Dave Barnes

The fact that it’s a return isn’t the question here. That much is instantly obvious, even from the title. The question, then, is whether it’s a return to form for Dave Barnes. The answer?

You, The Night, & Candlelight is the latest release from Barnes and the second from his label deal with Razor & Tie. The five-song EP is a Valentine’s Day slated work featuring some of the Nashville singer/songwriter’s best ballads reworked, a cover tune and one brand new track. Opinions will differ on a package like this, ranging from cries of a label’s attempts to squeeze all life from the songs to those being refreshed by Barnes’ return to his earlier works. All things considered, you can place this listener somewhere in the middle.

Barnes’ early career was built on the backs of primarily college-aged girls who found themselves wooed by Barnes’ on-stage charm and wit and cupid-would-be-proud balladry. Proof positive can be found on “Until You,” the popular, gotta-sing-it-at-every-show track that holds such lines like “What better way to spend to spend than wasting it with you” and “Love was kept from me like a secret / I swore that I was through / Until you.” Cue tears, Kleenex, and beating hearts.

That’s not a knock on Dave Barnes, not in the slightest. Dave’s songcraft is a tender one, singing about subjects as diverse as starvation or love lost with equal amounts of approachability and emotion. The end result is a master at these specific types of songs. “I Have and Always Will” finds a more pensive Barnes singing alongside what sounds like a Casio keyboard on this version and the result isn’t nearly as good as other versions available. While the reworked “Until You” finds new life here, this track is entirely skip-able.

The same can be said for “My Girl,” the cover tune present here. It’s a quirky, fun track that might appeal to some, but there’s not much lasting value here. “Home” is an older track that hardcore fans will recognize. It’s a great solo track that features Dave and a piano and shows more heart than any of the other more focused tracks.

Still the only track worth its full weight happens to be the new track, “Loving You, Loving Me.” Barnes’ more soulful turn on Chasing Mississippi returns for this late-night piano jam and it works remarkably well. Barnes’ real-life lyricism reflects what seems to be a spontaneous songwriting session and lends the track a charm missing from others. And his playful falsetto only adds to the experience.

You, The Night, & Candlelight is hardly the place to start for diving in Dave Barnes’ music, but it’s a perfect pick-up for a fan searching for a Valentine’s surprise.

Tagged as: Dave Barnes

↓ One comment

#1 grace on February 14th, 2009 at 6:03 am

i <3 dave barnes. this compilation is adorable, but yes, if youre going to only buy one song…make it “loving me loving you” its very sweet. perfect for valentines!!

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