CD REVIEW: EVERY HALLELUJAH- CANTON JUNCTION
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW:
EVERY HALLELUJAH- CANTON JUNCTION
LABEL: DIFFERENCE MEDIA
PRODUCER: GARRY JONES
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 7, 2015
MEMBERS: MATT HAGEE (TENOR), CASEY RIVERS (LEAD), RYAN SEATON (BARITONE), AND TIM DUNCAN (BASS)
*REVIEW COPY PROVIDED
SONG LIST: (Ft/Song Writer)
God's Got a Better Plan- featuring Ryan Seaton, Casey Rivers, Matt Hagee/ Ronny Hinson
Tumbling Down- featuring Casey Rivers/Michael Farren & Kenna West
It Wasn't Raining- featuring Tim Duncan/Kenna West & Lindsay Williams
When He Was On The Cross- featuring Tim Duncan & Matt Hagee/ Ronny Hinson & Michael Payne
When I Lift Up My Head- featuring Tim Duncan/ Dottie Rambo
Every Hallelujah- featuring Casey Rivers, Ryan Seaton/ Michael Farren, Sue C. Smith, & Kenna West
I Am- featuring Ryan Seaton, Casey Rivers, and Matt Hagee/Eddie James
A Place Called Grace- featuring Ryan Seaton/ Michael Farren, Sue C. Smith, & Kenna West
For Moments Like These- featuring Casey Rivers, Matt Hagee/ Lee Black, Jason Cox, & Kenna West
I Need a Little More Jesus- featuring Tim Duncan/ Erica Atkins-Campbell, Trecina Atkins-Campbell, & Warryn Campbell
Living For Heaven- featuring Matt Hagee/ Jason Cox & Sue C. Smith
Weep No More- featuring Casey Rivers/ Lee Black & Ben Storie
The King and I- featuring Ryan Seaton/ Mosie Lister
THOUGHTS:
The year 2011 saw the formation of a new quartet which was destined to make a splash in the Southern Gospel Music field. The members of Canton Junction came to together to form one of the most popular new quartets in recent years. Birthed out of San Antonio, Texas and the Hagee ministry, the group set out to share their love of Gospel music. Canton Junction is comprised of original members Matt Hagee, pastor of Cornerstone Church, singing tenor, bass singer Tim Duncan, and new members Casey Rivers and Ryan Seaton, who sing lead and baritone respectively.
Now in 2015, Canton Junction is pleased to present their third record Every Hallelujah which includes a combination of Gospel classics and fresh new material. Coupled with this great material are the incredible and versatile vocals of the quartet. This well crafted recording was produced by former Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and Gold City pianist and award winning producer Garry Jones. Jones’s expert skill is very apparent in the excellent quality of this recording. This project also serves as a EH&SS reunion of sorts as Tim Duncan, Ryan Seaton and Jones were all members of the quartet. The reunion of Seaton and Duncan heavily contributed to my own personal excitement for this record which definitely did not disappoint. Rivers and Seaton add a fresh new dynamic to the quartet’s unique sound in my opinion. In addition, fans of Tim Duncan’s smooth bass voice will not be disappointed by this project at all! I will contend that Duncan has never sounded better than he does on this record!
This incredible collection of songs kicks off with the driving mid-tempo track “God’s Got A Better Plan,” which says to trust in the Lord as He is in control. The chorus really struck a chord with me. It states: “Gods got a better plan/He’s so much wiser than the ways of man/ Put it all in his able hands/ He knows what to do /He’s qualified and well rehearsed/ Creator of the universe/When you’ve done all you can/ Gods got a better plan.” Amen!!! Our God is the Creator of this Universe and is so much wiser than us. His plans are greater than anything we could ever dream. Seaton, Rivers and Hagee turn in solid performances on this incredible lyric. Casey Rivers is let loose on the country flavored “Tumbling Down” which says that miracles can happen if you trust in the name of Jesus. Everybody goes through something, but if you want to find your freedom, all you have to do is praise His name. It may seem hopeless, dark and there is no way out, just sing His praises and you’ll feel the walls start tumbling down! Rivers’ performance on this fun tune is a great example of his incredible vocal ability. Another highlight of this track for me was the earth shaking low notes from Tim Duncan towards the end of the song. Speaking of great bass singing, Tim Duncan takes the lead on the swinging tune about Noah called “It Wasn’t Raining.” This song of faith showcases Duncan’s smooth low tones and features probably one of his lowest notes. In my humble opinion, this is Tim Duncan’s best performance ever. Duncan steps out on the first verse of the Gospel classic “When He Was On The Cross” written by the legendary Ronny Hinson showcasing his beautiful upper range. Matt Hagee also shines on the second verse with his clear and resonant tenor voice. He knew me yet He loved me!! What a powerful statement!! Amen! Next, Duncan takes the lead once again on the up-tempo country style “When I Lift Up My Head,” which features more incredible low notes. Casey Rivers and Ryan Seaton deliver the powerful lyrics of the title track “Every Hallelujah” which is an emotional song of praise to the God whose glory knows no bounds. There is no other name in all of Heaven and Earth that is greater than the name of Jesus. The next song features the trio of Ryan Seaton, Casey Rivers, and Matt Hagee each taking a verse of the praise anthem “I Am.” This powerful ballad is beautifully written and the vocal performances are top notch. Take to heart the following chorus: “I am Hope, I am Peace, I am Joy, I am Rest, I am your Comfort, and Relief from your stress, I am Strength, I am Faith, I am Love, I am Power, I am your Freedom, this very hour.” He is the I Am!! God is hope, peace, love, comfort, strength and freedom!! Amen! If that doesn’t light your fire, then I’m not sure what can! Keeping with theme of songs of praise, Ryan Seaton’s smooth baritone shines on the tender ballad “A Place Called Grace.” The song speaks of the love and faithfulness of God and His relationship with us. Casey Rivers and Matt Hagee deliver the tender hearted yet powerful lyrics of “For Moments Like These,” which says that God hears your prayers and to put your faith in Him for He knows your needs. The following verse really stood out to me: “What if in the sorrow, the sorrow brings a healing/To the broken, broken/What if thorns are part of His will/But what if His mercy is deeper still.” Sometimes the hardships we face make us stronger and though we may not understand, sorrows can bring joy. Next, listeners will go to church with the jazzy up-tempo Erica Atkins-Campbell song “I Need A Little More Jesus” which features Tim Duncan on the verses. Duncan once again brings his “A” game and delivers a fantastic performance. This fun song talks about the power of prayer and the need for Jesus in our lives. Matt Hagee takes the lead on the ballad “Living For Heaven” which is a prayer and a testimony. This beautiful song states: “I'm living for heaven/Whatever it takes/I've laid my life on the altar of grace/Living like Jesus will come back today/I'm making a difference/With all I've been given/I'm living for heaven.” What a statement of faith!! The next song is the first single from the record entitled “Weep No More.” This uniquely styled powerful anthem speaks to the second coming of the Lord and is featured in Pastor John Hagee’s documentary film “Four Blood Moons.” Casey Rivers gives an incredible performance on this amazing song! The closing track of this stellar record is a jazzy mid-tempo tune called “The King And I.” This Gospel classic written by the late Mosie Lister features baritone Ryan Seaton and talks about the relationship between the King of the Universe and His children. I once walked alone and didn’t know the love of God, but since the day He touched my life I have never been the same. He walks with me and loves me. This is the mystery of faith that He should care for me even though I am sinner and unworthy of His love.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This CD lived up and even surpassed my expectations!! Canton Junction continues to churn out great music and quality projects with each release. The addition of Ryan Seaton and Casey Rivers has proven to be a great boost in vocal quality and sound for the quartet. Each member shines on this incredible recording, but I must say that Tim Duncan stands out the most to me. Like I mentioned earlier, I believe that Duncan has never sounded better than on this CD. My favorite tracks on this project are his features. All in all, this CD is a MUST BUY for fans of traditional Southern Gospel and praise music. I have listened to it quite frequently since I received it. Go out and pre-order it now!!
5/5 stars!!!!!