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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An early favorite for Album of the Year, April 1, 2008
When I heard that Dave Barnes had signed with Razor & Tie to distribute his third full-length CD, I was a little distraught. He had released his first two CDs (Brother Bring The Sun & Chasing Mississippi) independently, and I was afraid that having an actual record label peering over his shoulder might change the Barnes that his legion of fans have come to know and love. So, when his new CD arrived in the mail the other day, I opened it with fear and trembling. However, I should have known better than to doubt the goodness that is Dave Barnes, which shines through on Me & You & The World.
Barnes has crafted another nearly flawless album, filled with brilliant songwriting and infectious melodies that just won't leave you alone. The album has been produced with a bigger overall sound than on his previous CDs, but the underlying Barnes remains the same. Ten songs are brand new, with the standouts including "Brothers & Sisters," "When A Heart Breaks," and "Believe." They've also included a slightly retooled version of "Until You," as well as a re-recorded and expanded version of "On A Night Like This." Both songs were originally on Brother Bring The Sun, but they deserve the wider audience that they'll find with this release.
Buy this one with confidence, folks. Dave Barnes hasn't sold his soul for rock & roll, and his gospel, folk, and r&b influences still shine through. It's going to be hard for anyone to release a better album this year, and I'll be shocked, SHOCKED if someone actually does...
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best yet, April 7, 2008
Each album Dave puts out is better than the last. I honestly thought Chasing Mississippi couldn't be beat--but I was wrong, as usual. Brothers and Sisters is probably one of my favorite tracks. When a Heart Breaks is another really, really good one. Carry Me though sounds like a spiritual written a century ago...but somehow still fits in perfectly with the other tracks. Annie is a love song (poem, really) for his wife. That song alone sets Dave a couple notches above the rest. "I pray that when my life is done they remember me for how I loved you, Annie." wow. what a lyric. I only hope there is a man out there for me who would write something like that.
The thing I like best about Dave Barnes is that he can be silly at times, but he knows how to be real and relevant. All his songs really mean something. there are no wasted lyrics...theres no empty ranting about how he wants more sex and alcohol or how the world sucks...Its uplifting, encouraging, and each verse really seems to be written with a heart that yearns to change the world for the better. he isn't preachy...he is just trying to be honest. Such a good guy. People like him help you remember there is hope for the world.
The only thing(s) missing are the crazy liner notes he often throws in. DAVE! where are the liner notes??!!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another amazing Barnes album, April 3, 2008
I admit, on first listen I was a little unsure of this one. See, Dave's last CD, "Chasing Mississippi", is one of my favorite discs in years. It's just an outstanding record, and I think that initially, I was hoping for "Chasing Mississippi Part 2," which this is not. But by the time that I'd gone through the whole disc and it started to sink in, I got it. Or it got me. Let me put it this way...I first played "Me, You, And The World" on April 1, and I've listened to it the whole way through at least four times already (as of April 3), not to mention jumping to a few standout tracks on other occasions. I had my son dancing in the kitchen with me to it tonight. Like another reviewer said, it's still Dave, but with thicker instrumentation (including sax genius Jeff Coffin), a great selection of songs, and with the Gabe Dixon Band backing him on the bluesy, rollicking "Believe". It's also fun hearing him romp through the Delbert McClinton-esque stomper "Since You Said I Do." The gospel sound of "Carry Me Through" will appeal to fans of the Mt. Zion Gospel Band from Chasing Mississippi. However, the killer song, the one that I'm utterly stuck on, is the second to last track, "Nothing Else". It's a stunning throwback to the days of Earth, Wind, & Fire and CTA; a smooth, slightly funky mid-tempo groove with harmonizing horns in the back (and a Coffin solo to close), Dave sounding better than ever, and I totally melt into the song every time. There is no question in my mind that Barnes is one of the top songwriters around today, and I hope that Razor & Tie recognize what a good thing they've got going and put him out there so that everyone can fall in love with this guy and his astonishing gift.
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by Dave Barnes 
