SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: HYMNS- JOEY & RORY
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW:
HYMNS (That Are Important To Us)
JOEY & RORY
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2016
LABEL: FARMHOUSE RECORDINGS, GAITHER MUSIC GROUP
PRODUCER: RORY FEEK, JOE WEST
SONG LIST:
1. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"
2. "I Surrender All"
3. "He Touched Me"
4. "Softly and Tenderly"
5. "Jesus Loves Me"
6. "It Is Well with My Soul"
7. "The Old Rugged Cross"
8. "I Need Thee Every Hour"
9. "How Great Thou Art"
10. "I'll Fly Away"
11. "Jesus Paid It All"
12. "Suppertime"
13. "When I'm Gone" (Bonus Track)
THOUGHTS:
There have been many great Country Gospel duos over the years, but in my humble opinion, Joey & Rory Feek are among the very best in the genre period. This talented couple has produced seven excellent recordings with the seventh entry, Hymns That Are Important To Us being their final. Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 which returned the following year having spread to her colon. This project is a testament to their faith even in the midst of these hard times. Joey & Rory’s easy going country style and pure vocals bring to life the lyrics of twelve classic hymns as well as their own classic “When I’m Gone.”
Joey takes the lead on each song and her beautiful voice shines. She is backed by Rory and Heidi Feek who provide harmony vocals. The album begins with a simple yet incredible arrangement of “Take My Hand Precoius Lord,” followed by the emotion filled “I Surrender All” and the Gaither classic “He Touched Me.” The tempo picks up slightly with the banjo twang of “Softly And Tenderly,” which reminds us that Jesus is calling us to himself. We must answer His call and live for Him and His glory. The next track “Jesus Loves Me” is a fun up-tempo version of the classic song. It begins with young children singing the chorus then the fiddle and mandolin hit. The children sing each chorus with Joey which adds a special tenderness to the arrangement. Next, the duo beautifully delivers the lyrics of “It Is Well With My Soul,” one of my favorite hymns. This incredible track is followed by another favorite of mine, “The Old Rugged Cross.” This version is anchored by the upright bass which adds a unique rhythm to the hymn. The next track reminds us that we need God every moment of every day. Their beautiful version of “I Need Thee Every Hour,’ begins with a non-studio recording of Joey singing the chorus. You can hear in her voice that her body is feeble, but her spirit is well. May this song be your prayer every day because without Him we are lost. We need thee Lord every hour of every day. No matter our circumstances, whether in good times or bad, we need Him. Next, Joey delivers a stellar performance on the anthem “How Great Thou Art.” “I’ll Fly Away” picks up the tempo with classic country flare. The tender hearted “Jesus Paid It All” is a standout track reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice. He loved us so much that He died for us! Amen. The duo also covers the country styled “Suppertime,” which was a popular George Younce feature. This excellent record closes with the poignant “When I’m Gone.” This song is simply beautiful. Full of emotion and heart, this lyric is a comfort to all who experience loss. You can feel the love this couple has for each other in this song.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS CD IS EXCELLENT! THE VOCALS, SONGS, AND MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE TOP NOTCH. THIS ACOUSTIC DRIVEN ALBUM IS TRULY A TESTAMENT TO THEIR FAITH AND MUSICAL ABILITY. GO GET THIS INCREDIBLE PROJECT NOW!!
TO PURCHASE THIS PROJECT, VISIT: www.gaither.com OR WHEREVER CDS ARE SOLD!!!