Customer Reviews

Sara Smile

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Prime Cuts: Belongs to You, All the Time in the World, Just Look at You

Wayne has left his mark as a storyteller-singer: who could forget Wayne's passionate meliorism coming alive in the tale of an abused child finding hope through the altruistic love of a stranger in his hit "Paper Angels"? Or how can one's heart not be dashed when listening to Wayne's "Blue and Brown" which tells of a policeman having to imprison his own brother? Such heart slashing stuff dissipated with Wayne's sophomore album "Do You Believe Me Now?" "Do You Believe Me Now?" sadly fell into the cracks of bombastic commercialism where most of the track lacked threadbares of intricate heart woven tapestry. Now album number three "Sara Smile" is a vast improvement--though still not on par with his meritorious debut--it has more heartfelt moments balanced with a few run of the mill radio treats. Perhaps such improvements is due to the tight control of songs--instead of giving us a truckload of fillers, Waye has narrowed down to the traditional sacrosanct number of 10. However, what is avant-garde (at least in country music) is that Wayne has enlisted not one but three producers: all of whom are dignitaries--Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift and Sara Evans), Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire) and Dann Huff (Martina McBride and Keith Urban).

Consistent to Wayne's canon of songs, the ballads are hands down the winners here. Though the theme of heartbreak has been part of country music's repertoire since its genesis, when Wayne sings Steve Robison and Hillary Lindsey's "All the Time in the World" he brings right us into the story as the protagonist re-visits the rendezvous he used to meet with his old flame. "Belongs to You," is a all out power ballad in the tradition of Rascal Flatts that showcases Wayne's endearing and high soaring tenor. Unlike his debut, there is only one message song (those that belong to the "Soup for the Soul" collection), this time it's the sober "Elephant Ears." "Elephant Ears" is a narrative song that details the touching story of an adopted child struggling to say "I love you." This is inspirational stuff at its most affecting best. "Just Look at You" ought to swoon the romantic right off their feet: earnest, elegant and all so beautiful; this is destined to be a future Valentine's Day staple.

The title cut "Sara Smile," for those who did not grow up in the 70s, is a cover of a Hall and Oates' smash. Reverentially keeping close to the original, Wayne's version adds little to the duo's version, though fiddles and steel are added in to curry radio's favour. Nevertheless, its catchy melody and well constructed melody are worth introducing to today's younger generation. It doesn't take a prophet to foresee that "Things I Believe In" will be a mammoth hit. Written by Keith Urban and John Shanks, "Things I Believe" bears all the finger marks of Keith Urban. From its feisty banjo flicks, to its breezy rock groove, to Wayne's Urban-like falsetto, it is almost as if this is Wayne being a guest vocalist on Urban's track. "That's A Memory," on the other hand, is one of those obligatory rocks with an anthem rock climax and rousing guitars.

Wayne has certainly climbed out of his sophomore slum as "Sara Smile" is a much better album in terms of a stronger material and more investment by Wayne in the lyrical depth and emotional levels. However, it still doesn't hold a candle to his stellar debut. Alas, ballad fans who are looking for sonic decadence to indulge in will find plenty to put smiles on your faces.

If you ever need to be inspired to keep reaching for your dreams all you have to do is get to know Jimmy Wayne. For more than 13 years, Jimmy has been singing and performing "Sara Smile" for anyone who would listen. Those who have heard him sing it live at his shows know words cannot describe the experience. This song earned him his first record deal in 2002, but it wasn't until just a few months ago that he finally realized his dream of recording "Sara Smile" for his third CD that he proudly gave the same name.

"Sara Smile" is the first single, and it provides a sense of Jimmy's incredible vocal talent that you hear throughout the ten songs on the CD. A balance of heartfelt ballads and up tempo tunes, each song is unique and displays a different use of Jimmy's smooth and soulful sound. Having used three different producers for this CD, the musical arrangements are equally as impressive. "Things I Believe" is an upbeat Keith Urban song that Jimmy has put his own sound to. "All The Time In The World" is a beautiful melodic song that is perfect for Jimmy's voice. "Just Knowing You Love Me" was co-written by Jimmy and is lyrically inspiring with an upbeat melody that will stay with you. Also a co-writer on "Just Look At You" Jimmy beautifully performs a simple, yet powerful love song that will melt any girls heart. "Counting The Days" is another memorable song for it's vocal strength and musical arrangement. "There's A Memory" is a fun, up beat song that makes you want to hit the road and make some memories. "Belongs To You" is another cut full of emotion and beautifully performed. My personal favorite is a song Jimmy wrote alone, "I'll Never Leave You." Like "Sara Smile" this song is a perfect vehicle for Jimmy's amazing vocal range. His long time fans have waited for this one to finally make it onto a CD. Rounding out the song list is "Elephant Ears". Co-written by Jimmy, this is a very personal and heartfelt song meant to bring attention to kids in foster care. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Jimmy tells the story of one such child in a way that truly warms your heart.

I admit, I have been a fan of Jimmy Wayne the person and Jimmy Wayne the singer for many years. His first CD, "Jimmy Wayne" released in 2003, was very good and produced such hits as "Stay Gone", "I Love You This Much", and "Paper Angels". I would recommend it to anyone. Jimmy really came into his own on his second CD, "Do You Believe Me Now" released in August 2008. This CD bares the #1 title song and is one of the best CD's I've ever heard. Now, with "Sara Smile" the progression of his vocal ability and musical choices has continued. For me "Sara Smile" is a vocal, lyrical and musical masterpiece. I continue to be amazed at how truly special it is every time I play it. If you are a fan of Jimmy Wayne you will love this CD. If you're not a Jimmy Wayne fan...you will be after you listen to these songs. Buy it...you won't be disappointed. And while you're listening, learn more about Jimmy the person and you will enjoy the music all the more.

In a word- AWESOME! It's Jimmy Wayne raising the bar a little higher. If you're a fan, you'll love it.

I really like this album. One of my new favorite country albums. The songs are just amazing. Jimmy can sing anything, and it would be great. If you like Steve Azar, you will like Jimmy Wayne, vice versa. So, what are you waiting for get this album already.
You have to love these songs:
1. Things I Believe
2. All The Time in The World
3. Just Knowing You Love Me
4. Just Look At You
5. There's A Memory
6. I'll Never Leave You
I like the whole album, but these are the songs I find myself listening to over, and over again. I hope he comes out with another album this year.

this cd is just country enough to cross over into the mainstream. each song on this cd is a winner. his voice and his instrumentation is both smooth and strong. my favorite track on this cd is, you guessed it, sara smile- the classic hall and oates song. love the vocals especially. i urge you to get this cd even if you are not usually a fan of country music. it definitely would please even the most discriminating and biased critic.

I am not a fan of country music but I was inspired to buy this cd after listening to Jimmy Wayne on Daryl's House. I loved Sara Smile and also love Jimmy's life story. The entire album is really great, and I hope he continues to make great music and wise choices.

I really love this guys voice & knowing his back story, i am just so much more happy for his success.He puts so much of his own story in his songs. I just love that personalness. he obviously has worked hard to get this far & i wish him all the best with many more hits for us in the future

The song "Sara Smile" is worth the price of the album. Jimmy's haunting version is better than Darryl Hall's and that is a tough order to fill.

When the time arrives for those noble souls at the CMA to sit down and compile their nominations for the 'Song of the Year'. It is quite possible that 'Elephant Ears' will be on the list.
Co-written by Wayne and Grammy Award winning Nashville song writing genius Don Henry the song encapsulates in just over 4 minutes all human emotion. In much the same way as Henry achieved when he co-wrote Kathy Mattea's 'Where've You Been' and 'Beautiful Fool'.
Jimmy has never been short in expressing his life experiences in public and the song demonstrates his inbuilt ability to communicate.
The rest of the album is a balance of material that will ensure radio play keeps it on playlists for the next year, they just need to ensure that around spring the 'Elephant' is heard.

I have been waiting for this CD. It is great. Sara Smile ...I was a fan of Hall & Oats but I like this better! I have seen Jimmy Wayne in Nashville, and he is such an honest, considerate, and sincere guy. He deserves this! What a voice, he is soooo talented. God Bless!