CD Reviews
CD Review: I Can Call Jesus (The Telestials)
I remember years ago reading an article about The Telestials in the Singing News magazine. This is the first time I’ve actually heard them but I’m really enjoying their latest CD. They are definitely a top-notch group. From the uptempo “I Wanna Go There” to the final note of “Redeemed,” this is a CD any mixed group fan would love.
Songs included on this CD are the two mentioned above, as well as “Everything,” “One Way Flight,” “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus,” “Free,” “My Redeemer is Faithful and True,” “Oh What a Savior, What a Friend,” “I Can Call Jesus,” and “Through It All.”
CD Review: Pray Out Loud (Mercy’s Harbor)
First of all, I have to say that I love the title of this recording. I don’t know the story behind Pray Out Loud since there’s not a song by that title on this recording but, to me, it gives a message before you play one song off the CD.
Mercy’s Harbor is a group based in Albertville, AL. The group consists of Donnie & Melody Marr and Brent Lee.
The CD begins with the uptempo song, “Sailing On Home,” followed by “Bottom of the Barrel.”
My favorite song on this project is their version of “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” They sing it very reverently which allows you to think about the message. I also like “They Can’t Start the Celebration,” a song the Whisnants made popular a while back. Their style actually reminds me a little of the Whisnants.
Other songs are: “This World is Not My Home,” “Look for Me,” “The Past is a Promise,” “I Got It All,” and “He Didn’t Leave Me.”
CD Review: He Lifted Me Out (Primitive Quartet)
In praying over what CD to review to start out the new year, I felt like the latest release from the Primitive Quartet would be the perfect choice. Those who know me know what a blessing this quartet has been to me personally as I’m constantly challenged by their love for the Lord and their love for others.
As I listen to this CD, I come away feeling gratitude to God for saving me and for blessing me like He has. I also pray that I can “be a help to both saint and sinner” as they sing in “That’s What I Want to Be.”
Jeff Tolbert reminds us that “The Half Has Never Been Told.” No matter what our view of Heaven, it will be greater than anything our mind can conceive.
Mike Riddle sings a song he wrote titled, “Thank You, Lord, the Sun Rose.” I love the line which says, “If there’s no tomorrow, Jesus conquered all my sorrow. I’ll be praising you through all eternity.”
Randy Fox leads their a capella rendition of “I Wonder What They’re Doing in Heaven.” Do you ever think about that? It’s easy to get wrapped up in our grief when a loved one goes Home ahead of us but I wonder what they’re doing there now.
My favorite song on this project is “There is a Record Book.” I come close to crying every time I hear it. Reagan Riddle does a great job communicating this song. “My name will not be lost, misplaced or overlooked for it’s kept safely in God’s Record Book.” If that doesn’t make you shout, I don’t know what will.
Other songs are “Jesus Came Searching,” “God’s First Christmas Tree,” “He Lifted Me Out,” “That Jesus Part of Me Shall Never Die” and “Members Only.”
Now I feel refreshed and ready to begin my year. 🙂 How about you?
CD Review: Christmas (The Rick Webb Family)
The recent Christmas CD from The Rick Webb Family starts with an a capella version of “Carol of the Bells.” Then they sing a medley of “Caroling Caroling/Sleigh Ride/Winter Wonderland.” The music on this song is what I call “Christmas” music. You know … sleigh bells and the kind of music that makes you think winter. I know that’s not a professional description but it’s the best way I know how to describe it.
“Glad Tidings of Great Joy” was a new song to me but a great announcement of the Savior’s birth.
My favorite song on the project is “Heaven’s Child.” I wish I knew which lady sings this song but she has a beautiful voice and does a great job delivering the message of this Christmas ballad.
Rick Webb sings “What Child is This” and “O Holy Night.”
I loved their arrangement of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” It has a beautiful musical introduction with Parker Webb singing lead and the others joining in beautiful harmony for portions of each verse.
Other songs included are “Away in a Manger,” “Mary Did You Know,” and “Love Came Gently.”
In reading back over this review, I may slightly overuse the word “beautiful” but that’s the best way I know how to describe this CD. This is a group even people who don’t prefer Southern Gospel music would enjoy.
CD Review: Whiter Than Snow (Sweetwater Revival)
This recording from Sweetwater Revival is the first Christmas CD I’ve ever heard which contains primarily original songs. Cathie Paxson wrote ten of the 14 songs. Katharine Paull of the group wrote 2. Traditional carols included were “O Holy Night” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”
Original song titles are: “Let’s Have a Christ-Filled Christmas,” “I Know the Maker of the Snow,” “The Merry in Christmas is Jesus,” “A Minnesota Christmas,” “Not Just for Auld Lang Syne,” “His Name Shall Be Called,” “Victory in a Baby,” “More Than Just a Man,” “The Treasure of Heaven,” and “Whiter Than Snow.” There are also 2 tracks where Katie Paull reads Scripture: Luke 2:7-11 and Isaiah 1:18.
Musically, some of the songs have that “Christmasy” feel and some sound like any song you’d hear on a Sweetwater Revival project. I love it that the focus is on the Christ of CHRISTmas. He’s the Reason we celebrate anyway.
CD Review: The Best of Perfect Heart
This year, Perfect Heart put out a “Best Of” CD with the current group singing songs made popular by the original Perfect Heart. Being a Danny Funderburk fan, I wasn’t sure what I’d think of this recording but I was not disappointed. Tenor Wesley Anders did a good job. He has a different voice than Danny but his voice is nice and clear which makes it enjoyable to listen to him.
Mike Presnell is the only original member still with Perfect Heart and he still does a great job on “Living Water,” “I Wish It Would Rain,” and “Glory Waves.”
The other songs included are “They That Sow,” “Somebody Touched the Lord,” “The Pleasure is Mine,” “Thinking of a Mansion,” “We Have Won,” and “Yes Is the Answer.”
CD Review: My Offering (Lauren King)
Lauren King has a country tone to her voice and style to her music. Her voice reminds me a bit of Misty Freeman. Lauren wrote four of the eleven songs on her latest recording.
The recording starts with the first radio single off this project, an uptempo song titled “All to Him.”
“Thankful” is one of the songs Lauren wrote with her husband Shane and is a perfect song to listen to this time of year.
“It Would Have Been Easy” talks about how Christ’s life could have been different but He didn’t choose the easy path; He chose the hard one.
“Hallelujah Offering” could be a Christmas song but songs of Christ’s birth are really relevant all year long and they chose to include this song on this recording. He truly is worthy of our praise.
I like the guitar on “Smoky Mountain Song.” As the title suggests, it is about the Smoky Mountains and is a song people who enjoy the mountains will appreciate.
Songs you’ll be familiar with include an uptempo version of “Jesus Saves,” “Hallelujah! What a Savior!,” and “What Child is This.”
Other songs are “Come to Jesus,” “Praises to the King” and “When I Think About the Lord.”
CD Review: Beautifully Broken (Canaan’s Crossing)
Canaan’s Crossing has recently released another great CD.
The title track, “Beautifully Broken” is a beautiful song which talks about how being broken can be beautiful. It’s not something we like to think about but trials come for a reason and sometimes we need to be reminded that if we allow ourselves to be broken for Christ, we will become beautiful from the inside out.
“Amazing Love” is a song that’s been popular in praise & worship music. This is the first bluegrass group I’ve heard do the song but they arranged it to fit their style very nicely.
“Will it Make Any Difference” asks if you will have left a mark on this world when you’re gone. That’s something I think we need to ask ourselves often.
“Middle Man” reminds us that, no matter how you try, you can’t get to Heaven any other way but by Jesus.
Tina Miller sings “Dying to Live” which summarizes what all of us are doing. While on this earth, we’re approaching death only to live again–forever!
“He’s My Guide” is a mid-tempo song which is self-explanatory by the title.
“A Matter of Time” talks of Jesus’ return and the importance of letting people know His coming could be any time.
“Grace for Every Need” has a typical uptempo bluegrass sound and talks about the grace of God which truly is available for every need. Isn’t God good?!
Also on this CD is the uptempo “On Dry Ground” and the worshipful song, “Bare Hands.”
CD Review: Unity (Unity Quartet)
The Unity Quartet is a mixed group out of Pembroke, NC. Gus Gaches and David Staton produced their self-titled project, and it’s top notch. I tend to like faster songs and over half the songs on this recording fit that category.
Unity starts with two uptempo, uplifting numbers: “Livin’ in the Light of God” and “Step a Little Higher.” Following is the song Legacy Five sang, “Above All Circumstances.” Samantha Locklear sings the ballad, “You’re the Reason.” Kyla Rowland wrote, “The Blood of the Old Rugged Cross.”
Other songs include, “Bare Hands,” “Say the Word,” “(I Already Like It and) I’m Not Even There,” “Walls,” and “Hosanna.”
CD Review: Evidence (The Freemans)
After much anticipation, The Freemans have finally released their new CD, Evidence, and it was well worth the wait. Great songs, good harmony, and a bit of a country flair is what I think of when I think of the Freemans and this CD has it all.
Produced by Darrell Freeman, the CD begins with their powerful current radio single written by Dianne Wilkinson, “The Father and the Son.” Joe Freeman does a great job on “The God That Changes Everything,” a song Ronnie Hinson wrote. Dianne Wilkinson also wrote “I Can Make It From Here.” Misty Freeman Callaway sings, “He Goes One Step Farther.”
This is the first CD Caylon has sung a full song on but he sings, “He Keeps Sending Me Angels.” I think his style is similar to Joe’s and I look forward to hearing him sing more in the future. Darrell sings a song Charles Johnson and the Revivers made popular years ago: “I Can’t Even Walk.” What truth there is to that song!
I love the way Chris Freeman sings “Is Not This the Land of Beulah.” As I listen, I can visualize it so clearly. She has such a gift. The final song is “I Call Him My Everything,” an uptempo song also sung by Chris.
Stylistically, I’d say this is comparable to their last recording yet their style and sound always stays new and fresh. If you enjoy the Freemans, you will not be disappointed by Evidence.
