CD Reviews
“Out of the Wilderness” (The English Family)
The English Family consists of Mom and Dad–Phillip & Renee, a
nd children–Jacob, Elizabeth, & Rebecca. I’ve been trying to think of who to compare their music to but, in a day when groups are trying to immitate others, I think this group has settled into their own sound somewhere between The Collingsworth Family and The Crabb Family.
The CD starts with a song written by Phillip called “Out of the Wilderness.” Next is a slower song written by Jacob, “Send Down Your Angels.” Jacob also wrote “Built on Sand,” “Victory’s In Sight” and he co-wrote “The Message is in the Music” with his dad. “My Soul Has Got to Move” is a soulful song sung by Elizabeth. Rebecca, Jacob and Elizabeth give Mom and Dad a break as they sing “One More Mile.”
Other songs include: “I Am Determined,” “Be Healed,” and “Pay Day.”
CD: “Singing His Praises” (Calvarymen Quartet)
This past September, I picked up a copy of the latest CD from the Calvarymen Quartet. I’d never heard of them before and it’s rare that a CD will hit me the first time I hear it but I have really enjoyed this one. The title is so fitting as it really is full of songs of praise to God.
The project starts with “I’m On My Way,” an uptempo traditional southern gospel song. Most people will know “Total Praise.” As I listen, I’m quickly swept into the presence of the Lord desiring to truly give Him total praise. “What Does the Word Say” has more of a jazzy tune while “The Blood On My Hands” is a mid-tempo song with the first verse sung by bass singer Darrell Young.
There are two “quartet songs” on this project: “Beautiful Shining Happy Golden Shore” (I love the bass singing on this one) and “Heaven’s Joy Awaits” which is an old Vep Ellis song. They even did a verse using the shape notes. I know several groups who do that in concert but I’ve rarely heard it on a CD.
I love the message of “He’ll Leave No Stone Unturned.” It’s the longest song on the project but conveys how God won’t stop reaching out to save that lost person.
Other songs on the project are “I’ve Never Had Water Like This,” “In His Arms,” “Going Home”, and an acapella rendition of “Gentle Shepherd.”
If you’re looking for a worshipful CD sung by a quartet, you will love this one.
CD: “Worth It” (Brian Free & Assurance)
I first heard Brian Free back in the mid-1980s when he sang with the Gold City Quartet. I thought he was good back then but, in my opinion, he keeps getting better. I’ve had several “favorite” Brian Free & Assurance CDs but this one is no exception. It’s very strong musically, vocally and, more importantly, lyrically.
“There is a Kingdom Coming” starts the project as an acapella number. Then they sing “Go Tell the World,” an uptempo number with a great message. “Die Another Day” is an excellent song on dying to self daily. That’s something God has been speaking to me lately so I’ve appreciated the reminder.
I love “You Must Have Met Him” which was one of two songs written by Ronny Hinson. “Preaching to the Choir” is my least favorite song on this project but it talks about how even Christians still need to hear the Gospel to be able to grow in their faith.
Jeremy Lile does a wonderful job singing “Worth It.” I often struggle with understanding how God could love me as much as He does but I’m so glad that He thought I was worth everything He went through to purchase my soul. In a world of uncertainty, “Nothing Takes You by Surprise” is a timely song.
Other songs of encouragement include: “Not One,” “I Am Redeemed,” “A New Thing,” and “When the Mountains Will Not Move.”
