Customer Reviews

Me + You + The World

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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...

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??!!

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.

Dave Barnes' new album, "Me, You, and the World", is awesome. He has truly outdone himself by adding a lot of new flare to his music as well as taking some old songs like "On A Night Like This" and "Until You" and re-vamping them to sound even more awesome. The new album catches the essence of Dave Barnes' music and acoustic rock sound. The lyrics to all of the songs are amazing and will touch your heart as you listen to them. I highly recommend this album to anyone- old and new DB fans!

I've been watching the show "What I Like About You" and came across a musician/singer/songwriter by the name of Dave Barnes completely by accident. In one of the episodes his song "Until You" is sung by one of the other characters on the show. When I went to look up the name of the actor that sang the song on the show nothing came up. So I went to a couple of websites and finally found out who sang the song...Turns out this guy Dave Barnes was the original singer and songwriter of this song and that he had 3 albums out. Bought it. I can say it is the best 6 bucks I ever spent on a CD. The CD is really incredible. Reminds me of a cross between Paul Carrack (Squeeze) and John Mayer. Influence are a wide spectrum of music. The songs on this CD could have easily been song by artists from Jamariquai to The Eagles to Bobby Caldwell to George Benson. This guy touches on almost every style of music on the CD. Gospel, Power Pop, Ballads, Blues and just plain old funk. Just an INCREDIBLE!!! CD. A very talented Singer/Songwriter that deserves a listen by everyone.

Me + You + The World

Dave Barnes is a genius. Not only is he an absolutely amazing musician, but an amazingly nice guy. I met him after I saw his show, after he had already signed CD's for an hour and a half, and he was still excited to talk to fans. After a 20 minute conversation and a signed CD, I was the one that had to end the conversation as my friends were calling me. Grade A person.


Now to My and You and The World. As many others have said, Chasing Mississippi was a absolutely incredible CD, first song to last. When I saw the new CD was coming out, I was excited but skeptical. I pre-ordered it, and apparently a lot of other people did to as my shipping was delayed for about a week. I got the CD and popped it in instantly. Again, as others had said, the first time through you hold it up to a high standard (Chasing Mississippi is THE best CD I bought in the past year), but after another round through, when you can start learning the lyrics, you begin to see the magic.

Brothers and Sisters starts off with a Robert Randolph-esque guitar and stays funky the whole time with a promising message. Since You Said I Do is a great love song, as is Until You, one being hard with a heavy downbeat and the other more acoustic and great to sing to. Something you can sing to a girl and easily win brownie points. Other highlights include On A Night Like This, where Dave stretches out his vocal chords, with just piano backing, Carry Me Through, good down-home gospel song, a la Blind Boys of Alabama, and Someday, a smooth, funky jam with a great horn arrangement.

Overall, this CD has just as much re-playability as Chasing Mississippi and the same variety in the songs. As someone said, the only thing I was severely disappointed in is the missing liner notes. It was amazing opening the last CD and seeing the story of each song along with witty anecdotes (did I mention Dave is HILARIOUS).

If you buy an album today, tomorrow or even in the next 10 years, seriously consider Dave Barnes. I promise you will not be disappointed.

I'm absolutely in love with Dave Barnes, both as a musician and as a person. I've seen him live four times, will soon be five times, and each time I am more and more astounded by his incredible talent.

I wouldn't go as far as to say that this is his 'best yet'- simply because it's so different from his normally acoustic albums. However, this still has Dave Barnes written all over it. Just because he signed to a label obviously doesn't mean much. He has strayed away from his usual uplifting acoustic songs, and has drifted into harder guitar solos, deeper lyrics and (oh yes) falsettos. It's incredible

Buy this, and his other two albums. You will NOT be disappointed. And if you are- you have no taste in music, apparently.

great cd
every song has a different sound- not like some cd's where an artist does all of their music the same
dave barnes is a mixture of dave matthews and john mayer

Although this CD has some songs that are on previous albums, it is another thoughtful album by Dave Barnes. It has some of the same southern gospel sounds as "Chasing Mississippi." I love the track Carry Me Through.

I have been a fan of Dave Barnes since 2002. His mom was my algebra II teacher in High School (Farragut, TN) and would always brag about her son (Dave). After hearing just 1 song, my friends and I instantly fell in love with him and his music. In late 2002, he gave my friends and I a cd he put together, which at the time, didn't have a lot of songs (~7ish songs), but still managed to show all of us how talented he is and showed his passion w/music. His voice is sooo beautiful!! That same year (Oct '02)Dave invited us to a place in downtown Knoxville to hear him play. Everyone there, including myself, saw how talented he was. The best thing about Dave Barnes, in my opinion, is that he is so down to earth, humble, and has a good head on his shoulders...hasn't let "fame" change him. I'm so glad to see that he never gave up on his dream! He has been working so hard and I am extremely glad to see that it is paying off. All his cds are wonderful! Buying his cd(s) will be such a great choice, you will have no regrets!! Infact, you will fall in love him and his music! =) Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that Dave Barnes is awesome, has a beautiful voice, and is incredibly gifted/blessed/talented. We love you Dave Barnes!!