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