The singer-songwriter canon has seldom been a one-size-fits-all affair. Indeed, there often seem to be boutiques full of urgent, emotive voices to match every foible, heartbreak, and occasion. That's why the opening lines ... more »of Jeffrey Gaines fifth album?"I don't believe anybody / Really can feel anybody else" from "Falling Apart"--bristle with promise and integrity. Gaines may not put much faith in emotional salvation here, but that shouldn't be confused with cheap cynicism, either. Instead, what Gaines's soulful singing--he's a cross between Elvis Costello and Lenny Kravitz in full voice, yet capable of a chameleonic range of nuance--offers is less hollow inspiration than steadfast instigation and encouragement in a world of pain, isolation, and indifference. The rewarding collaboration with veteran producer Mitchell Froom also suggests that Gaines here is goading himself as much the subjects of his songs, casting the material in a powerful, yet wholly organic, new range of dynamics, from the plaintive "Our Lie" and "Come Out Tonight" to the sultry, updated Stax vibe of "Together," and the big, anthemic nod to his fans, the single "Over and Over." Liberated by an almost palpable indifference to concerns of taste and trend, Gaines's expressive voice rises to new heights, conveying a heartfelt simplicity of purpose and message that is anything but simple. --Jerry McCulley« less
The singer-songwriter canon has seldom been a one-size-fits-all affair. Indeed, there often seem to be boutiques full of urgent, emotive voices to match every foible, heartbreak, and occasion. That's why the opening lines of Jeffrey Gaines fifth album?"I don't believe anybody / Really can feel anybody else" from "Falling Apart"--bristle with promise and integrity. Gaines may not put much faith in emotional salvation here, but that shouldn't be confused with cheap cynicism, either. Instead, what Gaines's soulful singing--he's a cross between Elvis Costello and Lenny Kravitz in full voice, yet capable of a chameleonic range of nuance--offers is less hollow inspiration than steadfast instigation and encouragement in a world of pain, isolation, and indifference. The rewarding collaboration with veteran producer Mitchell Froom also suggests that Gaines here is goading himself as much the subjects of his songs, casting the material in a powerful, yet wholly organic, new range of dynamics, from the plaintive "Our Lie" and "Come Out Tonight" to the sultry, updated Stax vibe of "Together," and the big, anthemic nod to his fans, the single "Over and Over." Liberated by an almost palpable indifference to concerns of taste and trend, Gaines's expressive voice rises to new heights, conveying a heartfelt simplicity of purpose and message that is anything but simple. --Jerry McCulley
Author Brian Wallace (Mind Transmis | Texas | 03/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"another masterful production from Mr. Gaines. This work is intensely thoughtful and full of passion. It's got the addictive bluesy-ness of Johnny Lang, the heartfelt moodiness of Elvis Costello and tons more street cred and substance than Lenny Kravitz. Jeffrey Gaines is ultimately an artist who cannot be defined by race, genre or commercial demands. He is the best of all worlds and seems a true artist in being most faithful to his highly unique muse. Exceptional work that is highly enjoyable."
Jeff deserves to be heard, great songwriter, soulful voice
J. J. Andrews | Utah | 04/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been following Jeff's music since 1992, when I first heard "Hero In Me" on Syracuse, NY radio 95 X. The first time I heard this song, I thought "Wow,what a great song, musically and lyrically,as well as the sound of that voice!"I found out it was Jeffrey Gaines, and I got his debut album, then aquired all his subsequent releases. They're all great, with each having a different feel. The self-titled debut was very somber, with "Somewhat Slightly Dazed" and "Galore" being more upbeat and having more of a pop-rock flavor. "Always Be", Jeff's 4th album, has a beautiful solo version of Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I saw your Face".
I very much like his latest "Toward the Sun", with favorites including "Our Lie", "Over and Over",and "Love Me".
I saw him live twice, getting an autograph from him on my guitar and Cd Cover. He was very friendly, signing lots of autographs and spending a minute or two with each of us at the Club 37 show in North Syracuse around 1995. In 2000, I saw him opening for Tracy Chapman at Kingsbury Hall (Univ. of Utah)in Salt Lake City. I can't believe that even after 11 years , most people don't know who Jeff is. He needs to be played by more radio stations, as he is such a great artist. I have everything I can get by him (including promos), that's how great I think this guy is. Anyone who likes Elvis Costello, Neil Finn, or Michael Penn should like Jeffrey Gaines. I can't wait until the DVD/CD comes out in May."
Perfect!
Fatin Abdal-Sabur | 03/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Could not ask for anymore. Not a single mediocre track. Ive heard alot of these songs played live and finally have them on cd!
Just a perfect album!"
This one deserves a Grammy
Fatin Abdal-Sabur | 02/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I put this record to the test...
I play it while I am walking through the city, at work and home. I cannot stop playing it! It's been a long time since I found a record that makes me want listen and love every single song, and it just gets better with every play.
Jeffrey Gaines, you deserve a Grammy Award for this record."