FLASHBACK FRIDAY CD REVIEW: BATTLE CRY- THE KINGSMEN
Southern Gospel Spotlight Presents
CD Review: Battle Cry- The Kingsmen
Label: Horizon Records/ Crossroads
Release Date: 10/14/14
Producer: Jeff Collins
Members: Chris Jenkins (Tenor), Bob Sellers (Lead), Randy Crawford (Baritone), and Ray Dean Reese (Bass)
Song List:
Battle Cry- Joel Lindsey, Sue C. Smith, Lee Black, featuring Ensemble, Randy
I’ve Never Seen The Righteous Forsaken- Rebecca Peck, featuring Chris
He Took Away My Burden- Scott Inman, Daryl Williams, featuring Ray
Oh, Yes I Am- Regina Walden, featuring Chris
Cross Of Grace- Rebecca Peck, featuring Randy
Beautiful City- Ashley Franks, featuring Ray
I Know- Ila C. Knight, featuring Ray, Bob
It Should Have Rained- Dianne Wlikinson, Rusty Golden, featuring Randy
Faith- Kenna Turner West, Belinda Smith, featuring Chris
Come And Dine- Dianne Wilkinson, Daryl Williams, Ensemble, Randy
Here I Stand Amazed- Randy Crawford, featuring Bob
Thoughts:
Can you hear the Battle Cry? This recording lifts the banner of the Lord high!! The latest mainline effort from the legendary Kingsmen is just that: legendary! I t captures the classic sound of this powerhouse group and mainstay in Gospel Music. Anchored by longtime, Hall Of Fame bass vocalist Ray Dean Reese, the Kingsmen continue to share the Good News through song. Reese is featured on several songs including: the convention style “He Took Away My Burden,” the fast paced “Beautiful City” and the barn burner “Oh. Yes I Am” showcasing his familiar smooth and rich bass voice. His strongest feature on this record in my opinion is on the first verse of the ballad “I Know” which tells of a lost soul coming to Jesus. The warmth and tenderness in Ray’s bass voice gives the lyric a great depth and meaning. This song reminds listeners and fans of the reason the he is an award winning bass.
Baritone vocalist Randy Crawford, who has been a member of the quartet since 2010, shines on the powerful ballad “It Should Have Rained” and the upbeat song in the vein of classic Kingsmen songs “Meet Me At The Table” or “Beautiful Home.” “Come And Dine.” “It Should Have Rained” beautifully describes the day Christ died for our sins. The music is also masterfully done with a powerful build up to the final chorus which takes it a notch then hits it out the park. This song is more progressive in style and would probably fit nicely on a Brian Free & Assurance CD (which is interesting considering Crawford sang with BFA previously). This is not to say that it does not belong here because it definitely does. Crawford continues to impress me with his heart for Lord and his amazing vocals.
Lead singer Bob Sellers, a member since 2011, steps out on the second verse of Ila Knight’s “I Know” which I mentioned earlier. His emotion filled vocal on this song was incredible on this mid-tempo song. Sellers is let loose on the powerful anthem “Here I Stand Amazed” which is an incredible song that expresses the awe and wonder we feel in the presence of Jesus. He is also featured on “Cross Of Grace” which is a powerful call to action song that deals with the transformative power of Jesus and His death on the cross of grace. Sellers is a great vocalist who blends well with the quartet and provides the classic Kingsmen lead sound as well.
Young tenor Chris Jenkins came onto the Kingsmen scene in 2012 following the departure of Harold Reed. Jenkins blew me away on this record with standout vocals on Regina Walden’s “Oh, Yes I Am” which is a barn burner in the convention style. His powerful classic Kingsmen style tenor voice is also featured on the comforting “Faith” which says to never give up or give in; nothing is impossible with the Almighty God on your side. Jenkins also gives an incredible performance on my favorite track on the record “I’ve Never Seen The Righteous Forsaken.” This song written by Rebecca Peck stood out to me immediately with its powerful lyrics. It drives home the message of this CD which is that God will provide for his children and that God cared enough to die on a cross for us. The second verse especially hit me. It closes with these lines: “So why should I worry, His word has assured me, that He will supply my every need.” Amen!! We should not worry about trivial things, but rest in His love and care. This hits home as I find myself worrying about all kinds of things every day. This comforting message is one I needed to hear.
Final Thoughts:
This record is MUST buy and listen!! Fans of both traditional and more progressive Southern Gospel will love the vocals and message of this amazing recording. This was among my anticipated releases last year and I was not disappointed any way!
I emphatically give this project 5 Stars!! Go get it now! Have you heard the Battle Cry?
For more information on the Kingsmen and to purchase this incredible CD, visit their website: http://kingsmenquartet.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm