Here And Now is the packaged proof that Darryl Worley has been giving more freedom in the music he releases. The thirteen tracks on this album don't sound overly-produced like other albums being released lately and that is refreshing. Sometimes when songs are over-produced they lose their true meaning but that is certainly not the case here.
A sexier side of Darryl shows on "Nothin' But A Love Thang." He knows there is nothing wrong with being in love and so he enjoys every minute of it. "Rock me baby, take me around the world" is what he begs of the woman because he says he is there to please her. "It's The Way You Love Me" is along the same lines with lyrics about when the lights go down.
Celebrating being his own man is what "Free" is about. The only person he has to answer to now is himself after years of being tied down and dragged around. It's been so long since he's been free to think whatever he wants to go out and enjoy himself again. Speaking of having a good time, the "Party Song" is about getting together with your buddies and singing along to the honky-tonking music. It would be hard not to feel better after hearing these two songs.
The fun honky-tonkin' side of Darryl that I love is prominent in "Whiskey Makes The World Go Around." It's one of those songs you love from the first note to the last. Sometimes you can't stop at just one round of whiskey and you end up "giving a big bear hug" to the toilet shortly after the "deed is done." "Lowdown Women" is pretty honky-tonkin' as well, with male attitude thrown in for good measure.
"I Just Came Back From A War," the current single, really makes you think about what the soldiers go through while overseas. I really like this "new" side to Darryl Worley's music. It doesn't seem as stuffy sounding this time and it is apparent he had more creative control and freedom to do the music he wanted to on this collection. When you are giving more freedom, there are no limits to what you can do.
Song List:
- Jumping Off The Wagon
- Nothin' But A Love Thang
- Free
- It's The Way You Love Me
- Party Song
- Living in the Here And Now
- Do You Know What That Is?
- Things I'll Never Do Again
- Slow Dancing With A Memory
- Whiskey Makes The World Go Round
- Lowdown Women
- Nothin' To Lose
- I Just Came Back From A War
