I made Maggie listen to “One More Day” (or “Stuff,” rather. :-P) when I first got it. “Awesome chords,” was all she could say. Either she was speechless because of the sheer beauty she had witnessed or she just couldn’t decipher the words through Marty Roe’s Southern accent.
Either way, these guys are amazing. While they write very few of their songs, a lot of the instrumentals are their own creations. And that’s what really matters with this group. Theirs is one of the few remaining country groups with a mandolin player, which, coupled with their bluegrass-esque twang, gives them a very distinctive sound.
When I was in fifth grade, my mother picked me up after school one day with great news: she had won tickets to a Diamond Rio concert! I was to attend my first concert! The only trouble, though, was that I didn’t know who Diamond Rio was. Sure, I had heard the name. And I had certainly heard their songs. But I couldn’t have named a single one.
I enjoyed the event greatly, and even wound up purchasing a couple of their cassettes. But it wasn’t until 8th grade when I gave up on JMM and rediscovered “It’s All In Your Head” that I became the fanatic that I am today.
My absolute favorite songs at the moment are “It’s All in Your Head,” “Stuff,” “Hey, Cinderella,” and “Sweet Summer,” three of which are Diamond Rio songs. I’ve got half of their albums (which is amazing, as my family NEVER buys music) and I hope to get another for my birthday (No, mother. I’m not insinuating anything. NudgenudgewinkwinkknowwhatImeananod’sasgoodasawinktoablindbat)
Stuff.
This poor, neglected song… It never gets played because the very people it pokes fun of (everyone) are unable to laugh at themselves. It’s a catchy little tune with witty, truthful lyrics. The latest CD was actually called “Stuff” to begin with, but, after the song spent only, like, one week on the charts, they renamed it and delayed its release for a couple of months (grumblegrumble).
Diamond Rio is: Marty Roe (lead vocals), Jimmy Olander (electric/acoustic guitars), Brian Prout (drums), Gene Johnson (mandolin, harmony vocals), Dana Williams (bass guitar, harmony vocals), and Dan Truman (keyboards).
Stuff Lyrics
Sweet Summer Lyrics
It’s All in Your Head Lyrics
