Diamond Rio Albums (8)
What The Critics Say
Move over, amateurs, and let Diamond Rio show you how inspirational country is done. The first full-length gospel record from one of the most recognizable and acclaimed country groups is a slam-dunk. Every corner of Nashville should light up about this album. The six-time vocal group of the year has crafted a genuinely timeless album filled with the essence of the men's souls -- their never-fully-masked yet previously underscored belief in God. That's why The Reason has been dubbed "the most personal album they've ever recorded." The decision to finally pursue a faith-based record gave them the freedom to acknowledge their convictions, as only they can. The positive, enriching lyrics of first single "God Is There," "Reaching for Me," and "Into Your Hands" all celebrate the crux of spirituality. Another reason the album conveys a theme of redemption is the return of lead singer Marty Roe's voice. For a period of years prior to recording The Reason, some had noticed that Roe was losing his ability to sing, and the band underwent a period of examining their identity. The return of his voice gave them their final impetus to record a contemporary Christian record, and their combined experience gives listeners a real treat. An album like this makes a crystal-clear distinction between masters of their craft and everybody else. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
'A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 12
Label Word
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What The Critics Say
Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines features the country/pop band performing a variety of holiday favorites. The disc features such well-loved songs as "Winter Wonderland," "Sleigh Ride," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" along with their original composition "The Star Still Shines." This is perfect background music for any Christmas get-together. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The material on Completely by Diamond Rio has two powerful qualities behind it: individuality and positive outlook. With artists as well anchored in the business as Diamond Rio, the musical quality is a given. The real challenge is outdoing yourself and coming up with fresh concepts. The selections on this album seem to be the fruition of that search for musical renewal with unique cuts such as "Wrinkles," co-written by Ronny Scaife and Neil Thrasher. The age-conscious will find this song especially appealing with its fun, hopeful message. Even the pain of "I Believe" is alleviated with spiritual guidance, while "You'll Find Me" reunites a husband and wife on the verge of good-bye. On the instrumental side, Diamond Rio offers "Rural Philharmonic," a fast-paced composition by group member Jimmy Olander. If that Diamond Rio harmony is what you're after, it's here too and is especially powerful on the oxymoronic "Beautiful Mess," though it overpowers some of the lyrics in "The Box." On the whole, Completely marks another musical revival for Diamond Rio. ~ Rick Cohoon, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The key word with Arista Nashville's Diamond Rio is "consistent." This band is probably one of the finest in the business when it comes to developing a sound all its own and maintaining that sound over time. When the sound is as harmonious as Diamond Rio's, a solid album is a given. One More Day remains in the thread of its predecessors; the incredible lead vocals of Marty Roe still float on the breeze of Gene Johnson's mandolin and Jimmy Olander's guitar. The Sunday morning choir harmonies are there too. The title cut, clearly the album's powerhouse cut, has the distinction of occupying the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart more than once. "Stuff" is a fun yet insightful tune about how we tend to measure our success in life by how many material things we accumulate. "Sweet Summer" is the epitome of what songwriting is all about. The essence of time is captured here in reminiscences of running home and getting your money before the ice cream man was gone. Chely Wright appears on the CD as well, sharing vocals on the ballad "I'm Trying." If any flaw can be found here it would be the band's choice not to experiment with new sound, but then again, why tamper with a good thing? ~ Rick Cohoon, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Unbelievable finds Diamond Rio extending the stylistic diversity that marked IV, but this time around, they have a better, more memorable set of songs that makes it their best album in a long time. Diamond Rio are professionals, and that's part of their charm. They can deliver any song smoothly, and make their musical eclecticism easy to swallow. Also, Marty Roe's rich, nuanced vocals make the mediocre material (and there are a couple of weak cuts here and there) sound sweet. It's not perfect, but Unbelievable nevertheless offers proof that Diamond Rio has found a near-irresistible mix of contemporary country and bluegrass. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Love a Little Stronger'
Release Date 1/1/1994
Tracks 10
Label Arista
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Spurred by the relatively lackluster performance of Close to the Edge (it barely went gold compared to the debut's platinum), Diamond Rio explored the musical possibilities of its talents rather than digging for easy commercial success. The instrumentalists, particularly Jimmy Olander and mandolinist Gene Johnson, assume larger roles on songs like "Love a Little Stronger" and the instrumental "Appalachian Dream," but they rarely show off. The band members even tap into an acoustic jazz-rock mode for "Kentucky Mine," one of the best songs they've ever recorded. ~ Brian Mansfield, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On Close to the Edge, Diamond Rio took the cue of the debut's best songs and created an entire album cut from the same cloth. Diamond Rio's strongest material emphasizes the virtues of God, family and honest living -- traditional stuff, no doubt influenced by the members' bluegrass background. But while most folks who'd claim divine intervention in their relationship sound sappy at best, Marty Roe comes off earnest and convincing. Unfortunately, amid hits like "In a Week or Two" and "Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby," Close to the Edge reveals such weaknesses as a penchant for bad puns ("This Romeo ain't got Julie yet"--ouch!). ~ Brian Mansfield, All Music Guide
