E. Barnes
What Do You See In Me the EP
Released September 17, 2013
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
”What do you see in me?”
This question posed by E. Barnes at the introduction of his EP becomes the dominant theme of this autobiographical forerunner to a full album.
Indeed, Eric Barnes’ inspiration to sing gospel music was birthed by this very question. Looking back on his life, one with lows as well as highs, Barnes wondered not only how he got over but why.
The title track answers, in part, that God is a God of second chances and in helping us, He makes us better. “Masterpiece” posits that we are one-of-a-kind works in progress who take God time to perfect. The single, “Extraordinary Love,” reflects on a God whose love is so strong that He cares to work wonders for little ol’ us.
Barnes writes, plays and sings the material on the EP. His youthful, easy voice tracks alongside an assortment of buzzy electronica and bouncy beats. The mellow urban AC motives and melodies are faintly similar and elide into one another so the project has a musical as well as lyrical continuity.
Not all songs ponder the main theme. “Let’s Go 2 Church” portrays the worship service as a sanctuary where we “put on our Sunday best before things get worse,” while “Believe” is a simple song of hope and encouragement.
In other words, the God on What Do You See In Me the EP (and ostensibly the album to come) is not the Old Testament Warrior God but the New Testament Father God who loves His children no matter what mess we get ourselves into.
Three of Five Stars
Pick: “Masterpiece”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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