As a teenager, country hunk Mark Wills was more fond of Bon Jovi than George Jones and that influence shows on Wish You Were Here. That's not to dismiss his country credentials--those are intact. But the songs on this albu... more »m are infused with a punchy pop sensibility. The instrumentation is sometimes bigger than life, something more akin to stadium rock than country twang. The piano on the title track absolutely soars, and the crisp guitars on the standout track "Emily Harper" provide edge to what might have been merely charming. But despite the sonic heights achieved here, Mark Wills' voice stays on top of the mix. On "Love Is Alive" he trades in his twang for a New Jersey growl, all the more remarkable since he grew up in Georgia. Wondered where he learned that? --Tod Nelson« less
As a teenager, country hunk Mark Wills was more fond of Bon Jovi than George Jones and that influence shows on Wish You Were Here. That's not to dismiss his country credentials--those are intact. But the songs on this album are infused with a punchy pop sensibility. The instrumentation is sometimes bigger than life, something more akin to stadium rock than country twang. The piano on the title track absolutely soars, and the crisp guitars on the standout track "Emily Harper" provide edge to what might have been merely charming. But despite the sonic heights achieved here, Mark Wills' voice stays on top of the mix. On "Love Is Alive" he trades in his twang for a New Jersey growl, all the more remarkable since he grew up in Georgia. Wondered where he learned that? --Tod Nelson
A new Mark Wills fan | Lincoln, Nebraska | 10/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like many others I bought the cd for one song, "Don't laugh at me". I had no idea who Mark Wills even was. After one play thru I new I had picked a winner and it has become one of my favorite cds. Every song on it is great, I'll 'gamble' on another of his cds anytime."
Don't Laugh at Me
Darla | Tallahasse, FL USA | 05/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently attended a youth seminar with around 120 high school sophomores from North Florida. There was a girl there named Jessica. She is deaf. As her talent she signed to the song "Don't laugh at me" The whole room was in tears. It is such an inspirational song. It applies to everyone. I really love it."
ANXIOUSLY WAITING
Darla | 09/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have just started going through my Country phase and have started listening to country music during the day. When I first heard "Wish You Were Here", I waited to hear who the artist was .... and everytime they played the song, never once did I hear the artist's name. I finally called the radio station last week and asked. The DJ thought I was a total idiot because I asked who sang that song. And now that I know, I'm anxiously waiting my CD in the mail. Everytime I hear that song, listening to the words makes me teary-eyed (I'm also a little emotional from being pregnant). When my coworkers ask why I'm so emotional, I try to explain the "hidden meanings" I get out of that song. Do you all think that "this place" is refering to Heaven? The people he sees that she knows say hello,those have to be her family and friends in Heaven???? Such a wonderful song. the other songs are great too. BUY IT!"
"Don't Laugh At Me" - an inspiration!
Cheryl Richardson (www.epeconline.c | Seymour, TN USA | 03/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time my husband heard "Don't Laugh At Me" he was driving down the road. Tears just started pouring down his cheecks. He thought about all the times that people had talked about Megan, his autistic daughter, and laughed at her and called her names. The times she has cried herself to sleep because people were cruel to her because they wouldn't try to understand her or just couldn't understand her. Do you know how it feels to cry yourself to sleep because of other people's tourments? Or are you one of those who get pleasure from other people's pain? This entire cd has wonderful songs with a special message to them. When we need an inspiration to trudge on in our efforts to help Exceptional Parents of Exceptional Children, we listen to "Don't Laugh At Me"!"
The Best!
Derek Shelton | Seattle, WA | 07/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Wish You Were Here", makes you cry, "She's In Love", makes you feel the pain that the singer's going through, "Don't Laugh At Me" makes you think, and "I Do (Cherish You)", makes you smile. For that, i give this album the full 5 stars. Every song on here is a keeper, there's not a bad one in the bunch. After hearing this album, i got to scratch my head at why Mark isn't the biggest star in country music right now. If you like great songs and a breathtaking voice, pick this up!"