Do You Believe Me Now

Jimmy Wayne | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 26, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Valory
• ASIN: B001CFQO9S
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,654 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Roughstock.com

Belief. There were times in the last few years where that's all that Jimmy Wayne seemingly had. Belief in himself, his music and the firm belief that people can and will relate to the songs that he's written. After scoring a moderately successful self-titled debut record (which saw two singles go Top 10) with DreamWorks Records, Jimmy Wayne had a rough period of where his label closed and then, after signing with Big Machine Records, Jimmy saw a couple of singles fail to do too much at radio. When his label opened up a sister label, The Valory Music Company, Jimmy was transferred to that label as one of the flagship artists along with Jewel. Jimmy then released the single "Do You Believe Me Now" and, despite a non-traditional melody, the song became a huge hit.

Now with a hit song (Jimmy's third Top 10 hit), Wayne has presented the world with his sophomore album, also called "Do You Believe Me Now." The album is far from traditional country arrangements but if anyone has listened to Jimmy's first record they'd know that he's a pop/country artist. Meaning many of the melodic arrangements are `pop' while his lyrics are country. It is those lyrics that drive the album, from the declarations of love on the Rory Feek (of Joey+Rory) and Dave Pahanish-penned "I Will" and "I'll Be That To You" (one of three tracks produced by Mark Bright) to the more personal songs ripped directly from Jimmy Wayne's life: "Kerosene Kid," "Where You're Going" and "I Didn't Come Here To Lose."

Songwriters Joe West and Dave Pahanish co-produced the other nine tracks on the album and they really do seem to enhance Jimmy's pop-sensibility. "Brighter Day" is a song that actually sounds like it could've been from one of Kenny Chensey's albums with a sunny, beach-y optimism in the lyric being backed by a similar melody while "Kerosene Kid" has distorted guitars and an 80's rock vibe but it actually suits the lyrics and mood of the song. Prior to the albums release there was some publicity about Patty Loveless joining Jimmy in the studio for the ballad "No Good For Me." A true duet, the pair actually has remarkable chemistry and their voices blend together nicely. The song actually uses an addict/drug analogy for co-dependency. It's a heart wrenching lyric sung by two strong vocalists.

Lori McKenna and Liz Rose co-wrote the ballad "True Believer" and in true Lori McKenna fashion, the song has a strong, reality-based lyric about being someone who holds to the hope of true love. While Jimmy didn't write "I Didn't Come Here to Lose" (Jason Sellers, Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher did) he has certainly lived the lyric about believing in yourself and your ability enough to stand up and fight for your opportunity to `make it' in your chosen career. The hook of the chorus is strong and immediate, something that's also present in the autobiographical "Where You're Going," a song that has become Jimmy Wayne's personal motto: It's not where you've been, It's Where You're Going."

The album closes out with re-recorded versions of Jimmy's biggest hits "Stay Gone" and "I Love You This Much." With the release of "Do You Believe Me Now" Jimmy Wayne has gotten through the tough times and come out of it with a batch of strong country/pop songs that showcase a truly gifted and honest performer. The melodies may not be arranged in the way of a Hank Williams song or even a George Strait song but that's part of the appeal of the album. It's a modern country album for modern country tastes.

His first album in five years, Jimmy Wayne shows the energy of a new artist, the hunger of a career relaunching and the ear of a veteran. And that combination is why "Do You Believe Me Now" is one of the best albums of the year in all genres. Opening with the title track - currently a Billboard top five - Wayne's passionate vocals are stunningly intermingled with a breathtaking arrangement. Produced by Mark Bright, Joe West and Dave Pahanish, the trio enhanced Wayne's already versatile voice with picture-perfect production throughout, from dashing guitar riffs to a caressing fiddle and dramatic piano. Mostly mid- and uptempo songs, including five new songs Wayne wrote himself, he runs the gamut of emotions - determined to find success in "I Didn't Come Here To Lose," a giving lover in "I'll Be That" and a man trying to understand a failed relationship in the powerful, romantic duet "No Good For Me" with the legendary Patty Loveless. Wayne's personal triumph from a difficult childhood to stardom is well documented, but telling his story in "Where You're Going" and "Kerosene Kid," the power in his voice and emotion of the situation could only be captured by someone who lived through the detention centers, trailer houses and laughter of schoolmates. Wayne makes you feel exactly what he felt then and now. As a bonus, Wayne re-recorded hits "Stay Gone" and "I Love You This Much." "Do You Believe Me Now" is one of the most powerful albums recorded in years. With passionate vocals, perfect arrangements and incredibly lyrics, an album of this genius was worth the wait.

3 stars Comeback country

Wayne, who sings like country's answer to Daryl Hall, currently enjoys his first hit in three years with this album's title track, a massive ballad that puts an appealing spin on self-pity. His fallow years have made him eager to please, if a touch insecure, or maybe that's a result of a brutal childhood. Wayne doesn't shy from singing about his raising, and he turns those stories into motivational messages. Those lessons likely are the same ones that helped bring him back from the brink of obscurity, and, if this album's any indication, we haven't heard the last of him.

Product Description

Do You Believe Me Now is the next step in Jimmy's evolution as an artist. Time on the road has made his voice even stronger and more seasoned. Interaction with the fans has heightened his awareness of what an audience wants when they come to a show. Thus the new album is teeming with up tempo tracks. Jimmy has grown as a songwriter and with maturity comes a broader view of life that informs his music. While his first album was an intensely personal, almost cathartic collection, Jimmy's new songs tend to explore more universal themes, yet still maintain inspiration from an intensely personal place.

Do You Believe Me Now, features the hit single that has re-introduced him to a hungry country radio audience. The rest of the album runs the gamut from the summertime fun of "I'll Do That" to the sensual "One on One" about a couple needing their alone time.

A standout track is certain to be Jimmy's duet with Patty Loveless, titled "No Good For Me." "I hold honesty in lyrics and in vocal performance above all else in my music," he said. "For me, Patty represents the embodiment of honesty in music to which the rest of us can only aspire."

"Didn't Come Here to Lose" is a buoyant tune about not giving up on your musical dreams despite the challenges. "Where You're Going" is an empowering anthem that features a guest vocal by John Oates of the legendary duo Hall & Oates. Jimmy will be a special guest on Oates' forthcoming project.

One of the album's highlights is the autobiographical "Kerosene Kid," a song that holds special significance to Jimmy because of his extensive charity work with disadvantaged youth. "When you smell kerosene on a kid at school, you just know that they have a hard life," says Jimmy. "Usually the kids who heat by a kerosene heater are poor kids. They live in trailers or old houses and that's their only way of staying warm is to either use a kerosene or a wood heater. This song says `Don't let them get you down, keep your head up and stay proud.'"

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Expectations., August 30, 2008

By 

B. Stone (Southern Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do You Believe Me Now (Audio CD)

I've loved Jimmy since I first heard "Stay Gone" on CMT. I've been wondering how good this album would be. It's been a long time coming. Would he sound good? Would the songs be cliched and boring? This album is ANYTHING buy a cliche or boring. He's evolved so much as an artist and this album proves it. The first album you could tell he was new to everything. This time around, he's comfortable. He's comfortable with himself, his music and who he is as an artist. Something that lacks in a lot of artists today. This is a fantastic album! :)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CD by a classy guy, November 16, 2008

By 

Anita Elliott "armywifeRN" (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do You Believe Me Now (Audio CD)

I just want to say first and foremost that Jimmy Wayne is not only an incredible country singer but he's an awesome person as well. I had the awesome opportunity to meet him along with many other GA Army National Guard families last night at a conference for soldiers who are getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan and their spouses. Jimmy took the time to sing for us and then he met with everyone who wanted to meet him. He was not compensated well for this, but he wanted to take the opportunity to do something nice for us, and we really appreciate him for that. Afterwards, I went out and bought the album, and my husband and I love it. Definitely recommend this one!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome CD, October 13, 2008

By 

Doris S. "Country Lovin'" (NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Do You Believe Me Now (Audio CD)

I just bought this CD for his title hit : Do You Believe Me Now" and I have to tell you that this whole CD is a total hit with me! Jimmy Wayne is a great singer with a super good voice and he simply hit the nail on the head with all these songs! I could listen to this cd over and over - no buyers regret here! I personally feel there are several songs on here that should or will - be hits for him too. Jimmy has really made a fan out of me! Keep them coming!!