Twangy, steeped in Haggardesque melodies and vocal turns, and often raggedy in execution, Darryl Worley's sophomore album should send fans of honest-to-God country searching for the nearest skywriter. The melancholy true-l... more »ife title tune is a big hit, and deservedly so, but there's lots more to sample. Yes, the kickoff tune, "Tennessee River Run," borrows so much from Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochie" that he ought to get royalties. And yes, Worley includes a couple of too-soft targets--Stephen Dale Jones's heart-tugging "POW 369" and "Spread a Little Love Around," a tune so syrupy ("Throw the ball for Rover") it could give family values a bad name. But "Back Where I Belong," so evocative of Haggard's homesick ballads and punctuated by pedal-steel tears, is the very heart of country music. Don't miss the myriad of deft instrumental touches--the chicken-pickin' guitar on the irresistible "Callin' Caroline" or the mournful fiddle intro on "The Least That You Can Do." Worley, who wrote much of the material, didn't get the kudos his 2000 debut warranted. Let's hope this one makes up for it. --Alanna Nash« less
Twangy, steeped in Haggardesque melodies and vocal turns, and often raggedy in execution, Darryl Worley's sophomore album should send fans of honest-to-God country searching for the nearest skywriter. The melancholy true-life title tune is a big hit, and deservedly so, but there's lots more to sample. Yes, the kickoff tune, "Tennessee River Run," borrows so much from Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochie" that he ought to get royalties. And yes, Worley includes a couple of too-soft targets--Stephen Dale Jones's heart-tugging "POW 369" and "Spread a Little Love Around," a tune so syrupy ("Throw the ball for Rover") it could give family values a bad name. But "Back Where I Belong," so evocative of Haggard's homesick ballads and punctuated by pedal-steel tears, is the very heart of country music. Don't miss the myriad of deft instrumental touches--the chicken-pickin' guitar on the irresistible "Callin' Caroline" or the mournful fiddle intro on "The Least That You Can Do." Worley, who wrote much of the material, didn't get the kudos his 2000 debut warranted. Let's hope this one makes up for it. --Alanna Nash
"If you know who Darryl Worley is then you know this is a much anticipated and notch UP on ladder for DW's music and a MUST have and BUY!!! If you are new to DW's music and know not one iota about DW and his style, well then allow me to share with you that I MISS MY FRIEND {IMMF} is not only Traditional country music at its best, but also innovative music for this genre! EACH song on DW's album offers very REAL, down home feelings and expressions and above all RELATABLE songs, that will make you want tear up the dance floor with their catchy tunes and mixes! Or you may just be motivated to listen to it over and over while quietly sipping a favorite beverage!! Whatever your pleasure, DW serves it up above and beyond on this OUTSTANDING second album! My personal favorites, are cuts 1 through 12!!! (~_*)"
I miss my friend
Carina | Chicago Il. area | 01/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Country music always gets to the core of a listeners heart. I get chocked up when I listen to country songs that come from the heart, with a story to tell. But got so emotional when I listened to "I miss my friend" that I cried there was'nt enough kleenex left when it was over. Any one with a true love, can relate to the emotional message in this song."
Keepin' it country!
DanD | 07/24/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Darryl Worley showed us what he was all about with his debut "Hard Rain Don't Last." Now he's back with another album..and he's still singing what he sings best.The album kicks off with "Tennessee River Run", a song simply described as "fun." The title track is a tear-jerked of a lost loved one...take it however you want. "Family Tree" is maybe a little soft, but it does bring a smile to your face. "Back Where I Belong" is a classic country song of going home, but, of course, this one stands out from all the others. "The Least That You Can Do" will, without a doubt, make you feel for the narrator. "I Built This Wall" tells of the chains we bind ourselves with, most often without even knowing it. "Spread A Little Love Around" tells us to get out and be happy...and, consequently, we'll make others happy. Probably the best song on here (it would have to tie with "I Miss My Friend") is "POW 369." It is a song that we need in this day and age; show the respect your veterans deserve.Worley co-wrote seven of the album's songs. A man of great talent (not to mention height!), he's bringing his heart and soul to you with his music. Listen to this CD, and you'll know Darryl Worley inside and out. And that is something worth knowing."
Good Country Music
Brian Mumpower | 08/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The often scruffy, Darryl Worley has released his sophomore effort and country music traditionalists everywhere are smiling. "I Miss My Friend" is one of the best releases of 2002, and should place Worley as a permanent fixture in country music. Darryl's velvety voice and writing talents leave no doubt that a promising career lies ahead. From the first note of the lively Tennessee River Run, the listener can expect a satisfying musical experience. It is clear that each tune has been carefully selected. This is the best mix of toe-tapers, ballads and slow dance music in recent memory. I Miss My Friend (currently in the Billboard Top 5), a tearjerker that almost anyone can identify with, and the similarly moving and patriotic POW 369, re-enforces Darryl's mastery of conveying emotion. The Opportunity of A Lifetime, is a beautiful love ballad, and an instant slow dance classic. Back Where I Belong is obviously a very personal anthem full of loving memories of home. As with any classic country music album, there must be a tune about the loss of the perfect soul mate. I Wouldn't Mind the Shackles, fits the bill. The back-woods sound of Family Tree is a fun experience emphasizing the importance of family over finance. Anyone would have a hard time sitting still while listening to the co-written Calling Caroline. The closing song Where You Think You're Going' is infused with cute phrases like "honey bunch," "sweet cheeks, and sugar puddin'," that take the edge off of the fact that this is about a woman who has called it quits on the relationship. Darryl's southern drawl is simply irresistible and so is this CD."