Customer Reviews

Darryl Worley

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For some reason, Darryl Worley has yet to obtain the spotlight as have other talented singer/songwriter traditionalists, such as Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley. Not to fear, though--Worley doesn't seemed too concerned about his lack of recognition. In fact, it's downright ironic that his self-titled release is his best yet--not only did he write/cowrite most of the tunes on here, but this is a better representation of his live material than his other three albums.

Known primarily for "Have You Forgotten?" and "I Miss My Friend," Worley's best material has always been those upbeat, swinging, make-you-smile numbers. Take the not-too-sublte "Was It Good For You," or the tongue-in-cheek "I Love Her, She Hates Me" ("and I drink"). Yet, there's enough heart on here to last you a lifetime--"If Something Should Happen" will move you to tears in its honest portrayal of a man facing possible death. "Find Me" is a plea from a man who's almost given up. "What Makes a Man Do That" ponders how the unverse of love revolves, while Worley's own "Whistle Dixie" is yet another look at a man's mortality...with a more gospel edge. "Wake Up America" is a lament of the destruction of small towns across America.

Not that this album is without its flaws, of course--"Work and Worry" is a bit TOO lighthearted and frisky, while "Better Than I Deserve," while an honest country song, is a bit cliched. However, on the whole, DARRYL WORLEY is a terrific country music album. Produced by Frank Rogers (who's made a name for himself with such artists as Brad Paisley, Trent Willmon, and Josh Turner), and featuring some of Worley's best vocal deliveries and songwriting chops, this album is not only the best of Worley's career so far, but one of the best albums to come out this year. Caution, though: this is only for those of you who enjoy your country music raw and uninhibited. You pop-leaning fans need not apply.

The self-titled album, "Darryl Worley" does a wonderful job at highlighting Darryl's talent as a singer/songwriter. From the opening song, an upbeat, toe tapping, "Awful Beautiful Life", to the final song, "Whistle Dixie", with it's wonderful opening harmonies, "Darryl Worley" serves up a remarkable collection of songs. "If It Hadn't Been For Love" illustrates a different perspective of love gone wrong. "I Love Her, She Hates Me" features Earl, lamenting his lost wife, while "Was It Good For You" puts a smile on your face asking the million dollar question that most people are afraid to ask. The poignant "If Something Should Happen" tells of a man facing his own mortality.
Each song on the album showcases Darryl's rich voice and evokes a wide range of emotions from it's listeners. I would highly recommend this album.

I have all of Darryl Worley's previous work because I like the way he puts real life and real emotions into a song. This latest music does that and then some. Every song could easily be a single. If you want to hear songs put to some great music that talk about what most of our lives are really about, get this CD. Like real life, you get to experience through this work, the saddest of times and the happierst of times. You will also smile a lot when you hear songs like Was It Good For You and I Love Her, She Hates Me, I Drink. This is a must have for country music fans.

Country music's foundation has always been a reflection of life whether it is positive and joyous or dark and foreboding. Meaningless upbeat music has its place, but it does not define what makes country music great. Darryl Worley's newest self titled release harkens back to country music of days gone by and should be lauded for that alone.

The first track (and single release) "Awful Beautiful Life," is an upbeat yet non-sugarcoated comment on living a grateful existence no matter what the circumstances. The heartfelt and introspective "If Something Should Happen," artfully conveys the fear and concern a man has for his family as he faces life- threatening surgery. The blues-tinged "Work and Worry, " follows with an important message that life is too short to be wasted on such things. Countless songs have been written on the search for love. "Find Me" is worth mentioning for its simplicity and the chance to hear Darryl's' often overlooked yet flawless vocals. "Wake Up America" is a haunting merciless tune with a very important message on the tragedy of America's drug culture and its far-reaching effect on "any-town" America. Worley concludes this refreshingly traditional compilation with a self-penned song of jubilation about life and death in the south complete with a gospel flavored back-up choir. Don't pass by this splendid effort.

If you are unfortunately not yet a Darryl Worley fan, you most certainly WILL be after hearing his newest CD, "Darryl Worley"! Once again, the heart and soul of the best and truest voice in country music today are shown in the words and music of this CD. Darryl crones slower songs, like "Find Me", in his mellow, pure baritone, and your pulse rate rises. And you'd have to be unconscious to keep from some clapping and foot stomping with "Awful Beautiful Life". I can't name one song on this CD that is not worth a good listen to, and for anyone who loves the TRUE, PURE sound of REAL country music, "Darryl Worley" is a MUST to have!

Darryl Worley is an AMAZING songwriter and singer who has never been given his just dues. This albums proves more than any of his previous endeavours, that he is among the best in the business. "Awful, Beautiful Life", "I Love Her, She Hates Me", "Better Than I Deserve" and "Whistle Dixie" are all worthy of serious radio play. Thank God for artists like Darryl and Rodney Crowell who aren't afraid to go against the grain and sing music about REAL life, not just make believe "everything is peachy" B.S. that everyone else is recording these days.

Darryl Worley's self-titled CD for Dreamworks is my introduction to the singer. Good reviews and a bargain used price induced me to take a chance on the disc. Darryl's sound is mainstream Nashville country. "If Something Should Happen" is a standout track with the singer worried about a potentially fatal disease and its effect on his children. It's an emotionally laden track with great appeal. My favorite track on the CD is the Mike Henderson/Chris Stapleton penned "If It Hadn't Been Love." The melody has a catchy hook and a great sense of urgency as it gradually dawns on us that the singer is imprisoned for the murder of his love, "If it hadn't been for love, I never woulda loaded up a forty four & put myself behind a jailhouse door if it hadn't been for love." Other tracks like the slow-song "If I Could Tell the Truth" & the country boogie "Work & Worry" are good. Enjoy!

This is darrly worleys best cd yet... i listen to it everyday! i used to like not like country but then i heard " awfull beautifull life " and i fell in love. hehe. now i love counrty music because of darryl worley. all songs on the cd are GREAT, if you dont have it i sugest that you GET IT! its GrEaT!!!
-:Shannon:-

This album shines a bright light on traditional, down-a-dirt-road, cane-pole-in-hand country music. Its authentic and one of the best albums to emerge off Music Row in the last year. Darryl Worley has evolved from story teller, to patriot, and is fast becoming a leading man. The final cut, Whistle Dixie, composed & written by Worley is the most organic cut on the record. When this song hits the airwaves it will rival Garth Brooks' The Dance for impact on the listener.

Awful, Beautiful Life reminds us to be thankful for each day. The uptempo tune climbed all the way to number one. Hopefully the next release, If Something Should Happen, will get as much airplay. The perspective in this song is really self-reflective and brutally honest about what a good man thinks when he's hit with hard times.

The romping Was It Good For You will leave weak knees from Nashville to every small town in the country. The romantic Find Me highlights Worley's ability to connect with just about any country listener.

Worley & Frank Rogers have produced a real gem. Worley's songwriting and voice are destined for country music legend.

I own this album, and enjoy every song on it. Even if the songs were not good (but they all are)Darryl's voice and style would make anything sound good. He is a talented songwriter, singer, and performer who does not get enough credit from the critics and reviewers. I highly recommend this to all.