Customer Reviews

Jeff Bates

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jeff Bates generally isn't on the tip of your tongue when you rattle off your favorite country artists. Unfortunately, he slips through the cracks. Like right now for instance, he's lost in the shuffle while George Strait releases an album and while exciting new acts like Lady Antebellum and James Otto have new discs out as well.

I made a point to purchase this album without previewing any of the tracks. I just know that Jeff Bates won't sell out, or go pop, or put out garbage. He's too passionate about the music he loves, and is too country for that!

His first single off the album, "Can't Have Nothin' Nice" is a mid-tempo, tough luck song that sets the tone for who he is.

My two favorite songs on the album are "Riverbank," which is dedicated to his father (I believe), and "Country Man". "Riverbank" is a very well written song that conveys a ton of emotion about losing loved ones, and yet it still makes me want to go fishing. Now that's country! These two songs are one of many that are well written.

That's one of the patterns of this disc I believe. Pretty much everything has been said in country songs (or of any genre for that matter). The hallmark of a good or great song, is saying it in a better way, or in a way that stands out.

Of course the subject within "Country Man" (pretty self-explanatory) has been said over and over again. But there's something different about the way he puts it, that makes you really love the song.

My other favorites include "Don't Hate Me For Lovin' You" (sounds a lot like Darryl Worley's "Awful, Beautiful Life" musically), "Dead or Alive", and "He Wasn't Like Us" (an ode to our Lord-- much like Josh Turner's "The Way He Was Raised").

This is an excellent album. It is mostly upbeat, but even the slower tunes are excellent. I detected a bit of a Chesney vibe with the kick drum (it's a pretty distinctive sound), but Bates makes sure he doesn't cross those lines! Bates co-writes almost all of the album, and his voice is just incredible. You shouldn't miss this one.

Commercial radio has for many people lost touch with country. For those who like traditional country, who like music that is about real life and relate to songs that look back, celebrate today and look forward this is a cd for a backyard BBQ or driving.

Jeff had a hand as well as a voice in many of these songs, co-writing many of them. From the opening strains of "I Can't Have Nothing Nice" this CD sizzles. The long anticipated third cd is worth the wait. Highlights like "Riverbank", written by Jeff, Robert Arthur and Kirk Roth, pay tribute to those people we've lost. "Chevy Don't Let Me Down" is a toe tapping tribute to old Chevy cars that just keep running. His first single, an awesome number "Don't Hate Me For Loving You" and the powerful song "My Wave" (co-written by Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Yeary) are both highlights. For a smack of reality listen close to "He Wasn't Like Us" and be thankful He wasn't. One of my personal favorites, from the magical writing trio of Jeff/Jimmy Yeary/Kenny Beard is "Country Man" - if there was any justice in the music business this will become an anthem for the real people out here listening. "Somebody's Falling" and "Dead Or Alive" both add opposite ends of the relationship.

This is a top class CD that is easily for me the best cd release so far this year. Don't hesitate...this is one that belongs in the player not on the shelf!

From tearful ballads to hard-drivin', roll down the window and GO! songs..Jeff Bates does it like he never has before. With a new label, a new look and a brand new CD Jeff has alot going for him these days and it shows in this remarkable new album. "Riverbank" will have you thinking of someone you miss and love, "Don't Hate me for Lovin' You" (the new single from the album) will have you pattin' your foot and singin' along before you know it. The whole CD is just great and Jeff has the most real, amazing voice in country radio today! You won't be sorry you bought this CD...it rocks!

I buy Albums when I feel at lease half of the tracks are really good and the rest worth listening. This Album has half or more than half of the tracks that I consider really good! Worth the money! Great Artist with good country voice.
The Track names are mixed up and this is also the case on iTunes so, it's not Amazon's fault. Easy to fix. I just went into my iTunes music library and changed the song titles to reflect the correct titles. I'm guessing the digital distributor created the track title mess.

My gosh this Jeff Bates CD was so worth the wait!
Jeff's heart and soul are convincingly exposed with these song choices as well as his choices of superior co-writing folks Jeff has brought along for this project! I sure do highly recommend that people sit back and enjoy this ride through the Country with Jeff.

It's very hard to single out favorites. That's for sure. I definitely have to agree with folks who say this CD is full of great tunes! Jeff has combined songs that will bring you through your own musical needs of the day with these.

If pushed to choose one, it would have to be the great duet with his labelmate Sarah Darling on Track 13! I think "Somebody's Falling" would be Grammy material down the road and a very lucky 13 for Jeff and Sarah once people give it a listen. This CD sure does Shine in my estimation.
There is not a bad tune on this CD! Truly!

Most importantly, just like the CD title, Jeff Bates is All Country and it's great to hear Jeff's rich voice with new tunes. Indeed it reflects perfectly off of the other projects he has already delivered to both his fans and the world at large!

Definitely run to your computer and work those fingers towards obtaining your own very Special copy! ... No need to walk out your door as there's no time like the present as the saying goes! And what a present this is from Jeff Bates! Both thumbs are up here!!

Nice to see the affordable price this week on amazon, too!

Jeff Bates has done it again. Jeff's new self-titled cd has 13 great songs! There's not one bad song on this cd. It has something for everyone. From the inspiring lyrics of "Wave" to the heart wrenching words of "Riverbank", a song about a man visiting his father's grave, wishing that they were on the riverbank fishing together,and the beautiful love songs that will bring out the romantic in anyone. This cd has not left my cd player since the day I got it. Jeff sings the songs you never get tired of hearing. This is 5 star cd you just have to add to your collection.

Lisa Harvey

Your song "Riverbank" is my song now for me and my mother who I lost this year and it is so about her and I. I love the song and am so glad to hear it. It describes our relationship perfectly even though we were not fishing but I so miss her more than I can ever say and she taught me not to walk around feeling sorry for myself and not to cry about things for too long. Wow, how wonderful this is to me.

Jeff Bates self new titled CD is the third offering from this very multi talented artist. One listen to this Mississippi born man is all you need to fall in love with him and his music. His rich deep sexy voice sets him apart from the rest of the pack and captures your heart right from the start. Jeff Bates music is honest and it comes straight from his heart! If you are looking for a CD with heart ,soul and a whole lot of fun this is it!

Jeff Bates CD arrived in a timely fashion. The CD itself was in great shape.
The Case was cracked, but that doesn't hinder my excellent review that I give
this product. Arrived shortly after the order, no scratches on CD, the price
was right. Thank you again

I am one of Jeff's Women on a Mission. Jeff is truly an artist who does not get the appreciation he deserves from the music industry. The is Jeff's 3rd album, and every song is great. There's love songs and get down and have fun songs. Jeff is truly the best. Give it a listen and I promise you won't be disappointed. Check him out also at [...] or his myspace at Jeff Bates Music.