Customer Reviews

What We Want, What We Get

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even though Dave Barnes continues to fly under the radar of the enormous commercial success that his music deserves, his fourth full-length release is filled with all the musical goodness his fans have come to expect.

Production-wise, What We Want, What We Get is a return to the more stripped-down, soulful acoustic sound that graced the majority of his first two independent releases. While songs like "God Gave Me You" (the first single off the album) and "What I Need" (featuring some great, gritty guest vocals from bluesman Jonny Lang) show that he can still crank up the amplifiers when he feels the need, other songs like the title track, "Chameleon," and "Someone's Somebody" sound like they could have easily come off of Brother, Bring the Sun or Chasing Mississippi.

Barnes has always had a knack for writing brilliant love songs (and, it seems, to write the soundtrack to my own marriage - not quite sure how he's pulled that off), and he continues in that vein on this album, with a bit of a twist. Lyrically, Dave seems to be focused more on sharing the lessons that he's learned from his first few years of marriage, both the good lessons and the more difficult ones. Songs like "God Gave Me You," the title track, and "My Love, My Enemy" paint a realistic yet hopeful picture of love that's bound up in a commitment for better or worse. As he sings in the bridge of "My Love, My Enemy," "We're changing/It's painful/Into something good/We're changing/It's painful/But it's good." It's simple, but it's absolutely true, and it's good to hear someone write songs about it.

So once again, Dave Barnes has given us proof that he is one of the most talented singer/songwriters around today (and a none-too-shabby guitar player, to boot). His eclectic influences (r&b, folk, country, and gospel music) all continue to shine through as he creates his own unique, but still completely accessible, sound. Here's hoping that What We Want, What We Get finally propels him into his own well-deserved musical spotlight...

My husband and I danced to 'God gave me you' at our wedding as our first dance and it was perfect. This whole CD is great to chill out and listen to and I feel completely satisfied that I bought this CD on a whim and am able to enjoy it over and over again.

"What We Want, What We Get" is that kind of record that you think they don't make anymore. Great, hooky melodies; intelligent but accessible lyrics that make you think without dragging the songs down; outstanding production (Barnes continues to return to the musical well that is Ed Cash); and it's all delivered by a guy so funny and charming that he does stand-up comedy on the side. The album is shot through with messages of faith and love but most of the songs are also very clearly about matrimony and two people trying to build a life together (and survive it). I'd almost go so far as to say this album should be required listening for newlyweds. :) Songs like "My Love, My Enemy" (featuring Matt Wertz) and "What We Want, What We Get" are amazing studies on married life. Other standouts include "What I Need" (a rocker with Jonny Lang guesting) and "Someone's Somebody" (a pop-soul masterpiece that feels transplanted from Hall & Oates' wonder years).

I love Dave Barnes and his music. Even though I think his previous album "Me, You, And The World" is better; this is a great album. 'God Gave Me You' was released as a single prior to the album release and was an instant favorite. Other standout tracks are 'Little Lies', 'What I Need' featuring Jonny Lang,'Amen' and 'My Love, My Enemy'. What I have found about a Dave Barnes album is that they take a couple listens to fully appreciate and grow on you. And I can say that his music has staying power. Good music is worth listening to no matter what the musical trend.

The thing about Dave Barnes, is that you want to be his friend because he gives you advice in a jingle-kinda way :) I have to say his new album might surpass he previous albums. He's a great songwriter that truly captures you in a way that you want to be captured in. I'm thrilled to see him in concert this April! I recommend this album who likes this genre. Also, check out Barnes best friend Matt Wertz and check out Matt Nathanson who also has awesome lyrics!

I received my CD in a timely manner and it was in wonderful condition! It was basically like a brand new album purchased in a store. Thank you!

Dave has done it again! He continues to create some amazing music. I love the jazzy/blues undertones still, and he is one of the only artists that can literally bring a tear to my eye with his religious and love songs.

I bought the album based upon hearing "You do the Same for Me".
I confess that i did only a cursory review of the other songs and found that I liked the ones I previewed.
Putting the collection to the ultimate test and sliding it into the disc player in the convertible proved to be a different experience all together.
After just a few whole trax, the songs began to feel tedious.
The changes in musical style were dramatic and I just never felt like I could settle into a groove.
Now, there are inherent dangers in having a "theme" or 'signature style'. The sameness can be the end of a good thing and lock you into being a one hit wonder. On the other hand, sharp swings in form can derail an otherwise technically stellar effort.
That seems the case with this disc. I hear Michael Bubble, and half a dozen other artists in the changes. It was interesting but ultimately not charming.
Talent and technical skills are not the question. They are great.
It is a matter of not being as satisfied as one might have hoped.
The album is worth hearing but only a few songs will ring true and require repeated listening.
I'll probably make a 'best of' compilation disc of this and a couple other projects just so that i can have that 'cruise groove' for real world listening conditions.

I absolutely LOVE this CD!!! I can not listen to it enough. I am always hitting replay, I think my girls are getting tired of hearing the same songs every time they are in the car with me.

i think this is a great album. i don't know dave barnes music that well so that it why i didn't give it 5 stars but i think his song writing ability and his singing is def worthy of all 5.