Dave Barnes takes it down a notch with new EP
Posted by The Skyliner on April 22nd, 2009Jon Harris
Staff Writer
The newest album for singer-songwriter Dave Barnes has girls swooning over him for what may be good reasons. The rising musician released his five song EP, You, The Night, and Candlelight on February 3 in anticipation for Valentine’s Day.
“It’s just an all around pleasant CD,” Valerie Miller, junior psychology, said. “One that’s good for a lazy afternoon or background music for a romantic candlelit dinner. I would give the CD five stars. It’s Dave, he’s great!”
Typically, Barnes’ plays an upbeat set of acoustic pop songs, but this EP is a calm and peaceful alternative to his previous records; however, the piano-driven, love-song CD is nothing short of what Barnes always offers in his music. This intimate record has substance and quality along with catchy lyrics and great melodies.
The EP contains five love songs, including revised versions of the previously recorded songs “Until You” and “I Have and I Always Will,” new songs “Loving You Loving Me” and “Home” and a cover of the Temptations’ “My Girl.”
Barnes’ begins the album with “Loving You, Loving Me.” This romantic, piano-pop song, comparable to John Mayer, is a jazzy tune with a chorus you will find yourself singing along to. Barnes’ says in the song, “I can’t get enough of you; And every little thing you do.”
Barnes strips down the song “Until You,” a track from his record Brother, Bring the Sun. His acoustic hit is transposed to a soothing piano ballad. The soft remake does a sufficient job at being as good as the original version.
The Temptations should be proud of Barnes’ remake of their classic song “My Girl.” While Barnes does change the song to suit his own style, he does not disrespect the original artist. Barnes adds his own flair while keeping the authentic melody. It’s a brilliant choice and a well done recording.
“Home,” an older song, was officially recorded for the first time for this album. Primarily piano, this slow, simple song says, “wherever you are is home.”
Amy Grant accompanies Barnes on the remake of his wedding song, “I Have and I Always Will.” This acoustic song featuring beautiful harmonies begins by saying, “Darling, we’re both scared, but where love is, fear won’t tread.” This song sums up Barnes’ message of love throughout the entire EP.
Barnes, born in Columbia, S.C., grew up in Mississippi and currently lives in Nashville, Tenn. The recent release is his fifth album. Barnes’ first album, Three, Then Four, was released in 2002. Others include Brother, Bring The Sun in 2004, Chasing Mississippi in 2006 and Me and You and the World in 2008.
“Comparing this album to previous ones doesn’t seem quite fair. It’s completely different,” Miller said. “His other albums have more swing to them. This album is much more pleasant and the songs have more of a sway to them rather than a swing.”
You, The Night, and Candlelight is available on iTunes and on his website, www.davebarnes.com.