Don't Worry About Me Explained

Don't Worry About Me
Type:	Album
Artist:	Joey Ramone
Cover:	JoeyRamone-DontWorryAboutMe.jpg
Released:	February 19, 2002
Recorded:	2000–2001
Studio:	Magic Shop, New York City Water Music Studios, Hoboken, New Jersey Baby Monster, New York City Loho Studios, New York City
Genre:	Punk rock
Length:	34:49
Label:	Sanctuary
Producer:	Daniel Rey
Next Title:	...Ya Know?
Next Year:	2012

Don't Worry About Me is the debut album released by Joey Ramone as a solo artist.^{[1] [2]} It was released posthumously on February 19, 2002, by Sanctuary Records,^[3] less than a year after his death. The album was produced by Daniel Rey, who also did most of the guitar work. Rey had previously produced three of the Ramones' albums, between 1987 and 1995.

The album includes two covers: "What a Wonderful World," originally performed by Louis Armstrong, and "1969," originally performed by the Stooges.^[4] "What a Wonderful World" was used for the ending credits of Michael Moore's film Bowling for Columbine. It also appeared on the soundtrack to Freaky Friday.

A DualDisc version of the album was released on November 19, 2002. It included the album in the DVD-Audio format, which is in 5.1 surround sound, as well as the music video for "What a Wonderful World" (directed by Debbie Harry) and other material.

Don't Worry About Me peaked at #109 on the Billboard 200.^[5]

Critical reception

The Austin Chronicle wrote that "though Ramones neophytes would be best served by starting at the beginning, Don't Worry About Me is a must for card-carrying superfans."^[6] Entertainment Weekly called the album "a testament to the uplifting power of rock." Now wrote that it "boasts better songwriting and playing than the last few Ramones albums, with Joey singing strong, free of any ironic or goofy pose."^[7] Wired wrote that "pointless guitar solos are evident on several tracks, but Joey's goofy teenage romanticism still manages to carry the day."^[8]

Personnel

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.^[9]

"What a Wonderful World"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Joe McGinty – keyboards Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Marky Ramone – drums
"Stop Thinking About It"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Frank Funaro – drums
"Mr. Punchy"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Marky Ramone – drums Veronica Kofman – backing vocals Helen Love – backing vocals Captain Sensible – backing vocals
"Maria Bartiromo"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Marky Ramone – drums
"Spirit in My House"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Joe McGinty – keyboards Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Frank Funaro – drums
"Venting (It's a Different World Today)"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Marky Ramone – drums
"Like a Drug I Never Did Before"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Marky Ramone – drums
"Searching for Something"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Al Maddy – guitar, bass, backing vocals Marky Ramone – drums
"I Got Knocked Down (But I'll Get Up)"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Joe McGinty – keyboards Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Frank Funaro – drums
"1969"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Daniel Rey – guitar, backing vocals Jerry Only – bass Dr. Chud – drums
"Don't Worry About Me"	Joey Ramone – lead vocals Mickey Leigh – guitar, backing vocals Joe McGinty – keyboards Andy Shernoff – bass, backing vocals Frank Funaro – drums

Technical

• Daniel Rey – producer, engineer, mixing
• Jon Marshall Smith – engineer, mixing
• Joe Blaney – mixing ("Don't Worry About Me")
• Noah Simon – assistant mixing engineer ("Don't Worry About Me")
• Howie Weinberg – mastering
• George Seminara – front cover photography
• George DuBose – package design
• Charlotte Lesher – executive producer
• Mickey Leigh – executive producer

Notes and References

1. Web site: Joey Ramone | Biography & History. AllMusic.
2. Web site: Joey Ramone's 'Worry': Rest Assured. Jennifer. Maerz. February 24, 2002. www.washingtonpost.com.
3. Web site: Joey Ramone: Don't Worry About Me. March 27, 2002. PopMatters.
4. Web site: Punk Rock Revolutionary: The Legacy of Joey Ramone. February 13, 2002. Los Angeles Times.
5. Joey Ramone. Billboard.
6. Web site: Joey Ramone: Don't Worry About Me Album Review. www.austinchronicle.com.
7. Web site: JOEY RAMONE. Tim. Perlich. February 28, 2002.
8. Music. Wired. www.wired.com. Poet. j..
9. Web site: Joey Ramone - Don't Worry About Me. Discogs. March 14, 2022.