Jimmy Dooley - Things are Looking Different, CD Review

Jul

2006

Jimmy Dooley - Things are Looking Different

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[8] Comments

Producer: Jimmy Dooley
Label: Independent Release
Website: http://www.jimmydooley.com

Jimmy Dooley is a name you may not recognize right now, but give it time because you will. I have become more and more familiar with him as a songwriter as such artists as Ivan Parker, Palmetto State Quartet, Beene Family, Galloways and others have found some real gems from his pen. As I have been seeing his name in the credits more and more as of late, I have recently discovered that he also sings and records. Featuring a vocal quality that really makes me think of a cross between Clay Aiken and Shane Roark (weird, I know!) but it comes out that way, and it sounds good!
A strong drum beat and a few licks of the banjo start things rocking with the title song, "THINGS ARE LOOKING DIFFERENT" before moving on to the subtle country sounds of "I SURVIVED", a great song of perseverance.

The highly energetic and soulful "I MIGHT AS WELL" works very well for Jimmy and is a highlight of the recording, as are the inspirational tunes, "HE'D MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH" and "I WASN'T REALLY LIVING".

Knowing how we as Christians act and react is essential to the spreading of the gospel, the lyric to the song "PERSONALLY" says, "You act like you know Jesus personally…never wavering in faith, I can tell you believe, there's a smile on your face for the whole world to see…you act like you know Jesus personally." Things slow down a bit for a song that brings I Peter 5:7 to life entitled, "I'M GIVING IT TO GOD".

Starting off with some vintage preaching by Dooley's pappy, the rockabilly sounds of "SUNDAY MORNING CHURCH" quickly begs you to start clapping your hands and tapping your feet before things slow back down a bit for the country tinged song of praise simply titled, "SPEECHLESS".

The electric guitar/banjo infused tune "NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING" is a great song about the sufficiency of God's Grace, while the comforting "GOD NOTICED YOU" offers hope that even though we may not realize it, God sees us and hears us and He has sent a miracle on the way.
The upbeat, "WHEN I GET THERE" is probably the most Southern Gospel sounding song on the CD and really sounds like something Karen Peck & New River would do, before things wind down with the emotionally sentimental tune, "THE LAST TIME".

I know some of you are looking at the cover picture and thinking to yourselves…"No Way!" But as the title suggests, this guy is something different and his music is different as well, but in a very good way. Definitely Southern Gospel, but with a bit of progression thrown in, Jimmy Dooley is not the cookie cutter singer/songwriter. One interesting thing to note from my perspective, I can almost hear in just about every song, what artist could perform these tunes. The overall quality of the recording is very good, and the songwriting is quite good as well. If his songwriting is this good at his young age, it can only get better. Co-writing with other people has also helped him as well and I look to be hearing a lot more from him in the future, both vocally and lyrically.

Personal Favs: THINGS ARE LOOKING DIFFERENT; I SURVIVED; I MIGHT AS WELL; HE'D MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH;
PERSONALLY; NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING; GOD NOTICED YOU

Reader Comments

I just listened to clips from his website and was pleasantly surprised! I hope SG can look past his "look" and discover a talented singer/songwriter!

Commented by On 07/05/2006

"the look?" I love the look. I agree, SG people need to get passed "the look" with everyone. I bet they'd have trouble with Jesus if he were here today. Jimmy is a great writer and a great person. I just met him last year at NQC and have been impressed with him as a writer and a person. Jimmy, Keep the hair no matter what!

Commented by Ben Scroggs On 07/06/2006

First of all let me thank James for the great review, I really apreciate the positive feedback on the project & greatly value your opinion. Secondly I guess I better address the "look" issue. It's funny to me becuase I don't really think I look any different than anyone elese, but I guess I do, ha ha, but I'm hoping to really reach a group of people that Southern Gospel hasn't reached yet in many cases & if my "look" lets me do that, than that's fine. Ben you know I love you brother, you are the man! If anyone out there needs great songs, look no further than Ben Scroggs!
God Bless,
Jimmy

Commented by Jimmy Dooley On 07/06/2006

Just a side note, my comment about "the look" was directed towards those who put too much emphasis on that and have problems looking beyond it. If one takes the time to really listen to the lyrics of his songs, would really find a lot to like about his music.

Commented by On 07/06/2006

It's a great project! (And I'm not just saying that because he's one of my best friends...) It has a refreshing sound with genuinely heartfelt lyrics. And I can attest that Jimmy is someone who is definitely writing and singing from his heart. Many of these songs are his personal testmonies.

You can listen for yourself to clips on his website, or to a few of the songs in their entirety on his Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jimmydooley

Commented by Jason Begley On 07/08/2006

I've just had a chance to listen to some of Jimmys music. This young man has an anointing on his songwriting like I've not heard in some time. I love his voice. I think Southern Gospel Radio needs a fresh approach and I think that is what Jimmys music is all about. Same old story, just a different way of telling it. Great project Jimmy.

Commented by On 07/19/2006

I loved JD's new project. It is on my buy list for NQC this year. Can't wait to hear all the songs in full.

Cathie (AMAZED)
http://myspace.com/amazedgospel

Commented by clbm On 07/27/2006

I discovered Jimmy Dooley on myspace...
and I was amazed by his music, I loved it. I am 26 years old and have loved southern gospel music for many years. But I am not like most my age. Most southern gospel artists don't appeal to the younger generation. I think Jimmy's look will draw in that younger generation. We have to step out of the box... and I am glad Jimmy is not changing his look to fit mold...

Commented by On 08/23/2006

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