Dave Barnes has long been one of Nashville’s best-kept secrets. A talented pop singer/songwriter with a penchant for writing memorable lyrics, he has an impressive gallery of fans that includes Amy Grant, Bonnie Raitt, Marc Cohn and the members of Lady Antebellum. Barnes’ fan base has widened considerably thanks to this eloquent love song, which Christian radio has embraced. Barnes has a warm, engaging voice, and his writing is direct and conversational. Not preachy or treacly, the song’s heartfelt sentiment perfectly suits mainstream country radio, and some stations are already flirting with it. Ultimately, though, it sounds like a big old pop hit. Everyone loves a love song, and “God Gave Me You” has the potential to become a wedding staple for decades to come.
