Diamond Rio Albums Ranked

Diamond Rio is an American country music band. The band was founded in 1982 as an attraction for the Opryland USA theme park in Nashville, Tennessee, and was originally known as the Grizzly River Boys, then the Tennessee River Boys. It was founded by Matt Davenport, Danny Gregg, and Ty Herndon, the last of whom became a solo artist in the mid-1990s. After undergoing several membership changes in its initial years, the band has consisted of the same six members since 1989: Marty Roe (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Johnson (mandolin, guitar, fiddle, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, banjo), Brian Prout (drums), Dan Truman (keyboards), and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals). Diamond Rio has recorded nine studio albums, four Greatest Hits compilations, and an album of Christmas music. Three of the band’s albums have achieved RIAA platinum certification in the United States. In addition, Diamond Rio has received four Group of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, two Top Vocal Group awards from the Academy of Country Music, and one Grammy Award. The band is known for its vocal harmonies, varied instrumentation, and near-exclusive use of only its own band members on recordings instead of session musicians. Their sound was originally defined by mainstream country, bluegrass, and rock influences, but later albums drew more influence from Christian country music and country pop. Here are all of Diamond Rio albums ranked.

Don’t miss out on the TIMELESS Diamond Rio music below! Click to experience the evolution of their musical style!

7. Love a Little Stronger

“Love A Little Stronger’ is the album that makes the perfect example of what kind of band Diamond Rio is, and covers humour, heartache, and innovation really well. The title track is rich with golden harmonies that swell the hearts of listeners, with Dan Truman making his piano all grand and romantic at the same time.”

6. Close to the Edge

“Anyone who remembers the roots of country music will surely enjoy this album. From love songs to foot-stompin’ tunes, to songs that tell a story, “Close to the Edge” by Diamond Rio spans the entire spectrum. While the title cut is not my favorite tune, it is both the last and one of the liveliest. My favorite cut is “Sawmill Road”, which in the tradition of Kenny Rogers’ “Ruby, Dont Take Your Love to Town” recounts the life story of three young people raised in rural America, two of whom leave their roots behind for different reasons.”

5. Unbelievable

“This group is undoubtedly the best band country music has ever seen, and will ever see. If you haven’t seen them live, then you have no idea! Their powerful harmonies touch your heart in “You’re Gone”, and “How the River Feels”, and their catchy lyrics in “Unbelievable” just are beyond description. Overall I would have to say that if you think otherwise you need to listen again!”

See more: Midland Albums Ranked

4. IV

“Diamond Rio are good players and Marty Roe is a good singer. I like Diamond Rio, but their albums are never consistent all the way through. _IV_ is no exception. The best track is the paranoid “It’s All In Your Head”.

3. Diamond Rio 

“Diamond Rio’s debut album remains my favorite from their discography despite the weaker, slower tracks. If one sticks to the faster tracks, which is what the group does best, there is plenty to enjoy. It is interesting how proficient the guitar playing is and how it is laced on top of incredibly simple drum rhythms. It is hard to imagine many styles of music where this works so well, especially considering the hollowness of the drums”

2. Completely 

“Diamond Rio’s latest disc, Completely, proves this group continues to shine as top notch musicians and vocalists. The 13 selections represent a good cross section of songs from the Western swing of “Something Cool” to the radio friendly “Beautiful Mess” to the out-of-the-country box “The Box” to the creative instrumental “Rural Philharmonic” written by band member Jimmy Olander.”

1. One More Day 

“One more Day is by far one of Diamond Rios best albums, the first time I heard the album title song it opened a slew of emotions for its how I feel exactly when my Life Partner or I leave for business alone, Truly an emotionally charged album with lots of feeling. One More Day would be a great valentines gift for your loved one.”