Progressive
CD Review: Roots: Old & New (Cross Pointe)
Almost a year and a half ago, I was contacted by Bill Pitts of Cross Pointe, asking if I would be willing to listen to their latest CD and give my honest opinion. As you can see, it has taken me a long time to get around to writing the review; however, this does not mean that I did not like the CD. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it upon my first listen whereas it usually takes me a while to make an assessment. Maybe it’s due to the fact that this recording was produced by John Darin Rowsey but I still have flashbacks of New Journey when I listen to some of the songs on here.
Walk on the Water has a standard Southern Gospel feel but is my least favorite song on the CD. A basic message and too typical.
Changed is a descriptive experience of a person who was baptized and completely changed from the life they had lived. A mid-tempo song with great harmony and a great message. It is also well written.
All My Tears reminds me of a song the Forester Sisters would sing. It has a folksy feel to it.
Kenna West and John Darin Rowsey wrote the toe-tapping Time After Time.
Only Jesus is a beautiful song also written by Mr. Rowsey and Sue C. Smith.
I’m Still Standing was written by group member Bill Pitts. It talks about standing firm in spite of what life throws your way. With Jesus, you can stand!
I like their arrangement of Wayfaring Stranger. It starts out slow with just piano. Then picks up the tempo slightly but still keeps a pace which makes it easy to follow the story.
Two Coats is an old song but it’s been a long time since I’ve heard anyone sing it. They sing the first verse and chorus very slow then increase the tempo to a toe-tapping one. Great arrangement.
I love the arrangement and harmony on It Changes Everything. “It changes everything to know You love me. And it makes me smile to think about Your grace. And then when I remember how You walked this road before me, that changes everything.” Amen!
Their version of I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now is a bit progressive but they did a good job.
Speak to Me is a song of prayer that God would speak and give me ears to hear.
Power in the Name of Jesus is one song specifically that reminds me of New Journey. Another song with great harmony and a great message. There really is power in the Name of Jesus regardless of what you’re facing.
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: Unashamed (Brian Free and Assurance)
The latest release from Brian Free and Assurance did not jump out and grab me. Musically, it sounds the same as their last two or three projects. I would really like to see them come out of their musical rut but I still appreciate their heart and there are some good songs on here.
This is the first I’ve noticed Ricky Free co-writing songs. He co-wrote half of the songs on this CD, including the leading song, God of Possibilities. Do you know this God who can part a sea and use a child to kill a giant? He’s the same God yesterday, today, and forever.
Unashamed is a commitment to boldly live for Christ.
Ricky Free teamed up with Ronny Hinson to write Tell It Like It Was. This is one song I like on the project. “Is it any wonder that we’re in the shape we’re in? The church will only say it if we’re sure it won’t offend.”
The tempo slows down as Bill Shivers sings Say Amen.
Brian Free sings He Still Saves, a new song with an old message.
Evidence in You talks about who we are in Christ after we come to know Him.
Jeremy Lile sings the toe-tapping A Little Bit of Me and You. Then the tempo slows down for One. In an ever-changing world where there seems to be no right or wrong, there is still one God.
Another song I like on the CD is Where There’s a Will, He Has a Way. Lauren Talley Alvey makes a guest appearance on the second verse. “Trust the One who holds you close, ’cause at the end of the day, where there’s a will, He has a way.”
Before the After talks about how easy it is to focus on the past but keep in mind that those things were before the after. We must remember the past in order to testify of how God brought us through. However, if that is no longer a part of your life, you must move on, realizing that that was before; this is now.
CD Review: Nothing But Love (Brian Free and Assurance)
I finally have a complaint about Brian Free and Assurance. This CD sounds like the last two (nothing new or out of the ordinary). They continue to be progressive with a “4 Him” feel, but their lyrics are still strong so, for that reason, they will continue to be one of my favorite quartets.
The title track, Nothing But Love, begins the CD and summarizes what this CD is about: God’s love.
The last several recordings feature songs about “valleys.” It’s Quite a Valley reminds us that it may be a valley but it’s nothing He won’t bring you through. Don’t lose hope.
Jeremy Lile sings, If the Lord Says Do It. God won’t call you to do something He won’t help you do.
I Will Be Praying is an uptempo, progressive song about intercession.
Guard Your Heart is a reminder that you are God’s. Your life is not your own.
Next, they sing, There is Power. God has the power to perform that much-needed miracle “just when you need it most.”
Brian Free sings, Calvary’s Cry. “Come and be saved is Calvary’s cry.” God is not willing that any should perish but that ALL should come to repentance.
You Can Be a Bridge is a song of hope for those of us who wonder if God can use us. Yes, He can! The possibilities are endless!
A Christian cannot listen to I Want to Be That Man without saying a hearty AMEN! There are so many who have gone before us. Let’s follow them as they follow(ed) Christ, and let’s be men and women who live a life that leads others to the God that we love.
The CD ends with Revival. “If only we would see the church upon our knees and our fervent prayer would be, ‘Revival! Let it begin with me!'” Let it be so.
CD Review: Modern Pioneers (Song of David)
“When Love comes to town, He brings hope and joy and laughter. When Love comes to town, He gives the brokenhearted peace.” Those lyrics sum up what we’re celebrating this weekend, doesn’t it. Because Christ arose, He is still bringing hope and joy and laughter. He is still giving the brokenhearted peace. He still moves mountains and pours out His grace because He lives! This uptempo song opens the new CD from Song of David.
David Bryan then put together a progressive version of Dottie Rambo’s song, “The Holy Hills.”
The tempo then slows down for “Water in the Wilderness.”
Next is the title song: “Modern Pioneers” which talks about our pilgrimage to Heaven.
“The Sound of the Sun (Going Down)” has a country feel which tells how “When I get over-burdened, I just pause to listen to the sound of the sun going down.” It is possible to find peace in the midst of the storm.
“One Step (at a Time)” has a Crabb Family sound. Sometimes God asks us to just take one step at a time and let Him lead the way.
“When I Leave it in Your Hands” was written by Ann Downing and Dwight Lyle. The greatest peace really does come from leaving it in God’s hands.
“Angels Watching” is a great reminder that we always have angels watching over us. We have nothing to fear.
Ashley Cook Mackey joins David in singing “This Storm.” “Don’t let this storm go to waste.” This is a prayer of mine often. If I must go through storms, I pray they accomplish God’s purposes.
“Power in His Name” begins by talking about Jesus’ birth. Then it talks about today, if you are going through trials, there is still power in Jesus’ name. “Over mountains, through valleys, in the city or on the plains … when the world needs a miracle, there’s power in His name.” It then breaks into a chorus of “Crown Him Lord of All.” A great song.
Five of the ten songs on this CD were written by David who is very gifted at writing. I realize this may be too progressive for some people but I was impressed with the songs and the heart with which he sings. His style took me back to the days of listening to the group Harvest.
CD Review: The Journey (Brothers Forever)
Brothers Forever recently put together a CD to give a glimpse into their journey the past few years. With songs from previous recordings (By Request, Sheltered, and Side by Side: Live in Illinois), this is a definitely a “Best of” collection.
I love this group for their worship songs so it was perfect that they chose “You Alone Are Worthy” to begin the CD.
Gary Ballew sings lead on “God is Good,” the song the Gaither Vocal Band made popular a while back.
Next is their signature song, “I Feel a Blessing Coming On.”
Curtis Hagy sings “I Am Him,” the story of the Samaritan woman who found Jesus.
“More Than That” talks about how God is so much more than anything we can say. His mercy and grace knows no end. He’s so much “more than that.”
When I’m discouraged, I sometimes turn on “You Are Loved” and feel God’s arms around me. It’s a great reminder that God loves me no matter what I’ve done or what I’m going through.
“Whenever I Speak His Name” is another worship song that Gary sings.
“What More Could He Have Done” talks about what Christ went through, leaving Heaven to come to earth and be persecuted and crucified. “What more could He do to save our dying soul?” I’m so thankful for everything Christ has done for me.
“I Can’t Forget the Day” is an uptempo song remembering the day “my burdens rolled away.”
It’s hard to choose a favorite song on this project but the one that is probably at the top of my list is “My Home.” I’ve played this song a lot this past year as I find myself longing for Home more these days.
Other songs include: “The Lighthouse,” “Rest Assured,” “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” and “He Saw it All.”
CD Review: Summer Rains Have Gone (Channing Eleton)
Up until a few months ago, I always thought of Channing Eleton as one of the best piano players in the business. However, when I heard he released a CD where he not only played but also sang and wrote or co-wrote 6 of the 10 songs, I knew this would be a top notch project. I was not disappointed.
The CD starts with the uptempo “Days,” discussing the importance of prioritizing and focusing on the things that matter. “Starting now, I plan to make the most of every one of those days” pretty much sums it up.
“The Harvest” talks about the seasons of life and how quickly they change. However, no season is unimportant.
Next is Channing’s great new single “Up on This Ridge.” (See video below.)
My favorite is probably still “Is Not This the Land of Beulah?” I love the message of that song but Channing’s arrangement is superb. It starts out pretty typical, a moderate tempo and by the third verse, picks up the tempo, afterward going to an instrumental break where you can especially hear the keyboard.
“Song and Dance” is a song about David, creatively written by Gabe Scott and Andrew Peterson.
“Looking to Jesus” is a Teddy Huffam song I hadn’t heard before but I love it. A soulful toe tapper with a great message.
“Creation Song (Glory to the Lamb)” is a song of praise, which brings you into the presence of God as if you were reading the Psalms or Revelation where the saints are worshiping around the throne.
“As We Wait” is a great follow-up to “Creation Song.” Written by Channing Eleton and Buddy Mullins, this song is about waiting on God and inviting His presence “as we wait.”
“Just This Song” has a 2-minute prelude and is probably my second favorite song on this CD, maybe mostly because it says how I feel much of the time. Nothing I do or say comes close to being enough to thanking God for everything He’s done for me.
Channing recently released his first concept music video. Since it’s also his single off this recording, I thought I’d share it with you. I hope you enjoy it.
CD Review: Reach Out (Karen Peck and New River)
The new release from Karen Peck and New River starts with Karen singing the punchy “Mighty Big God” then goes into “On the Banks of the Promised Land.”
“Love With All Your Heart” has an older sound to me … maybe like something from the ’70s … but the message is relevant as it focuses on Christ’s command to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Susan Jackson sings “Sustaining Grace,” a message of encouragement to those going through trials.
Karen reminds us that “Good Things Are Happening.” No matter how bleak things look, this song puts things in perspective.
“This is What Mercy Does” talks about the Prodigal Son and the mercy he found when he returned to his father.
“Don’t Worry About the Waves” is a fun, uptempo song with a country feel.
The CD ends with the title song, “Reach Out and Touch.” Although not a blatantly Christian song, it has a Christian theme–that of touching others and being available for those who need a friend.
Other songs include “More Than Ever,” “Faithful Love of Jesus” and “Broken Into Beautiful.”
