LIFE AND LOVE AND DAVE

Known for his lovelorn lyrics as a successful independent singer/songwriter, Dave Barnes enters some blusier territory on his major label debut, Me and You and The World. While tried and true fans might wonder if signing with a label inhibited Barnes’ artistic creativity, they will be pleased with the result. While the album is a potpourri of songs about love, life, social justice and faith, Barnes’ vocals and simplistic melodies hit the mark.

Me and You and The World, produced once again by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Matt Wertz), begins with the John Mayer-esque “Brothers & Sisters,” finding Barnes and his crew rounding some pretty high notes on a chorus that chants “I believe that we can change the world.” Along this same line comes the catchy “Good World Gone Bad,” with a message that only love can triumph. Songs such as the ragtime gospel flavored “Carry Me Through” and “Believe” (with Brooke Fraser on BGVs) speak blatantly of Barnes’ faith. And “10,000 Children” gives voice to a new generation trying to reconcile materialistic culture with the extreme poverty of Third World countries: “10,000 children are my invitation to change… Prayers and money should not be confused/But I pray both are still used/Only love can save us all.”

There are also plenty of love songs to go along with the more poetic do-something-now statements. “When a Heart Breaks” is the best tune on the album (if not the most commercial) and could easily be recorded by Rascal Flatts—the perfect blend of heart-wrenching country ballad with just enough pop sensibility. There are also plenty of catchy tunes about married life, finding Barnes teaming up with friend Gabe Dixon on “Someday,” the melody as memorable as the lyrics.

And while the only misstep may have been adding a second verse to “On A Night Like This” (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it), new and old fans alike can’t refute the fact that “Until You” is the preeminent pop track. It’s Dave’s first single. You will be hearing it at radio. This guy’s changing the world one song at a time.

–Lindsay Williams