Jeffrey Gaines Albums (6)
'Jeffrey Gaines Live'
Release Date 5/25/2004
Tracks 14
Label Artemis Records
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What The Critics Say
Acoustic soul rocker Jeffrey Gaines broke through to the mainstream in 2001 with his third release, Always Be. It took Gaines' soulful rendition of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" -- live and recorded versions are on this album -- for audiences to fully take notice of this singer/songwriter. Gaines offers up another remake here -- a stark version of Ewan MacColl's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." The singer's take on this classic ballad is mesmerizing. Gaines' talent, unmistakably, lies in his tenor voice, which fluidly sweeps through the scales, resulting in sultry lows and searing highs, all delivered with a richness that oozes like hot fudge. Always Be has several shining moments. "I'll Have You" is a wistful torch song that is entirely seductive, while "Take Me Back" recalls the Fabulous Thunderbirds -- but without the speedy tempo -- and drives with soul and toe-tapping verve. "Hero in Me," an acoustic ballad, is purely plaintive and finds its protagonists regretful and longing to be free from the emotional prisons that they've built. This song is deeply touching. Jeffrey Gaines can be likened to Duncan Sheik, Seal, Bryan Ferry, and other sensitive singer/songwriters with sexy voices. To be sure, Gaines' sound is firmly planted in relaxed, straightforward light rock, with a soulful edge. While there is nothing groundbreaking on Always Be, the album is a pleasure to listen to and Gaines' voice an instrument to behold. ~ Liana Jonas, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Moving to the independent Rykodisc after spending two years on the majors doesn't hurt Jeffrey Gaines in the slightest -- if anything he sounds liberated. Galore still has hints of the commercial sheen that distinguished Somewhat Slightly Dazed from his debut, but that isn't a bad thing. His supporting band -- featuring Bowie guitarist Reeves Gabrels plus two of his colleagues, as well as keyboardist David Sancious, who played with Sting and Springsteen -- is damn near flawless whether they're turning out rousing pop or ballads. Gaines remains slightly more impressive when he strips everything down to his acoustics, as on "Toast and Tea," but even full-fledged pop-rockers like "Belle de Jour" are punchy, catchy and well-crafted. Gaines remains in a netherworld between a cult singer/songwriter and mainstream pop-rocker, but for listeners willing to meet him there, Galore is one entertaining listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Somewhat Slightly Dazed'
Release Date 7/26/1994
Tracks 13
Label Capitol
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What The Critics Say
After his ponderously moody folk debut, Gaines seems determined to prove he's not unredeemably morose. Several of the tracks feature aggressively cheerful electric guitar pop, with Beatlesque bounce and a subtle undercurrent of alterna-buzz. Other tracks sound more like his previous acoustic work, but while the first record sometimes droned unmelodically, this one has a high percentage of catchy tunes. Unfortunately, though, Gaines' upbeat songs are every bit as serious as the gloomy ones (he passionately complains that "so many people...just sit on their hands constantly complaining"). His melodrama had more emotional resonance when the music was equally sober. ~ Darryl Cater, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On his promising self-titled debut, Gaines embraces the themes of workaday life; his songs take on topics like parental responsibility ("Didn't Wanna Be Daddy"), self-loathing ("A Dark Love Song") and crippling insecurity ("Scares Me More"). His voice is husky and emotive, and stands in sharp contrast against the spare, folkish music. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
