Single Review: Some Things are Worth the Wait! … Jimmy Wayne’s ‘Sara Smile’

15 years ago Liv Carter 8

Whether you’ve wished upon a star, tossed a coin in a fountain, closed your eyes before blowing out birthday candles, or peered down into the depths of a wishing well, we’ve all held on to the ideals of “wishful thinking” at some point in our lives. Today, I had one of those wishes come true. As I sit here listening to Jimmy Wayne’s cover of ‘Sara Smile,’ I think back to the very first time I heard Jimmy and his band perform this 1976 Top 5 Hall & Oates hit. A November night in a jammed-packed Charlotte, North Carolina country music venue, filled to the brim with local friends and family and fans from near and far, left little breathing room. But when Jimmy performed this song, everything disappeared, except the music and his vocals of velvet. Very few times have I ever been touched so deeply, from the inside out, as I was during Jimmy’s ultra-soulful rendition of ‘Sara Smile.’

Has he captured that same “magic” on this studio recording? In the words of an infamous Alaskan governor, “You bet ‘cha!” Over the years, I’ve heard songs that I thought, “There should never be a remake of this song. No one can do it as well as the original.” Well …. I am of the firm belief, never say never! Jimmy has not only respectfully covered a classic, but he has also captured the magically soothing and electrifying vocals of his live performance on this recording. Not to leave any stone unturned, he goes one step further and brings (to those of us “young” enough to remember Hall & Oates) us straight back into those by-gone days of the 70’s with the beautiful harmonizing sounds of John and Darryl’s backup vocals. (Kudos to you guys for participating!)

This single is a beautiful, masterful compilation of instruments and sounds put to a timeless classic. Jimmy’s team very wisely hired mega-producer, Dann Huff, to weave it all together in the studio and the result does not disappoint. I was especially excited to hear Jimmy’s uber-talented fiddle player, Jake Clayton, in the background as well. Talents upon talents abound on this first release from Jimmy’s new cd, entitled ‘Sara Smile’ after said single, which is due to be released November 24th.

Jimmy regularly mentions in his interviews how this song has played a monumental role in landing him his first record deal with, then Dreamworks-executive, Scott Borchetta. When new artists are beating the pavement, trying to make a name for themselves in a dog-eat-dog music business, they have to carefully select songs that will catch the attention of potential labels. Having the good sense to think outside the box, while finding something that showcases powerhouse, emotive vocals in an understated by meaningful way, is risky. But Jimmy obviously had the gifted formula. Below are his own words, as told to GAC recently:

“‘Sara Smile’ has been my shield and my sword. Over 13 years ago, I picked a Hall & Oates Greatest Hits cd out of a bargain box that sat outside the department store in the old Gaston Mall in Gastonia, North Carolina. I listened to the cd on my way home and I heard ‘Sara Smile’ for the first time. I began singing this song long before I knew how to play it on guitar and I just felt like it was as if the song was written for me. Now, finally, I can’t wait for the world to finally hear my version of ‘Sara Smile.’ And it makes it extra special that John and Darryl agreed to be part of this version!”

Is the world ready for Jimmy’s new cd? I know I am and if the quality is anything like his previous two cd’s and the new single, I feel sure Jimmy will be headlining before too long. Currently out on the road with Brad Paisley’s, “American Saturday Night Tour” and picking up numerous new fans along the way, the stars are shining bright for Jimmy Wayne. He must be using some of that “rocket fuel for his shooting star” because I don’t see his career slowing down any time soon. Whether country music radio stations agree ‘Sara Smile’ is appropriate for their stations or not, makes no difference. With a rapidly-growing, intensely loyal fan base and gifts and talents that cannot be contained or denied, Jimmy continues to sing with a smile and bring us some of the most heart-felt music to date. Bravo!!

Liv Carter

Liv Carter

Liv is a career coach for creatives, and the people who work with them.
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
Liv Carter

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