Vagrants & Kings is probably one of the best Cory Morrow albums released so far. I am absolutely amazed at how much his music has matured. If you are already a fan of Cory's music, you'll be pleasantly suprised at the new material and if you're just now hearing about Cory, you're finding the perfect time to get in on his music.
People can walk around with smiles on their faces, but they could also be hiding a few scars on their hearts. In "He Carries Me," Cory sings about how we've suffered on a road that's dark and lonely, but "there is hope and it's hope that carries on and on." Forgiveness is always there for those willing to ask for it and when you do, you'll see that there is a brighter side of life just waiting in the wings.
"All Said And Done" just screams "radio friendly," at least for the Texas / Red Dirt Country market. The overall subject is about musicians traveling down the highway. Since they're feeling rowdy, they break out the guitars and sing many different songs like "Whiskey River," "Mustang Burn," "Big Balls In Cowtown," "Amanda," and "The Road Goes On Forever" - to name only a few. Cory wrote this with Walt Wilkins, Lee Brice, and Doug Johnson.
The man in "Lord, You Devil" thought he made a deal with the Lord not to fall in love because it can re-arrange your life "just from one sweet kiss." But once that special woman shows up in his life, he realizes that love is really one of the greatest gifts of all. The lyrics are fairly simple, yet perfect enough for the message Cory is trying to get across. Radney Foster co-wrote the song along with Cory.
The next song, "My Baby And Me," has lyrics that any woman would want to hear from her man and any man would want to use to express his feelings for the one he loves. Every little thing she does and with each beautiful smile she gives, the man can't get over how wonderful she is. I especially like the line: "She shines like the stars, she flies through my heart. I swear anymore I just can't take my eyes off her." Another thing I like about the song is the tinge of Bluegrass sound thanks to the mandolin being played.
Last track ("Worth It") is about a man who thinks all the hurt in the relationship is worth it if she'll just touch him again. He says; "That's all I ask of you." Once you get through what was supposedly the last track, if you wait a few seconds there's an untitled bonus track. It's the song with the darkest subject matter, but it perfectly fills the Vagrant part of the album's title and ends things making listeners feel like their musical journey was complete. All in all, this is a fantastic album from Cory Morrow, so be sure to give it a listen.
Release date: May 20, 2008 - Sustain Records
Track List:
- He Carries Me
- Oh Lord, You Devil
- Ten Mile Road
- I Can Wait
- Love Finds Everyone
- All Said and Done
- My Baby and Me
- Ready to Rain
- Radiates
- Worth It