Worley's self-titled effort begins optimistically enough with "Awful Beautiful Life," a microcosm of life's joys, frustrations, and sorrows that he co-wrote with Harley Allen. It and the throwaway "Was It Good for You" cov... more »er the upbeat side. Otherwise, this is a dour, dark collection fraught with shattered relationships, occasional violence, death, and alcohol-soaked pessimism. The album's war song, "If Something Should Happen," personalizes overseas troops' anxiety about family at home. Clever arrangements mesh with Worley's flawless performances, particularly the sparse New Orleans-flavored "Work and Worry," a clever cautionary about laboring oneself into the grave. "If It Hadn't Been For Love," the lament of a stalker who went too far, is both lyrically and musically foreboding. Worley clearly doesn't see patriotism merely in terms of flag-waving. He co-wrote "Wake Up America," which graphically laments small-town America's raging hard-drug epidemic. Given radio's continuing obsession with upbeat, flippant fluff, it's to his credit he eschewed rose-colored glasses to focus on what Porter Wagoner once called "The Cold Hard Facts of Life." --Rich Kienzle« less
Worley's self-titled effort begins optimistically enough with "Awful Beautiful Life," a microcosm of life's joys, frustrations, and sorrows that he co-wrote with Harley Allen. It and the throwaway "Was It Good for You" cover the upbeat side. Otherwise, this is a dour, dark collection fraught with shattered relationships, occasional violence, death, and alcohol-soaked pessimism. The album's war song, "If Something Should Happen," personalizes overseas troops' anxiety about family at home. Clever arrangements mesh with Worley's flawless performances, particularly the sparse New Orleans-flavored "Work and Worry," a clever cautionary about laboring oneself into the grave. "If It Hadn't Been For Love," the lament of a stalker who went too far, is both lyrically and musically foreboding. Worley clearly doesn't see patriotism merely in terms of flag-waving. He co-wrote "Wake Up America," which graphically laments small-town America's raging hard-drug epidemic. Given radio's continuing obsession with upbeat, flippant fluff, it's to his credit he eschewed rose-colored glasses to focus on what Porter Wagoner once called "The Cold Hard Facts of Life." --Rich Kienzle
"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."
"Darryl Worley" - Well worth a listen
Sundownred | 07/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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.
"
Darryl Worley At His Best
Wanda Keith | Gainesville,GA. USA | 07/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Darryl does not disappoint
Brian Mumpower | 12/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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.
"
Darryl Does It Again!
Blue October | Hastings, NE USA | 11/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"