Dave Barnes "Me and You and The World" Sounds like: A hopeless romantic steeped in gospel, country and soul.
Dave Barnes delivers more of his fan-beloved gospel-inspired country on "Me and You and The World," due April 1 of this year. His Southern roots are as apparent as ever as he melds genres, creating a synthesis of sound that leaves audiences tapping their feet and humming along.
For all his genre-mixing, what he creates is easily accessible pop music with all the cookie-cutter lyrics and hooks that implies. However, he is refreshing through his genuine delivery.
One turnoff for tried and true Barnes supporters could be the release's recycling of tracks from his previously released independent albums "Chasing Mississippi" and "Brother, Bring the Sun." New listeners, however, will certainly appreciate the inclusion of tracks such as "Until You," a fan favorite, and "On a Night Like This," a charming piano ballad.
"Carry Me Through," with its gospel-choir backup vocals and deep-South vibes, exemplifies what made Barnes a regular on the Nashville scene, and "Since You Said I Do" proves his power to make girls' hearts melt as he hits the college circuit.
The album may not become a chart-topper, nor does it win many points for originality, but as summer approaches it may prove the perfect sing-along for driving with the windows down and the volume up.
-MADALYN WASILCZUK
