The BurgerBlog

Dave Barnes

Dave Barnes is not a well-known artist, but he should be. I found Brother, Bring the Sun, Barnes’ debut album, several years ago on MySpace. The country, rock, and blues sound is made up of clear vocals, funk guitar, a groove that keeps this album moving.

“Crazyboutya,” the first track on the album, encompasses Dave Barnes’ sound. It has a pull and chug to it not unlike John Mayer that will appeal to every listener. However, “Until You,” the following track, overshadows the rest of the album. The upbeat rock ballad has the hooks and the beat that can be listened to over and over again. The lyrics are sweet, but not so much that they’re sappy: “Love was kept from me like a secret/And I swore that I was through/Until you.” I have been waiting for this song to appear on the radio for a while.

Barnes is also very good at tackling slower grooves. “Grace’s Amazing Hands” and “Nothing Fancy” illuminate Barnes’ strong vocals and has the perfect light feel for a romantic evening. “On A Night Like This” should be on every wedding repertoire. It’s slow and methodical, with well-placed strings and passionate vocals.

For those who don’t enjoy touchy-feely music, have no fear. “The L.A. Song,” “Prayers of the Saints,” and “What Am I Gonna Do” are fun, feel-good tracks that the listener can go for a long drive listening to. None of Barnes’ songs are get-up and dance tracks, but that’s not the point of his music. Brother, Bring the Sun intends to make its listener feel good. Barnes shoots: he scores. Brother, Bring the Sun should be in every music lover’s collection.

Rating: A

Recommended Tracks: Buy this album