Tyler England: Using Garth's shadow to shine

November 23, 2000
Web posted at: 9:59 a.m. EST (1459 GMT)

By Mary Jo DiLonardo
Special to CNN Interactive

(CNN) -- Tyler England has friends in high places -- one in a really high place. Garth Brooks is an old college buddy.

After spending years trying his darnedest to stay out of Brooks' looming shadow, England has finally given up and decided to take advantage of his old pal's fame.

AUDIO 'Blame It On Mexico' 480KWAV sound 'I Drove Her to Dallas' 476KWAV sound 'Should've Asked Her Faster' (with Steve Wariner) 486KWAV sound     MORE REVIEWS Read our latest reviews: Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Billy Ray Cyrus, more...

He asked his old school pal to produce "Highways & Dancehalls," England's third album and the first for his new label, Capitol Records/Nashville. That also happens to be home to Brooks.

It's Brooks' first stint as a solo producer. Since he recently announced (again) his looming retirement from performing, Brooks needed something else to do.

The result is a middle-of-the-road, low-key collection of easy-going traditional country songs. It's ironic that England, who oozed adrenaline on stage with Brooks while smashing guitars and blasting out high-speed staccato harmonies, would have such a laid-back release.

Certainly, it's country -- kind of along the lines of contemporary cowboy chanteuse Chris LeDoux. You can imagine him singing in a smoky bar after a raucous rodeo, pleasing a crowd of tired bullriders.

There are a couple nice sad songs, notably "She's Gonna Miss Me (When He's Gone)" and "I Drove Her to Dallas." There are even two mild salsa-spiced numbers, "My Baby No Esta Aqui" and "Blame It On Mexico."

But the irony is that the best song on the record is the infectious "Should've Asked Her Faster," a remake from England's 1995 debut album. It's the only real toe-tapper in the bunch. This time around Steve Wariner lends vocals and guitar to the song.

But it's Brooks, who attended Oklahoma State University with England, who has the big involvement. While they were in college, the two jammed and wrote country songs in between classes; when Brooks got a record deal, he called on his buddy to join his band.

After touring with Brooks for six years, England was offered a record deal of his own. He made two albums -- the first resulting in the catchy Top 3 tune, "Should've Asked Her Faster" -- but then he kind of disappeared.

England could've been the opening act for every one of Brooks' live shows. But after constantly standing in his friend's shadow, England clearly wanted to succeed on his own. But his debut as a solo artist five years ago coincided with dozens of other "hat acts" trying to make it on the scene, too. Even more vexing, England was often confused with fellow country artist, Ty Herndon. This time around, England is using Tyler, not Ty, to hopefully end that confusion. (His real name is Tyrone, by the way.)

Although the record is being released now, the first single, "I Drove Her to Dallas," won't hit radio until January. The hope is that England's loyal fans will rally radio stations to get airplay.

And, of course, he has country music's biggest star on his side.

Besides producing the disc, Brooks also adds harmony vocals and even some acoustic guitar to the record. But it's simple background stuff. Brooks was probably trying to stay in the shadows this time around.

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Tyler England | Official Web Site

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