JOURNEY THROUGH SONG: THE DOVE BROTHERS

A Journey Through Song: My Top 10 Favorite Dove Brothers Songs

Instead of a CD review this week, I have elected to list my top 10 favorite songs contributed to Gospel music by the McCray Dove Band (formerly the Dove Brothers Quartet). While these songs are some of my personal favorites in this music, they also made a great impact on the field.

10. Gonna Rise (Every Time I Feel The Spirit, 2001) featuring Bass singer Burman Porter (1998-2004, (2011-2013) and bass David Hester (2004-2011) on Decennial (2009).

This fun uptempo song has always been one of my favorite bass features from the Dove Brothers. Porter's unique and rich bass voice shines on this song which describes the day we rise to Jesus in the air! "Gonna rise, past the troubles and care, Gonna rise the Lord will meet us there, on a cloud of Glory we'll wave goodbye, We're gonna rise!"

9) Face to Face with Grace (Life, 2008) featuring bass singer David Hester.

This song is beautifully written, moving, and pulls at the heart strings. It deals with the loss of a loved one and that God will give you peace. It resonates with me as my family and I have dealt with the loss of several loved ones. "I'm day to day, but I'm ok cause I'm face to face with grace." Hester sings this powerful song in his smooth and rich upper register.

8) Operator (On The Wings of A Dove, 1999, The Old Country Church, 2001) featuring bass sing Burman Porter.

Another fun song featuring Porter's unique bass voice which became a huge hit for the group. "Operator, give me Jesus on line!"

7) Didn't It Rain (Flying High, 2000) featuring lead singer McCray Dove (1998-present).

This uptempo and fast moving song has become a Southern Gospel standard and one of the biggest hits for the group. Here's a clip!!

6) Get Away Jordan (Sing The Quartet Way, 1999) featuring baritone Eric Dove (1998-2006, 2006-2013), McCray Dove

This classic quartet song was originally recorded by the Statesman Quartet, one of the greatest groups in Gospel music history. It was one of their biggest hits and The Dove Brothers revitalized it and brought it back to the forefront. One of my favorite songs of all time!! Here's a clip! For Get Away Jordan, skip to about the 2: 30 ish mark.

5) Let The Old Man Die (Pure Tradition 1998, Decennial, 2009) featuring bass Burman Porter, and bass David Hester.

This song is a testimony song which says we are made knew in Christ!! The old you "dies" to sin and you are made new in Him!! I prefer Hester's version, but both are fantastic! Hester's smooth bass vocal once again shines.

4) It's Waiting For Me (Anything But Ordinary, Anything But Typical, 2005) featuring Eric Dove.

Dove's signature baritone shines on this song as well as Hester's deep bass notes on the stepout lines. Another fun song!!

3) No Time (Never The Same, 2006) featuring McCray Dove.

This uptempo song has that drive or that umph if you will. McCray Dove delivers a stellar performance on the verses and Hester once again dives into ground rumbling note territory.

2) Shout It Out (Shout It Out, 2006) featuring David Hester, Ensemble.

This song brings about feelings of joy and happiness that just can't be contained!! You can't help but praise the Lord!! You just have to shout it out!! Hester starts out the song on the first verse then the rest join in with Tenor Jerry Martin (2002- 2010) and McCray have standouts.

Now the moment you've all been waiting for:

My #1 favorite Dove Brothers songs is I Recall (Unshakeable, 2010) featuring Ensemble.

This song is a great quartet song that features each member! It describes the life changing power of Christ! I tend to gravitate to songs that are uptempo and that feature each member or the extremes (bass, tenor) and this song fits the bill!! The clip below features the 2011 lienup which includes Jonathan Price (Tenor), McCray Dove (Lead), Eric Dove (Baritone), and David Hester (Bass).