Their second effort................... ~~"Close to the Edge"

Close to the Edge

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 Their second effort..................., 2004-04-22

This is the record that almost killed Diamond Rio, if I remember correctly. Didn't sell as good as their first; only had one hit that warranted inclusion on their GREATEST HITS ("In a Week Or Two," still one of the most powerful country singles of all time). But really, I don't know why this CD didn't do as well; sure, it wasn't as good as the first, and it certainly isn't the best the Rio boys had to offer us; but it's pretty damn good all the same.

"Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby," "It Does Get Better Than This," and the title track get a little cloying after a while, but it's all good. "Sawmill Road" is a powerful number about three friends who grew up together, and got seperated by the whims of fate. "Calling All Hearts" has a whistful quality for world piece that, though hopeless and cliche, still gets to you. "This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet" is not only a pun, but a good little rocker. "I Was Meant to Be With You" is again cliched, but still listenable. "Old Weakness" is a traditional number (one of the few "traditional country" songs the Rio boys have covered), with "Demons and Angels" being a moving look at a man stuck in the midst of an internal crisis, and "Nothing in this World" a listenable (though not outstanding) song about eternal love.

Yeah, that probably sounds like a bad review. It's not, though. Diamond Rio has never been big on the songwriting end (although, as the years progressed, they did develop better selection skills). Instead, they rely on their expert musicianship, and Marty Roe's stellar voice.

The Rio boys are the six best musicians currently in Nashville. This album isn't their best, but it's still a must-have for someone wanting to know who Diamond Rio is. It's a classic, whether sales justify that or not.

Reviewed By AEQFYOI6YJ83Z

This review was cited from Amazon.ca.

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