CD REVIEW: ROCK OF AGES: HYMNS AND GOSPEL FAVORITES- THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
A SPECIAL CD REVIEW:
Artist/Title: The Oak Ridge Boys – Rock Of Ages: Hymns And Gospel Favorites
Label: Gaither Music Group
Producer: Ben Isaacs and Duane Allen
Street Date: 5/26/15 (Wide Release) March 15, 2015 at Cracker Barrel Stores
Review Copy Provided
Members: Joe Bonsall (Tenor), Duane Allen (Lead), William Lee Golden (Baritone), and Richard Sterban (Bass)
Project overview (Given to me by Gaither Music Company):
This all-new recording features the unmistakable harmonies that have made The Oaks a household name among country and gospel music fans for decades. Duane, William Lee, Joe and Richard have recorded 15 treasured classics, produced by the award-winning Ben Isaacs (Gaither Vocal Band). They are joined by country music legend Merle Haggard as well as The Isaacs. Complete with the warm tones of the fiddle, banjo, mandolin and harmonica, The Oaks breathe new life into these inspiring songs of faith.
CD Song List:
1. IN THE SWEET BY AND BY- featuring Ensemble, Richard
2. ROCK OF AGES- featuring Ensemble, Richard, Joe
3. SWEET JESUS featuring Duane and special guest Merle Haggard
4. ANGEL BAND- featuring William Lee
5. THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD- featuring Duane
6. IN THE GARDEN- featuring Ensemble, Richard
7. HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND- featuring Duane
8. I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY- featuring Joe
9. LIFE’S RAILWAY TO HEAVEN- featuring Ensemble
10. TIME HAS MADE A CHANGE IN ME- featuring William Lee
11. BLESSED ASSURANCE- featuring Ensemble, Richard
12. FATHER, I STRETCH MY HANDS TO THEE- featuring Joe
13. FARTHER ALONG- featuring Duane
14. JUST A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS- featuring Duane, Richard
15. PEACE WITHIN featuring Duane and special guests The Isaacs
THOUGHTS:
This is one of the best records of classic hymns that I have ever heard second only to the Grammy nominated Gaither Vocal Band release last year. As the overview stated, The Oaks are back with their classic sound that has made them well known all over the world for over forty years. Their pure and incredible harmonies are at the forefront of this all new recording of the treasured and timeless songs of faith. Ben Isaacs and Duane Allen did a brilliant job producing this project as evident in its top notch quality. The vocals and instrumentation are flat out amazing! The Oaks truly do “breathe new life” into these old songs with the updated yet simple arrangements. If you like good old fashioned singing and country gospel music, this recording is a must buy!!
Lead singer Duane Allen is in excellent vocal form on this record. His unmistakable tender voice is featured on the traditional standard “Farther Along,” the fun upbeat “There’s Power In The Blood,” the simple classic “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand,” the tender bluegrass style “Peace Within,” and the project’s first single “Sweet Jesus.” The latter is a great country song about God’s love for even a sinner like me and you. Salvation is just the grace of Jesus! Amen! Complete with great fiddle accompaniment and a guest vocal from country legend Merle Haggard, this song is absolutely incredible.
Joe Bonsall, the group’s powerful and energetic tenor since 1973, shines on several songs including the powerful yet simple title track, “Rock Of Ages,” the peaceful and moving “I Love To Tell The Story.” He is also featured on the upbeat piano driven quartet song “Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee” which proclaims that Jesus has saved our souls and made us whole again. Richard has an awesome step out bass line which ultimately leads to an incredible low note on this song as well. Joe continues to provide the stellar tenor that sets this group apart.
The twangy and tender voiced baritone, William Lee Golden gives an incredibly moving performance on one of my favorite songs, “Time Has Made A Change In Me.” This great old song puts life into perspective by reflecting on the days of youth and also on our heavenly future. This beautifully written lyric is delivered with emotion and tenderness like only William Lee can give. I love the last verse which says: “When I reach my home, in that land somewhere, with my friends who wait to meet me over there, free from pain and care I’ll forever be, cause time has made a change in me.” Heaven will be a place of sweet rest. Free from the burdens of this life and to live with Christ forever. That’s some powerful stuff. Another standout performance from Golden is on the heartfelt classic “Angel Band” which also reflects upon life and death and being carried away to Heaven by Christ and His angels. It is a song of praise to the Christ who died for us, to cleanse us from our sin so that we can live with Him for eternity.
Richard Sterban, one of the best bass singers in Country and Gospel Music, lends his incredible voice to several of the timeless standards including mid-tempo country style “In The Sweet By And By,” the powerful anthem “Blessed Assurance,” the worshipful title track “Rock Of Ages,” and the peaceful “In The Garden” which tells of God’s care for us. He walks with us and talks with us. He tells us that we are His own. His voice is so sweet that the birds hush their singing. We will know joy like we have never known in Heaven with the God who died for us. Sterban is also featured on the classic step out lines on the quartet standard “Just A Little Talk With Jesus” which also features Duane on the verse. He, in my opinion, has never sounded better than he does on this recording.
Rounding out the project is a fresh version of “Life Is Like A Mountain Railroad” which unlike their previous version, now has musical accompaniment. The Isaacs’ beautiful family harmonies appear on the tender bluegrass tune “Peace Within” which also reflects on life and the homeward direction. Jesus is our journey’s end: Peace Within.
Overall, this record is a quality collection of 15 treasured Gospel classics as sung by one of this country’s most beloved music groups. The Oak Ridge Boys, whose career spans over four decades, still continue to churn out amazing music year after year. They breathe new life into these old hymns and songs of Christianity. This is a must buy for fans of not only the Oak Ridge Boys, but also of pure, good old Gospel singing and classic hymns of faith.
I gladly give this record 5 stars!!!
-Justin Gilmore
For more information on this recording and the Oak Ridge Boys, visit their website: http://oakridgeboys.com/
Also of note, this project has not yet been released. It will be released at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores all over the country on March 15. Check out their website to purchase: http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
