Search - Jimmy Wayne :: Sara Smile

Wayne Gets Us "Smiling" The Third Time Round

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 11/26/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Belongs to You, All the Time in the World, Just Look at You



Wayne has left his mark as a storyteller-singer: who could forget Wayne's passionate meliorism coming alive in the tale of an abused child finding hope through the altruistic love of a stranger in his hit "Paper Angels"? Or how can one's heart not be dashed when listening to Wayne's "Blue and Brown" which tells of a policeman having to imprison his own brother? Such heart slashing stuff dissipated with Wayne's sophomore album "Do You Believe Me Now?" "Do You Believe Me Now?" sadly fell into the cracks of bombastic commercialism where most of the track lacked threadbares of intricate heart woven tapestry. Now album number three "Sara Smile" is a vast improvement--though still not on par with his meritorious debut--it has more heartfelt moments balanced with a few run of the mill radio treats. Perhaps such improvements is due to the tight control of songs--instead of giving us a truckload of fillers, Waye has narrowed down to the traditional sacrosanct number of 10. However, what is avant-garde (at least in country music) is that Wayne has enlisted not one but three producers: all of whom are dignitaries--Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift and Sara Evans), Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire) and Dann Huff (Martina McBride and Keith Urban).



Consistent to Wayne's canon of songs, the ballads are hands down the winners here. Though the theme of heartbreak has been part of country music's repertoire since its genesis, when Wayne sings Steve Robison and Hillary Lindsey's "All the Time in the World" he brings right us into the story as the protagonist re-visits the rendezvous he used to meet with his old flame. "Belongs to You," is a all out power ballad in the tradition of Rascal Flatts that showcases Wayne's endearing and high soaring tenor. Unlike his debut, there is only one message song (those that belong to the "Soup for the Soul" collection), this time it's the sober "Elephant Ears." "Elephant Ears" is a narrative song that details the touching story of an adopted child struggling to say "I love you." This is inspirational stuff at its most affecting best. "Just Look at You" ought to swoon the romantic right off their feet: earnest, elegant and all so beautiful; this is destined to be a future Valentine's Day staple.



The title cut "Sara Smile," for those who did not grow up in the 70s, is a cover of a Hall and Oates' smash. Reverentially keeping close to the original, Wayne's version adds little to the duo's version, though fiddles and steel are added in to curry radio's favour. Nevertheless, its catchy melody and well constructed melody are worth introducing to today's younger generation. It doesn't take a prophet to foresee that "Things I Believe In" will be a mammoth hit. Written by Keith Urban and John Shanks, "Things I Believe" bears all the finger marks of Keith Urban. From its feisty banjo flicks, to its breezy rock groove, to Wayne's Urban-like falsetto, it is almost as if this is Wayne being a guest vocalist on Urban's track. "That's A Memory," on the other hand, is one of those obligatory rocks with an anthem rock climax and rousing guitars.



Wayne has certainly climbed out of his sophomore slum as "Sara Smile" is a much better album in terms of a stronger material and more investment by Wayne in the lyrical depth and emotional levels. However, it still doesn't hold a candle to his stellar debut. Alas, ballad fans who are looking for sonic decadence to indulge in will find plenty to put smiles on your faces.

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Jimmy Wayne's "Sara Smile" is a Musical Masterpiece

JaySee3 | Wyoming | 12/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you ever need to be inspired to keep reaching for your dreams all you have to do is get to know Jimmy Wayne. For more than 13 years, Jimmy has been singing and performing "Sara Smile" for anyone who would listen. Those who have heard him sing it live at his shows know words cannot describe the experience. This song earned him his first record deal in 2002, but it wasn't until just a few months ago that he finally realized his dream of recording "Sara Smile" for his third CD that he proudly gave the same name.



"Sara Smile" is the first single, and it provides a sense of Jimmy's incredible vocal talent that you hear throughout the ten songs on the CD. A balance of heartfelt ballads and up tempo tunes, each song is unique and displays a different use of Jimmy's smooth and soulful sound. Having used three different producers for this CD, the musical arrangements are equally as impressive. "Things I Believe" is an upbeat Keith Urban song that Jimmy has put his own sound to. "All The Time In The World" is a beautiful melodic song that is perfect for Jimmy's voice. "Just Knowing You Love Me" was co-written by Jimmy and is lyrically inspiring with an upbeat melody that will stay with you. Also a co-writer on "Just Look At You" Jimmy beautifully performs a simple, yet powerful love song that will melt any girls heart. "Counting The Days" is another memorable song for it's vocal strength and musical arrangement. "There's A Memory" is a fun, up beat song that makes you want to hit the road and make some memories. "Belongs To You" is another cut full of emotion and beautifully performed. My personal favorite is a song Jimmy wrote alone, "I'll Never Leave You." Like "Sara Smile" this song is a perfect vehicle for Jimmy's amazing vocal range. His long time fans have waited for this one to finally make it onto a CD. Rounding out the song list is "Elephant Ears". Co-written by Jimmy, this is a very personal and heartfelt song meant to bring attention to kids in foster care. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Jimmy tells the story of one such child in a way that truly warms your heart.



I admit, I have been a fan of Jimmy Wayne the person and Jimmy Wayne the singer for many years. His first CD, "Jimmy Wayne" released in 2003, was very good and produced such hits as "Stay Gone", "I Love You This Much", and "Paper Angels". I would recommend it to anyone. Jimmy really came into his own on his second CD, "Do You Believe Me Now" released in August 2008. This CD bares the #1 title song and is one of the best CD's I've ever heard. Now, with "Sara Smile" the progression of his vocal ability and musical choices has continued. For me "Sara Smile" is a vocal, lyrical and musical masterpiece. I continue to be amazed at how truly special it is every time I play it. If you are a fan of Jimmy Wayne you will love this CD. If you're not a Jimmy Wayne fan...you will be after you listen to these songs. Buy it...you won't be disappointed. And while you're listening, learn more about Jimmy the person and you will enjoy the music all the more."

Gina

G. Amico | USA | 11/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a word- AWESOME! It's Jimmy Wayne raising the bar a little higher. If you're a fan, you'll love it."