Deryl Dodd,
Stronger Proof

Label: Dualtone
Year: 2004

(2 out of 5)

It's been five years since Deryl Dodd's career was derailed by viral encephalitis. Now fully recovered from the disease, he's asserted himself in the Texas Music scene by returning from Nashville and scoring regional hits with 2002's Pearl Snaps and 2003's Live at Billy Bob's Texas.

Dodd seeks to further his career rebirth with Stronger Proof. But it's going to take more than this meek blend of country, blues, and southern rock to reach the top.

The album opens well enough with "Never Again." While little more than a generic story of heartbreak, it's well executed and sports a driving rhythm section.

The title cut is next, again carrying a heartbreak theme. But this time Dodd's range isn't up to the challenge. His voice comes across weak and a bit on the whiny side.

The blues-tinged "Somethin' Ain't Always Better (Than Nothin')" gets the album back on track.

But the wimpy alter ego re-emerges on "Outside Lookin' In": Like a bird at the window, like a stranger in town / Like a child who's never chosen by either side at the playground / Like a lost and homeless soul just lookin' for a friend / I find myself before your heart time and time again on the outside lookin' in.

The innocent, vulnerable singer/songwriter just doesn't work. And it's not what's going to propel Dodd to the head of the crowded Texas Music class.

What does work is confidence, and maybe even a touch of bravado. And that formula can be found on this hodgepodge of an album as well.

Dodd adopts a defiant outlook on the first single, "Let Me Be": Don't come around knockin', don't call me on the telephone / Don't' wanna hear no more talkin' about the way I sing my songs / When the sun comes up in the morning I don't make no apology / I never ask one thing from you, so missy let me be.

So which is the real Deryl Dodd? The Bryan White-styled country-pop softie of "Outside Lookin' In," or the loud-and-proud Chris Robinson-esque rocker who pops up in "Let Me Be"?

The tracks on Stronger Proof definitely tilt the balance toward the former, but it's the latter that makes an impression. There's just not enough of that harder-edged persona to make the positive impression last.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

October 8, 2004