Danny Gokey's First Single Feels Unfinished
Well, if Danny Gokey wants to take a crack at country music after coming in third on American Idol, he certainly came to the right place when he went to Lady Antebellum for music. Lady A's Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley wrote Gokey's first single called "It's Only." It's a nice ballad that I could see Lady Antebellum's soulful harmonies handling. But I'm not so sure how I feel about just hearing Gokey alone. His voice has a quiet raspiness to it, but there are a few too many la-da-das that make it feel unfinished. Then again, the feel-good message in the lyrics -- "Lord, won't you open my eyes/Won't you help me see/A hungry child needs more than a piece of bread/Brother needs a job to get ahead/And the homeless need a place to lay their head" -- does make me feel like any one of us could be a better person.
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Beth says:
I too wondered about the la de das but after listening to the song over a few times they really fit very nicely into the melody.
This is a very heartwarming song due to meaningful lyrics and the warmth of Danny’s voice. I luv it.
Jean says:
I love the la de das! Nice bridge to the next verse. This song is really beautiful, IMO, his voice is sooo soothing.
Lizzy says:
I like Danny’s new single “It’s Only” a lot. I also love Lady Antebellum and in my opinion they wrote a beautiful song for Danny that is true to Danny as an artist. Recommend you listen to the song more than once. Danny’s vocals are beautiful, tender in the beginning and towards the end Danny really lets loose. The message of the song is one Danny strongly believes in and comes from his heart. I wish him much success and can’t wait to download the single and buy his album.
Jennifer says:
The first time I heard the song, I have to admit the la da dee’s weren’t my favorite, but after listening to it again they do in fact lend to the song.
Danny’s voice is wonderful and Lady A wrote some heart wrenching topical lyrics that make one think that anything is possible with only love.
This is a great start and Danny will bring us much more music in the future.
Brad says:
“It’s Only” is tailor made for the kind of music Danny has always represented himself with as a performer. It is also the kind of song that is tailor made for Country pop fans - in the mode of Rascal Flatts. And it has the whole distinctive Mark Bright and Lady Antebellum production all over it. Danny accomplished what he needed to do with the debut single - that is, keep the fans happy but also reach out to new fans in Country Music. “It’s Only” works because Danny stayed trued to who is as an artist. This is a very topical song and with it’s holiday release, I can see this being a big win for Danny.
Swilly says:
…in other words, it sucks
Kiki says:
The song was amazing. He is so beautiful and his voice is amazing. I love the la de das too!
marilyn says:
“It’s only a child, It’s only Jesus,da de da dee dee da yeaaah,”ran through my head all day today while I was at work. Love the song. It also causes me to look around to see where I can lend a helping hand. I’m a country fan, have been all my life, and I love this song! Country is the perfect fit for Danny.
stephanie says:
I’ve been cautiously looking forward to discovering what Danny’s first country single would sound like. I have to say, this really works for me, and has a more definitive country vibe than I’d anticipated–nice to see.
As performed by Danny, it’s a fairly complex song vocally, using Danny’s considerable range and interesting vocal edge. I like that it has both softer sections, and also definite power moments where Danny takes it up–manages to be both pretty and powerful, not easy to do.
Good job for Charles & Dave and their co-writer, and good job for Danny in my book.
Sherry says:
I love this song. It has a wonderful message plus amazing vocals by Danny. This is a fantastic first single for Danny, I am so happy for him and I can’t wait to buy this and his upcoming cd. Congratulations Danny!
Kate says:
Danny Gokey is not a country singer no matter how he tries to sell himself as one. It’s Only does not sound country but like something for Christian radio. Let me just say Darius Rucker won’t be looking over his shoulder.
I miss Danny’s soulful voice. It was an extension of who he was and country is all wrong for him.
Cheryl says:
This is a very good for Danny to start out with. It’s a song made for him and the message he wants to convey. I love the emotional connection he has to the song. I feel it and it brings tears to my eyes. Way to go, Danny. I can’t wait to hear what else you have in store for us!!
John says:
Another artist trying to front as a country star. there is nothing country about him… take it over to Christian Radio… He will never be Garth.
Randy says:
I really like this song.
But I like the more cross over country; I hope Gokey will never be Garth!
This song sounds country/soft rock to me and I think he does a great job with the vocals.
Bring it on Gokey-I think we saw from the CMA’s there is lots of room in current country for branching out!
nina says:
I have to admit that when I first heard the “la da da da”, I wasn’t so sure if they fit well in the song. But after listening to it over a few times, I realized that they do connect the verses together.
IMO, it’s perfect the way Danny sang it. He started it so softly then built it up towards the end. Really love it!
I agree with John, Danny will never be Garth because he will always be Danny and that’s a very good thing! Don’t want him to be Garth-like anyways. I prefer that he stays true to himself and not be copycat.
merlefan49 says:
He fits in with the pop music and pop country.