Country Songwriter Phil Vassar's Debut Album Was Early Indicator of His Success

Phil Vassar’s voice may be new to country radio, but his words are far from a stranger to the airwaves. Vassar virtually lit the fire for Jo Dee Messina’s flaming success by penning her first two #1 hits, “Bye, Bye” and “I’m Alright”. Country music superstar Tim McGraw, known for his knack at finding hit singles, unearthed a few of Vassar’s treasures including “For a Little While” and “My Next Thirty Years.” 

Vassar has song-writing credits on albums by many other artists such as Alan Jackson, Collin Raye, Blackhawk. It was perhaps because of his stellar song writing history there was such a buzz created in Nashville, that Phil Vassar landed his very own record deal with Arista Records.

And, imagine the gems such an esteemed writer saves for himself when he releases his self-titled debut!

Vassar’s first single “Carlene” is an extremely catchy, upbeat song about a jock and the Valedictorian running into each other 10 years after graduation. (“I was the quarterback in the back of the classes, she was the whiz kid with the horn-rimmed glasses”) With a hint of autobiography, the two play catch up. (“I write songs you probably didn’t know and I finally got a couple out on country radio/ she said, What a switch, ain’t life funny, I gotta Phd. Now I’m modeling for money…”)

Another album highlight is “Just Another Day in Paradise,” an anthem about just how special every day life really is. (“Kid’s screamin’, phone’s ringin, dog’s barking at the mailman bringin’ that stack of bills, overdue, good morning baby how are you….”)