Looking Forward Thinking Back
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to Looking Forward Thinking Back
A debut album from a new name in the area of classic country sounds, JD Darling, a Tennessee farmer, has a particular penchant for the sounds of the ‘90s across these 16 tracks.
“1995” gets the listen off to a warm start, where Darling’s smooth voice guides the crisp drums, moody pedal steel and dusty melodies, and “Some Are Lonely Nights” follows with Devon Malone’s well timed AC guitar and Miles McPherson’s thumping drums complementing the expressive singing in the more rugged climate.
Further along, “Flip The Switch” welcomes Billy Nobel’s graceful keys and Michael Rinne’s skilled bass in the anthemic delivery, while “I’ll Swing By Sometime” hosts Ross Holmes’ aching fiddle for the intimate meets breezy album highlight.
Approaching the end, Bruce Bouton handles pedal steel for the indeed dance floor ready “Last Dance”, and “A Good Man” exits with a mysterious atmosphere that showcases strategic pedal steel from Gary Carter, and, of course, Darling’s inviting pipes.
An excellent starting point for Darling, if he becomes the next big name in country music it wouldn’t surprise me one bit. He’s got the voice, the songs, and, perhaps most importantly, he’s got a lot of heart.
Travels well with: Will Payne Harrison- Tioga Titan; Michael Paul Lawson- Love Songs For Loners