Country
CD Review: Mile Marker One (Zane and Donna King)
Zane and Donna King do not have voices that I would have put together in a duet, but they found a way to blend their musical styles and voices that really works.
The only song on this CD that was not written or co-written by Zane and/or Donna is the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, which starts the CD.
The CD continues with that same theme in a song titled No One Like God.
I first heard Keep Me in Your Will when Jessica King sang it a number of years ago. I did not realize until this CD that Zane King co-wrote that song. It continues to be one of my favorites, and Zane and Donna do a great job on it.
Donna sings the uptempo Shine. “When things get too tough to handle, just shine.”
Nothing Without You is self-explanatory.
If There Was Any Other Way talks about God’s heart toward those who are suffering and hurting. Although there are times you must walk through dark valleys, God is still there holding your hand.
Hallelujah Jesus Saves has a fun tune that you will enjoy singing along with.
Anything reminds us that nothing is too hard for God.
When love finds the lonely, when sweet prayers are spoken and tears are washed away, and when He hears “Jesus loves me” from the lips of a little child … these are the moments When God Smiles.
How Does It Feel to Be Home was written in memory of Norman Holland, the former vice president of A&R at Daywind Records. Although we miss those who have gone before, we would not wish them back.
The CD ends as it began: with the Postlude: Oh Tu Fidelidad/Great is Thy Faithfulness.
CD Review: Welcome Home (Joseph Habedank)
Two years ago, Joseph Habedank left his ten-year position as a singer for The Perrys due to an addition to prescription drugs. Shortly after that, he acknowledged his need for help and checked into a drug and alcohol center. After what must have been a very difficult, humbling time in his life, he emerged victoriously and, last year, released a CD of 10 very encouraging songs, all co-written by him.
Welcome Home is an uplifting song of welcome for the family of God.
“Jesus loves beggars Begging For Change.” I love that! When Jesus comes into your life, He will change your life. You simply need to surrender.
“When it seems it can’t be done, I know God is Big Enough.” A song of great encouragement for those who are down and beginning to feel that things are hopeless.
Life can be hard, even for Christians. Sometimes it’s very hard. “But I have Never No Never seen the righteous forsaken.”
The enemy is working hard to discourage God’s children; however, it is so important to realize that his words are Empty. We serve a God who has a great plan for your life in spite of what satan says.
The Beauty of the Blood was the #8 song on Singing News’ chart for last week. A beautiful song about the Cross and God’s love for us.
God can do Wonders With Water, including working through your tears.
Now I Know Him reminds us that, although we may know a lot about God and know Him to some degree, it is through the pain and tears that we come to know Him better than ever before.
A Little Bit of Thunder is another song of hope. No matter what is going on in the world, there is nothing to be afraid of. Our God is still in control.
“When the stage is bare and there’s nobody there, will it still be my prayer to live the life they all think I lead? And will I be like who I sing about When the Lights Go Down?” A powerful song of reflection. Are you the person everyone thinks you are, or are you living a double life? God is calling you to come Home. Allow Him to change you from the inside out. Receive the peace and joy that He gives to those who are willing to surrender to Him … even after the lights go down.
CD Review: Fredericksburg (Channing Eleton)
The latest release from Channing Eleton features nine original songs written by Channing.
The CD begins with the uptempo Launching Out Into the Deep and then slows down for the title track, which talks about finding Jesus in Fredericksburg.
Big Top is about revival!
Modern Day Prodigal needs no description.
“I want to give you much more than you ever prayed for. Bring to Me Isaac and place him at My feet.” Nothing is worth holding on to. God would like to take your dreams and give you a much bigger one than you could ever dream of.
Pour Down the Peace is a prayer for just that: peace.
Keep On Movin’ talks about moving on with God in spite of what the world throws at us.
“No matter how far you have gone, you haven’t gone too far that the love of God can’t reach you right where you are. … God’s love is Bigger Than the Sun.”
“The Silence of God doesn’t mean you are forsaken.” Hang in there. He has promised never to leave you, nor forsake you. This is just a test.
CD Review: The Horn Family
I first became aware of The Horn Family a year or so ago but I was instantly impressed. This CD is top notch both musically and vocally. A mixture of country, some soul, and a bit progressive, this group will still appeal to many Southern Gospel fans.
I’ve Got It is a Pentecostal song about receiving the Holy Ghost.
The tempo slows down for a beautiful song Tracy Horn wrote, titled Rise Above the Fall. A country sound with a good message. “In all the tough times I have seen, greater is He within than He that’s after me.”
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need “Victory through the name and the blood of Jesus.”
He Called Me Brother is pretty progressive music-wise. Jesus said that the one who does the Father’s will is His mother and brother and sister. How amazing is it that you and I can be Christ’s brother or sister!
Mary Magdalene (Why You Crying) is my least favorite song on the project but this is my preference. It’s not my musical taste but it is a song of redemption. If you know the story of Mary Magdalene, you know that she was despised in most circles, yet Jesus loved her and revealed Himself first to her after He arose from the tomb.
For the Life of Me is another slow, country-sounding song. “He gave His life for the life of me.” What a Savior!
The CD ends with an a cappella version of the old song, Lights of Home.
Other songs include Peace Everlasting, Love Like Rain, and It’s All in Jesus.
CD Review: You’re Everything to Me (Joel Lance)
Joel Lance is back with ten new Christian country songs, nine of which he wrote.
You’re Everything to Me is a song of testimony, thanking God for where He brought us from and praising Him for who He is.
Cross to Paradise reminds us that Jesus forgave all our sins when He was nailed to the cross. Because of Him, we will one day see Paradise.
How Long asks how long you’re going to wait to invite Jesus into your heart. “Life ain’t a fairy tale. It’s either Heaven or it’s Hell.” Please don’t wait too long.
“His Still Small Voice is all I need to know my God is real.” A song of faith.
Songs that don’t need an explanation are I Love My Shepherd and Now You See Me, Now I’m Gone.
Too Ashamed to Die paints a picture of a man who receives the news that he is dying. Although not afraid to die, he begins to think of the things he hasn’t done yet. Don’t put off tomorrow what you need to do today.
This is followed by Packing Up and Going Home and Sunday Night Revival.
Broken is a cry for healing. “Heal me now so I may live again.”
CD Review: Difference (Brothers Forever)
I was introduced to Brothers Forever a number of years ago, so I was excited when their latest CD was finally released. Curtis Hagy and Gary Ballew did not disappoint me except for the fact that there are only six songs on this recording. They are worth the purchase though. Very well done. Good songs professionally recorded and arranged.
That’s Why I Pray This was the first song released to radio which was a great choice. The verses mention the negative happenings in our world today but the chorus reminds us that that’s why we should pray. “I’m begging for forgiveness. I wanna make a difference even in the smallest way. I’m only one person but I can feel it working. I believe in better days. THAT’S why I pray.”
Live to Love is a song about a couple who had a fight but the chorus is one of commitment to work it out. “If our hearts break, nobody wins.” Marriages are worth fighting for.
Difference talks about how short life is and the importance of letting “the world know who saved my soul and redeemed my heart.” No matter what others’ goals are, “I wanna make a difference.”
Changed speaks of the difference in a person’s life after coming to know Christ.
Fight talks about surrender. There is no good thing in us apart from Christ. If we surrender to Him, we receive His peace, love, and so much more. Why are you fighting Him and resisting the change that He desires to bring?
I Do is a beautiful love song. If you’re looking for a song to be sung at your wedding, this is a nice one.
CD Review: Dreamin’ Wide Awake (Doug Anderson)
Doug Anderson, the baritone singer for Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, released a solo CD last year and, although not a brand new project, I thought I would review it anyway. 🙂
The CD starts with “Jesus is Holding My Hand.” Aren’t you glad that “the one thing I’m sure of that never will change is Jesus is holding my hand”? In an ever-changing world, I love the comfort that comes from that thought.
“Smile It Through” is an uptempo, fun song with a great message. No matter what you’re facing, “Smile it through.”
“Some Say” talks about how some don’t believe in God but we know better. There’s no doubt God is alive and living in my heart.
I like the old song, “Only Here For a Little While.” It’s so important to make every moment count.
“That’s How Much I Need a Savior” talks about how we could not make it on our own but “what a Savior Jesus is to me.”
“I Love That About Him” talks about our relationship with God and how He loves pouring out His love as much as we love receiving that love.
“I’ll Take What’s Left” notes that we have nothing to give to Christ when we meet Him but He’s willing to take our poor, broken lives and redeem them anyway.
“Dreamin’ Wide Awake” is a country-sounding song about how good life is with friends and family. When I think of it, I do feel like I’m dreamin’ wide awake.
CD Review: Between You and Me (Laura Ollis)
I met Laura Ollis a year ago at the National Quartet Convention. You may know Laura’s husband, Eric, from his years with the Dixie Melody Boys or the Whisnants but Laura also has a music ministry. She has a sweet voice and puts her heart into her music. Laura sums up the CD by saying it’s “a collection of songs that represent a relationship between my Heavenly Father and me; songs of praise and adoration.”
Songs on this project are:
“Tell Him What You Think”–God already knows so don’t hesitate to tell God what’s on your mind.
“Mary For a While” is a great song to turn on when you need to unwind after a busy day. It’s easy to be “Martha,” caught up in busyness with no time to rest and listen to God but it’s vital we pull away from that busyness at times.
“The First Line”–“Every day I find that the pencil in my mind is writing ‘Thank You, Jesus’ on the first line.” Is that true in your life?
“Jesus Did” talks about what Jesus sacrificed so that we could spend eternity with Him. It’s a call to people to turn to Him.
Laura wrote “Talk to the Father,” a song from the perspective of one who sees another hurting and desires to help carry that burden by talking to the Father on the hurting person’s behalf.
“Bless Your Holy Name Again” is a song of worship to the Father.
I love the song, “In Your Arms.” I’ve heard others sing this song but never tire of hearing it.
You may remember “I Just Want to Thank You,” as the Isaacs sang it years ago but the message is timeless. There’s always so much to be thankful for.
Laura wrote “That’s What a Father Does” for her father but it also talks about the goodness of our Heavenly Father.
“What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life” is a song from the ’70s. I’d not heard it in a while but it’s fitting for this CD of praise.
CD Review: Breath of Life (Josh Oldaker)
Last year at the National Quartet Convention, I was catching a few showcases when this cowboy stepped on the stage. When he opened his mouth to sing, I was impressed with the confidence and strength with which he sang. It’s hard to know what category to put him in. He’s really in his own genre but a lot of his songs have a country feel. Some have a Pentecostal feel but all have a good message.
“Slow Dance More” reminds us of the important things in life. Don’t go through life focusing on the things that aren’t important.
“The Good Book and a Good Hook” is a different kind of song about a guy whose two favorite things was the Bible and fishing. When he died, a Bible and a fish were found lose to him, side by side.
Every southern gospel fan probably knows Gerald Crabb’s song, “Through the Fire.”
“Raymond” is just a neat story in song.
I’m not sure how to describe Josh’s rendition of “Power in the Blood.” It’s pretty traditional but with maybe a Pentecostal flare.
“Eyes of Mercy” is a cry for just that. “I can’t go on without Your love, Your sweet embrace, Your tender touch.”
I believe “Heal Me” is the song I saw Josh sing at NQC. The emotion and passion he puts into the song lets you know he desires everyone to receive the healing that only Christ can give. Healing goes beyond just physical healing. Many are going through life discouraged, defeated, and down trodden but Christ can grant the joy and victory each person needs to live the life He desires for them. “Wake my soul from its sleep and give me back the joy of when I first believed. Heal me.”
“Shine Your Light on Me” is an uptempo song asking that God be glorified.
Geron Davis wrote, “Send it on Down,” referring to the Holy Spirit.
I know some people got tired of “I Can Pray” when it was on the radio by the Dove Brothers but it continues to be one of my favorite songs. I don’t like the helpless feeling that arises at times when a friend is really sick or making bad decisions, etc. Sometimes I need to be reminded that I can pray. It is not just a formality. It is something that can move the heart of God and, even if God doesn’t change the situation, as the McKameys sing, “prayer changes me.”
“Jesus Paid My Debt” is a song of thanksgiving for everything Jesus has done for us.
“The Ones That Won’t Come Back” talks about the men who gave their lives for our freedom.
Congratulations to Josh on his upcoming wedding to Amanda Conrad. For more information on Josh and his ministry, visit his website.
CD Review: The Good Old Days (Joel Lance)
A couple years ago, I came across a website for a man by the name of Joel Lance. There was something about the look and the “feel” of his website that I was curious and requested one of his CDs. I was impressed. For someone who’s not well-known, Mr. Lance has released a quality recording.
Joel has a pure country voice with pure country music accompanying him. I’m not a fan of background vocalists but the one on this recording adds to the sound instead of detracting.
The CD begins with the title song, “The Good Old Days.” The title is self-explanatory and is one those my age and older will appreciate reminiscing with. It also points out that these are no longer “the good old days.”
“Jesus Picked Me Up” is Joel’s testimony of the day Jesus found him.
“Mama Go Home” is a song from Jesus’ perspective talking to his mama from the cross.
“The Potter’s Wheel” is about a homeless man who finds Jesus.
“Don’t Give Up on Me” is the one song on this recording not written by Joel. It talks about how often we fail God but asks God not to “give up on me.”
Next is the uptempo song, “Dead Raising, Life Changing Savior.” The first verse talks about the demons Jesus cast into the swine. The second verse tells the story of Lazarus. We still serve a Savior who sets people free.
“My Name is Mercy” is a ballad talking about how hopeless we were until God’s mercy rescued us.
“I’ll Keep the Key” talks about Jesus’ crucifixion and how, although satan thought he won the battle, Jesus kept the key!
“Holiness for Me” talks about the importance of living a holy life.
“Reap What You Sowed” is a thought-provoking song, challenging us to be careful how we live for we will reap what we sow.
