Wade Hayes - Old Enough to Know Better

Baby-cheeked Wade Hayes may only be 25 years old, but he's been a professional musician for a dozen years and he has already developed that understated baritone drawl that served his heroes George Jones and Merle Haggard so well. Perhaps that's why Oklahoma's Hayes sounds like a seasoned honky-tonker on his debut album, Old Enough to Know Better, while so many of his fellow "baby hat acts" sound like hotel-lounge singers still trying to get used to the sound of a fiddle.

Don Cook, who leaned in a country-rock direction as producer for the Mavericks and Brooks & Dunn, tilts toward old-fashioned honky-tonk as Hayes's producer. Cook also contributes four of his own songs (including "Kentucky Bluebird," which he wrote for Keith Whitley), and Nashville legend Harlan Howard adds two more. Three of the best tunes, though, come from Hayes and his cowriter Chick Rains. As a result, Old Enough to Know Better boasts far better material than the usual hackwork given to young crooners in cowboy hats. Hayes digs into the songs with his deep, resonant baritone and ponders the conflicts that complicate a man's life. On Cook's ballad, "What I Meant to Say," Hayes holds out certain notes as if to suggest all the feelings he still can't find words for. On his own ballad, "I'm Still Dancin' with You," the reluctance in his voice describes his breakup with a recent lover even better than the lyrics. The title track, another Hayes-Rains composition, has a Brooks & Dunn-like dance rhythm, but Hayes's weary, guilt-ridden vocal undermines the words' carefree, partying attitude. --Geoffrey Himes Amazon.com

Terribly underrated

This guy is one of the best. It is a shame that he doesn't get the recognition he deserves. He sings with meaning and purpose, and his style is pure country. If you read his bio, he talks about being a perfectionist with his music. I guess so, because everything seems to flow so effortlessly and so smooth. July 3, 2007

Right up there in talent with Elvis

I am not into country as I listen to more rock than anything but I do know excellant talent and Wade Hayes has IT! He also knows where credit is due!! This CD is one of his best but check out his other CD's as well he just cannot do a bad song on any of them. Just listen to the song on his CD HIghway & Heartaches "When The Wrong One Loves You Right" and will hear of how Wade Hayes is in the same league as Elvis. I just wish I was as lucky as others to have met him to thank him for such touching music not to mention very upbeat get you going catchy written songs. He sounds like such a nice person.
Warm wishes, Jolene Flemming
July 2, 2005

A MASTER

This CD as with all his others is amazing.. All the songs are well sung and hus voice is to die for. I still can't figure out why he isn't as big as say Kenny Chesney. I think he is more talented than most of the big names out there. I just finally ordered the McHayes CD and can't wait to hear it. I just with Radio and video channels would play him more.. he deserves it. He sings REAL music. He has REAL talent and it's music that is true to country imo January 12, 2004

Great Country Cd

Wade Hayes is great, and I love all his Cds. I love What I Meant To Say and Old Enough To Know Better, and Don't Make Me Come To Tulsa. December 23, 2002

One of the best singers ever!

I can listen to this CD for hours before I absolutely make myself turn it off and go to bed. Wade has the knack to make you cry and love and live along with each song he sings. It's no wonder everyone who comments, gives him five stars. I'm looking forward to seeing him on one of his tours. I'm a big Hayes fan!!! May 29, 1999

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