Wish You Were Here (CD - 1998)

Personnel: Mark Wills (vocals); John D. Willis (acoustic & gut string guitars); Brent Mason (electric guitar); Paul Franklin (steel guitar); Dan Dugmore (lap steel guitar); Aubrey Haynie (fiddle); Gary Prim (keyboards); Glenn Worf (bass); Eddie Bayers (drums); John Wesley Ryles (background vocals).

Recorded at Sound Emporium and Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, Tennessee; The Castle, Franklin, Tennessee.

Personnel: Shad Bradley (drums).

Wish You Were Here isn't quite as consistently engaging as Mark Wills' eponymous debut, yet the very best moments, such as the ballad "I Do (Cherish You)," offer proof that he's a fine, nuanced singer capable of great things. He achieves great things only occasionally here, but that's often enough to make it a successful second album from this young vocalist. ~ Thom Owens

This Georgia country boy's energetic debut made a mark on the Country music scene, establishing Wills as an up-and-comer with enthusiasm to spare. The follow up WISH YOU WERE HERE is just as full of fire as its predecessor, but there's a difference. Wills has done some growing since his first album, and it's reflected in the songs here. Though there's not a lax moment, there's a good deal of introspection and thoughtful examination of the world in these tunes. In short, Wills gives New Country fans a chance to think while they two-step. minimize