SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEWS: STRONGER TOGETHER & FAMILY HARMONY- THE NELONS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW X 2:
STRONGER TOGETHER
FAMILY HARMONY
THE NELONS
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 12, 2016
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: JASON CLARK (BOTH PROJECTS)
MEMBERS: KELLY NELON (ALTO), JASON CLARK (LEAD/TENOR), AMBER NELON THOMPSON (SOPRANO), AND AUTUMN NELON CLARK (ALTO)
SONG LIST (STRONGER TOGETHER)
In My Father’s House (Jason Cox, Sue C Smith, Kenna Turner West)
One Little Word (Constant Change/ Jason Clark)
Family Chain (Joe Isaacs)
Then Came The Morning (Chris Christian/ William J. Gaither/ Gloria Gaither)
Gate Of Heaven (Jason Clark/ Jerome Olds)
You Can’t Make Old Friends (Ryan King, Don Schlitz, Caitlyn Smith) ft. guest vocalist Karen Peck Gooch
The Awakening
I Think I’ll Read it Again (Sandy Knight)
Angels Hover Near You (Traditional)
SONG LIST (FAMILY HARMONY)
I Just Can’t Make It By Myself (Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Suzanne Jennings, JD Miller)
Greater Things (David Moffitt, Jonathan Shaw)
Days Of Jericho (Jason Clark)
Imagine Alleluia (Jason Clark)
Suppertime (Ira Stanphill)- ft guest Bill Gaither
When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace (Wayne Haun/ Barbara Huffman)
Don’t Give Up On Me (Jimmy Yeary)
Songs That Answer Questions (William J. Gaither/Gloria Gaither)
We Shall Behold Him (Dottie Rambo)
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
*******As these are companion pieces, I will analyze them together in the same review as opposed to separate reviews.
The Nelons latest Daywind effort comes in the form of two records each containing nine songs from some of Gospel music’s best songwriters. After struggling to narrow down the song list for this project, they decided to split the record into two special and exciting projects. These recordings continue the great traditional Nelons style and sound founded by the late Rex Nelon. I still contend that Rex is incredibly proud of this current group comprised of his daughter Kelly, her husband Jason Clark, and her daughter Amber Thompson and Autumn Clark. Each vocalist shines on both of these well produced albums.
First, Stronger Together includes the first single “In My Father’s House,” which features Amber. This mid-tempo country style song showcases the group’s tight harmonies. Amber and Autumn blew me away with their incredible harmony parts. The song reminds us that there is always a place for us in God’s house. Kelly takes the lead on the Jason Clark penned ballad about the name of Jesus “One Little Word.” Autumn shines on Joe Isaacs’ “Family Chain,” which deals with loss and Heaven. The young alto’s performance on this incredible song was simply magical. One of the best recorded songs of the entire year hands down! The group covers the Gaither classic “Then Came The Morning,” with Amber taking the lead on the verses. The orchestration and vocal combine to form another standout on this project. Jason Clark and Jerome Olds’s “Gate Of Heaven” is sure to get listeners on their feet with its driving rhythm. Jason Clark shines on this fun track focused on Heaven. Former Nelons member Karen Peck Gooch joins Kelly Nelon on the tender mid-tempo country ballad “You Just Can’t Make Old Friends.” The two voices still blend well together and make this song of friendship extra special. The ensemble shines once again on the Broadway inspired “The Awakening.” Another highlight on this record is the fun; energy filled “I Think I’ll Read It Again,” written by Sandy Knight. This fresh version of the classic Gold City song is sure to be a concert favorite. This record closes with another tender ballad “Angels Hover Near You,” which is reminiscent of the Nelons circa 1980s.
Next, Family Harmony kicks off with the up-tempo Gaither tune “I Just Can’t Make It By Myself,” which features Jason on the verses. This song is sure to be a concert favorite as well.
Kelly shines on “Greater Things,” which is a beautiful progressive style ballad that reminds us of the amazing things we’ll see in Heaven. “Days Of Jericho,” is a fun, banjo infused track written by Jason Clark. This song about Joshua and the wall features great country style harmonies by sisters Amber and Autumn. Some might not think this song belongs on this project, but I quite enjoyed it! “Imagine Alleluia,” is a beautiful ballad of praise to Christ featuring Autumn. Next, Jason takes the lead on the Ira Stanphill classic “Suppertime,” famously covered by George Younce and the Cathedrals. Bill Gaither makes a special appearance to give the recitation which was fantastic. Autumn is featured again on the folk styled track “When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace,” which showcases once more her incredible voice. Jason’s standout feature on these two albums is the country song “Don’t Give Up On Me.” This Jimmy Yeary penned lyric is a beautiful prayer asking Christ to take over. Autumn joins her father in stellar harmony on this incredible song. Next, the group covers the Gaither tune “Songs That Answer Questions,” which reminds us to prioritize. I want to spend my life spreading the Good News!! This album closes with quite possibly the best track between the two recordings: Amber Nelon Thompson’s rendition of Dottie Rambo’s “We Shall Behold Him.” Thompson’s performance simply blew me away! I would argue that this is her best vocal performance in her career.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THESE RECORDINGS SHOWCASE THE BEST OF THE NELONS: HARMONY, SONGS, AND PRODUCTION QUALITY. TWO OF MY ABSOULTE FAVORITE RECORDS OF THIS ENTIRE YEAR NO QUESTION! AMBER NELON THOMPSON CONTINUES TO PROVE THAT SHE IS ONE OF THE BEST YOUNG VOCALISTS IN ALL OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC. HER SISTER AUTUMN IS RIGHT ON HER HEELS IN MY HUMBLE OPINION. HER PERFORMANCES ON “FAMILY CHAIN” AND “WHEN GRANDPA SANG AMAZING GRACE,” ARE SIMPLY FANTASTIC.
THESE ARE DEFINITELY MUS T BUYS!!
STRONGER TOGETHER: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FAMILY HARMONY: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.thenelons.com