Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. In his new CD release, Now and Again, Daryle Singletary revisits previous hits, repackages a pop hit and reveals new material.

Two strong aspects of Singletary’s musical persona are well-represented here. “Despondent Daryle” - he of the stern countenance, knitted brow and soulful eyes is all-pervasive in songs of remembrance, reflection, revelation and regret. “Delightful Daryle” - with the twinkling eyes, infectious grin and light heart pops up in the songs of celebration, satisfaction and serendipity.

The Audium Records CD opens with Singletary’s tribute to youthful exuberance, “Too Much Fun,” a perennial radio favorite and very much a reflection of Singletary’s stage persona. “I’ve Thought of Everything,” a song co-written by Singletary and his wife Kerry, is a masterful country down-and-outer with a great take on words. Usually “thinking of everything” is a positive feeling. Not here, as each and every hurtful memory of a former love comes forth.

Listeners continue the head-first tumble into despair with the magnificent “You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet,” originally released on Singletary’s final Giant Records CD, Ain’t It the Truth. In days of yore, this song might have become an instant classic along the lines of “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Though not released to radio, this number alone makes any CD purchase worthwhile.

“Amen Kind of Love”soars and lifts then, once again, pain re-enters the scene with “I Let Her Lie,” the song that first brought Singletary broad acclaim and one that can rightly be called a “classic Singletary song.” The tender “Would These Arms be in Your Way,” co-written by Hank Cochran and Vern Gosdin is next, followed by the playful “Dumaflache.”

“I Knew I Loved You,” penned by the Australian duo Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones (known as Savage Garden), was a No. 1 pop hit last year and Singletary’s pleasing “countrification” of it makes the tune a great addition to the CD.

The album’s title cut, “Now and Again,” a tribute to passionate love, was written by Singletary and Chris Cummings. The CD closes with one of Singletary’s later radio singles, “The Note, ” which, upon its release, seemed to have brought him full circle back to his beginnings.

No surprises here - just an artist with a magical voice, and some great country music.

Interview with Daryle Singletary
Daryle Singletary Concert Review
Daryle Singletary Fan Fair Photo Album

Mountain West Music 2002