CD REVIEW: AIM HIGHER-THE BROWNS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW
AIM HIGHER- THE BROWNS
Release Date: Available on July 10, 2015
Label: StowTown Records
Members: Adam Brown (Lead), Andrew Brown (Tenor), Shelly Brown (Soprano), Michaela Brown (Alto)
*REVIEW COPY PROVIDED
SONG LIST:
On The Winning Side- featuring Ensemble, Adam, Andrew/Words & Music by Wayne Haun, Michaela Brown & Shelly Brown
Aim Higher- featuring Adam/Words & Music by Joel Lindsey, Michaela Brown & Shelly Brown
Didn’t Rain- featuring Andrew, Michaela/American Spiritual Additional words by Ben Speer
Soul On Fire- featuring Adam/Words & Music by Brenton Brown, Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Mark Lee, David Carr & Matt Maher
Love That Won’t Let Go- featuring Michaela/Words & Music by Rachel McCutcheon
Sinners Come To The River- featuring Adam/Words & Music by Jeff Bumgardner
Fur Elise- Instrumental/Ludwig Van Beethoven P.D. Arr. by Jason Webb
Know You Now- featuring Michaela/Words & Music by Wayne Haun, Randall Garland & Val Dacus
Touch Of The Master’s Hand- featuring Andrew, Adam/P.D. Arr. by John Kramp
You Speak To Me- featuring Ensemble, Shelly/Words & Music by Joel Lindsey, Michaela Brown & Shelly Brown
THOUGHTS:
Well, I have to say that Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun have done an incredible job of seeking out talent for their label StowTown Records. This harmony driven family from Iowa has had quite the journey coming from the local/regional level to now being among one of Southern Gospel’s most prominent mixed groups. The Browns began their ministry around thirteen years ago and have remained true to the call and their roots. This has afforded them great success on the national stage with honors such as being in the Singing News Top 10 Favorite Mixed Groups for four years in a row as well as Horizon Group (3 years in a row). Their unique sound which combines bluegrass, gospel, classical, and Celtic styles has taken the Southern Gospel Music community by storm. They are sure to have continued success with their new album Aim Higher.
This solid collection of songs, many of which were written by members of the group, begins with an uptempo quartet style number called “On The Winning Side” which proclaims the victory of Christ Jesus over death and sin! The group’s signature family harmony shines on this traditional style song which features brothers Adam (Lead) and Andrew (Tenor) splitting the second verse. Adam’s incredible lead voice shines on the title cut “Aim Higher” which says to set higher goals for yourself, to dream bigger, and to love more. As the song says, “God loves to take a wild and willing heart, give it a little spark and see how far you’ll soar.” You can reach anything you desire if you just trust in the Lord. Tenor Andrew is let loose on the wild and fast “Didn’t Rain” which tells of Noah and the Ark. Sister Michaela’s powerful alto is also featured on the step out lines in the chorus. This is just as fun as the version done by the Dove Brothers Quartet a few years back. Adam is once again featured on the midtempo country flavored anthem “Soul On Fire,” originally recorded by CCM artist Third Day, which is a prayer for God’s guidance and a fire for Him. Michaela beautifully blends with her brother on the harmony parts on this well written song. Lord let me burn for you and return to you again!! Next, Michaela takes the lead on the midtempo track “Love That Won’t Let Go” which tells of the faithful and unconditional love of the Lord. Such a well written so beautifully sung! Adam takes the lead on the stirring ballad “Sinners Come To The River” which is a call to come to Christ. He is waiting at the table with open arms. Your salvation is here! Sinners come to the altar of the Lord as He has paid it all. What a powerful message! Next, the group showcases their amazing musical skills with the classical piece “Fur Elise” complete with full orchestral sound. Michaela is featured once again on the tender ballad “Know You Now” which beautifully captures the desire for a deep relationship with the Lord. We should all strive to know Him more every day! He walks with us so let us walk with Him. Andrew is once again let loose on the up-tempo country tune “Touch Of The Master’s Hand” which tells of the transforming power of Christ. Adam joins his brother on this song as well. Your whole life can change with the touch of the Master’s Hand. This powerful album closes with stirring ballad of hope called “You Speak To Me.” Shelly, the matriarch of the family, is featured on the second verse of this powerful anthem that proclamation of belief in God of the universe who sent His Son to die for the sins of the world. He died in our place and He is mighty to save. Nothing can separate us from His love! We are His children and no matter our circumstances, in the good times and the bad, He is with us.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This record is a great example of the younger generation of Southern Gospel and the immense talent that the future holds. This dynamic family brings a unique sound to the table with their mix of Celtic, country, and traditional Southern Gospel styles. The Browns are quickly becoming one of Gospel music’s most beloved family groups and this CD is evidence of the infectious energy that draws people to their ministry. They are true to the call and their passion for Christ is truly evident in their beautifully written songs and performances. This record is sure to be a blessing to you! Remember that God is faithful and whatever may come your way, God is big enough to handle it! Love more; trust in Christ, and Aim Higher!!
Go out and get this CD ASAP!! 4 Stars!!
FOR MORE INFO ON THE BROWNS, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: http://www.thebrownsmusic.com/index.html