious songs that showcase his signature blend of traditional country sounds with modern influences. Known for his exceptional guitar playing, witty lyrics, and storytelling ability, Paisley delivers an album that solidifies his place as one of the leading figures in contemporary country music.
By the time 5th Gear was released, Brad Paisley had already established himself as a major star in country music, with a string of successful albums and hit singles. His previous albums, particularly ‘Mud on the Tires’ (2003) and ‘Time Well Wasted’ (2005), had earned him numerous awards and widespread recognition. Paisley’s blend of traditional country themes with a modern sensibility, along with his virtuosic guitar skills, made him a favorite among both critics and fans.
5th Gear continues in this tradition, offering a mix of humorous songs, heartfelt ballads, and reflections on life and love, all delivered with Paisley’s characteristic charm and technical prowess.
The album features several hit singles that became staples of Paisley’s career, along with deeper cuts that showcase his range as a songwriter and performer.
‘Ticks’ – The lead single from the album, ‘Ticks,’ is a humorous, flirtatious song that became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song is a playful take on country flirtation, with witty lyrics and a catchy, upbeat melody.
‘Online’ – Another humorous track, ‘Online’ satirizes the way people present themselves on social media. The song’s playful lyrics and upbeat tempo are complemented by a fun music video featuring Jason Alexander, William Shatner, and others. It also reached No. 1 on the country charts.
‘Letter to Me’ – A sentimental ballad, ‘Letter to Me’ reflects on the wisdom and perspective that comes with age. In the song, Paisley imagines writing a letter to his younger self, offering advice and encouragement. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes made it a fan favorite and another No. 1 hit.
‘I’m Still a Guy’ – A humorous take on gender roles and masculinity, ‘I’m Still a Guy’ became another chart-topping single. The song playfully addresses the differences between men and women, with Paisley’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a catchy, traditional country sound.
‘It Did’ – A reflective song that looks at how love and life change over time. The song’s simple, heartfelt lyrics and melody make it one of the more introspective tracks on the album.
‘Mr. Policeman’ – A fun, upbeat track with a bluesy influence, ‘Mr. Policeman’ is a story song that tells the tale of a fast driver trying to outrun the law. The song showcases Paisley’s storytelling skills and his ability to infuse humor into his music.
‘Better Than This’ – A mid-tempo love song that reflects on the simple joys of life, ‘Better Than This’ features a warm melody and lyrics that celebrate the contentment found in everyday moments.
‘Throttleneck’ – An instrumental track that highlights Paisley’s exceptional guitar skills, ‘Throttleneck’ is a fast-paced, energetic showcase of his technical prowess and musicality. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
‘Oh Love’ (feat. Carrie Underwood) – A duet with Carrie Underwood, this song is a romantic ballad that blends Paisley’s and Underwood’s voices beautifully. The song’s sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics made it a standout track on the album.
5th Gear is a well-rounded album that captures the essence of Brad Paisley’s style—blending humor, sentimentality, and traditional country themes with a modern twist. The album covers a wide range of topics, from love and relationships to the quirks of modern life and social commentary. Paisley’s witty, often humorous lyrics are balanced by more serious, reflective moments, giving the album a dynamic and engaging feel.
Musically, the album showcases Paisley’s versatility as both a singer and a guitarist. His guitar work, in particular, is a highlight throughout the album, with tracks like ‘Throttleneck’ demonstrating his technical skill and creativity. The production is polished, with a mix of traditional country instrumentation and modern elements that appeal to a broad audience.
5th Gear was a commercial and critical success, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album produced five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, further solidifying Brad Paisley’s status as one of country music’s top stars.
Critically, the album was praised for its balance of humor, heart, and musicianship, with many reviewers highlighting Paisley’s ability to connect with listeners through both his lyrics and his guitar playing. The album’s success helped earn Paisley numerous awards, including several Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards.
5th Gear is considered one of Brad Paisley’s signature albums, showcasing the qualities that have made him one of the most beloved and respected artists in country music. The album’s blend of humor, sentimentality, and technical skill has made it a fan favorite, and its influence can be seen in the work of contemporary country artists who blend traditional and modern elements.
For fans of country music, 5th Gear is an essential listen that captures the essence of Brad Paisley’s artistry and his ability to craft songs that are both entertaining and meaningful. The album remains a highlight in Paisley’s discography and continues to be celebrated for its impact on the genre.
Track Listing
All I Wanted Was A Car
Ticks
Online
Letter To Me
I’m Still A Guy
Some Mistakes
It Did
Mr. Policeman
If Love Was A Plane
Oh Love
Better Than This
With You, Without You
Previously…
Bigger Fish To Fry
When We All Get To Heaven
Throttleneck
Waitin’ On A Woman (Remix)
