SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: STAY-THE OLD PATHS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD Review:
Stay- The Old Paths
Producers: Danny Crawford and The Old Paths Label: Sonlite Records
Release Date: March 17, 2015
Song List:
1) Have You Ever- featuring Tim
2) You Never Cease To Amaze Me- Jeremy
3) What Did They Call Him- featuring Tim
4) Just Can't Get Over- featuring Doug
5) Washed In The Blood- featuring Daniel
6) How Great The Debt- featuring Tim
7) Ordinary People- featuring Tim
8) Stay- featuring Tim
9) Oh What A Happy Morning- featuring Daniel
10) Out Of The Grave- featuring Jeremy
Thoughts:
The Old Paths are definitely here to Stay with the release of this solid recording. Just based on the first listen, I was immediately impressed with the quality as well as captivated by the messages of the well crafted songs from songwriters Rebecca Peck, Ray Scarborough, and Rodney Birch. Producer Danny Crawford along with the members of the group, in my opinion, crafted a great listening experience that delivers a powerful message and stays true to the sound and style of this stellar group.
Each member gets a chance to shine on this recording with lead singer and co-founder Tim Rackley featured the most. Rackley takes the lead on the opening track “Have You Ever,” a laid back, mid-tempo swinging style song. He also delivers the powerful lyrics of the title track “Stay,” written by Ray Scarborough, which talks about Christ’s love for his children. While at first listen, the phrasing was slightly awkward in places, but after listening several times, it isn’t that awkward and does not detract from the message and overall feel of the song. Rackley’s powerful lead vocals also standout on the upbeat barn burner that talks about the name of Jesus called “What Did They Call Him.” They called him Jesus, the Redeemer, the Savior, and their dearest friend!! Amen!! Rackley also delivers the moving lyrics of “How Great The Debt” which tells about Christ’s sacrifice. He is also featured on the project’s first single “Ordinary People” which is a mid-tempo song that you don’t have to be wealthy or famous to be used by God. A seen in His Holy Word, God like using ordinary people!!
Longtime tenor Jeremy Peace is featured on two standout tracks: the beautifully ballad “You Never Cease To Amaze Me,” and the powerful sure to be Easter anthem “Out Of The Grave.” These are two incredible songs that immediately caught my attention when I listened to this CD the first time through. Peace delivers the lyrics of these songs masterfully with his incredible range evident by his supersonic high note at the end of “Out Of Grave.” The Lord never ceases to amaze me!! He has given me many blessings though I don’t deserve them. He has changed me completely and in Him I’m made whole again!!
Group co-founder and baritone singer Doug Roark steps out on the tender mid-tempo ballad “Just Can’t Get Over” in which his vocals, at first listen, reminded of Steve French, formerly of the Kingdom Heirs. It is a great testimony song about the grace of God, focusing on the hook: “I just can’t get over my sins being over since I have been under the blood.” What a powerful statement!! Our sins are no more and by the blood of Jesus we are made new!
Lastly, bass singer Daniel Ashmore is without a doubt one of finest young bass singers in the industry today. This is evident in his two stellar features: the up-tempo country flavored “Washed In The Blood” and the bouncy quartet number “Oh What A Happy Morning.” Both songs feature his rich, low tones which are incredible for his young age. Ashmore’s vocal range is tested on the first verse of the latter and he shows off his bass singing talent. He reminds me of George Younce in the sense that he is good singer who happens to sing bass. He is definitely one to watch in the years to come!
Final Thoughts:
Overall, this record is a solid collection of songs that stay true to the mission statement of this group! The vocals are great and the songs are well crafted, in my opinion, and convey the great truths of the Gospel. I was looking forward to this record and was not disappointed. I would have liked at least one more feature from Doug Roark, but all in all, it was a great listening experience. For me personally, I like both traditional and more progressive style songs in this wonderful genre of music. This project does a good job of finding a balance between the two. In any genre of music, there are sure to be songs that will resonate with certain people while others may not particularly take to that style. This is true for this recording. As an aside, I will say that we are not perfect and there is always room to improve in our respective crafts.
4.5 Stars
I would definitely recommend this to all fans of good traditional Southern Gospel as well as fans of this incredible group! As I said before, The Old Paths are here to STAY!
For more Info on The Old Paths and to Purchase this CD visit: http://theoldpathsonline.com/home.html
You can also purchase this Cd on ITunes, Amazon, and where Christian/Southern Gospel Music is sold!!