Search - Jeff Bates :: Jeff Bates

Excellent!

D. Dan | San Rafael, CA | 04/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeff Bates generally isn't on the tip of your tongue when you rattle off your favorite country artists. Unfortunately, he slips through the cracks. Like right now for instance, he's lost in the shuffle while George Strait releases an album and while exciting new acts like Lady Antebellum and James Otto have new discs out as well.



I made a point to purchase this album without previewing any of the tracks. I just know that Jeff Bates won't sell out, or go pop, or put out garbage. He's too passionate about the music he loves, and is too country for that!



His first single off the album, "Can't Have Nothin' Nice" is a mid-tempo, tough luck song that sets the tone for who he is.



My two favorite songs on the album are "Riverbank," which is dedicated to his father (I believe), and "Country Man". "Riverbank" is a very well written song that conveys a ton of emotion about losing loved ones, and yet it still makes me want to go fishing. Now that's country! These two songs are one of many that are well written.



That's one of the patterns of this disc I believe. Pretty much everything has been said in country songs (or of any genre for that matter). The hallmark of a good or great song, is saying it in a better way, or in a way that stands out.



Of course the subject within "Country Man" (pretty self-explanatory) has been said over and over again. But there's something different about the way he puts it, that makes you really love the song.



My other favorites include "Don't Hate Me For Lovin' You" (sounds a lot like Darryl Worley's "Awful, Beautiful Life" musically), "Dead or Alive", and "He Wasn't Like Us" (an ode to our Lord-- much like Josh Turner's "The Way He Was Raised").



This is an excellent album. It is mostly upbeat, but even the slower tunes are excellent. I detected a bit of a Chesney vibe with the kick drum (it's a pretty distinctive sound), but Bates makes sure he doesn't cross those lines! Bates co-writes almost all of the album, and his voice is just incredible. You shouldn't miss this one."

DO NOT MISS THIS CD!!!!

Jan Hoadley | 04/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Commercial radio has for many people lost touch with country. For those who like traditional country, who like music that is about real life and relate to songs that look back, celebrate today and look forward this is a cd for a backyard BBQ or driving.



Jeff had a hand as well as a voice in many of these songs, co-writing many of them. From the opening strains of "I Can't Have Nothing Nice" this CD sizzles. The long anticipated third cd is worth the wait. Highlights like "Riverbank", written by Jeff, Robert Arthur and Kirk Roth, pay tribute to those people we've lost. "Chevy Don't Let Me Down" is a toe tapping tribute to old Chevy cars that just keep running. His first single, an awesome number "Don't Hate Me For Loving You" and the powerful song "My Wave" (co-written by Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Yeary) are both highlights. For a smack of reality listen close to "He Wasn't Like Us" and be thankful He wasn't. One of my personal favorites, from the magical writing trio of Jeff/Jimmy Yeary/Kenny Beard is "Country Man" - if there was any justice in the music business this will become an anthem for the real people out here listening. "Somebody's Falling" and "Dead Or Alive" both add opposite ends of the relationship.



This is a top class CD that is easily for me the best cd release so far this year. Don't hesitate...this is one that belongs in the player not on the shelf!"

Amazing new CD from Jeff Bates!

Kerri Bahrik | Jasper, AL USA | 04/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From tearful ballads to hard-drivin', roll down the window and GO! songs..Jeff Bates does it like he never has before. With a new label, a new look and a brand new CD Jeff has alot going for him these days and it shows in this remarkable new album. "Riverbank" will have you thinking of someone you miss and love, "Don't Hate me for Lovin' You" (the new single from the album) will have you pattin' your foot and singin' along before you know it. The whole CD is just great and Jeff has the most real, amazing voice in country radio today! You won't be sorry you bought this CD...it rocks!"