SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: LIVE LIKE WE'RE REDEEMED- BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
LIVE LIKE WE’RE REDEEMED
BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 18, 2016
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: RICKY FREE
MEMBERS: BRIAN FREE (TENOR), BILL SHIVERS (LEAD), MIKE ROGERS (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
Somebody’s Miracle (Lee Black/Kenna Turner West/Brian White)
That’s Just What Grace Does (Laura Allen/Michael Farren/Don Poythress)
The Measure Of A Man (Mark Harris/Don Koch/Stephanie Lewis)
Live Like We’re Redeemed (Dave Clark/Ricky Free)
He Will Carry You (Lee Black/Gina Boe)
Mission Of Mercy (Jason Cox/Sue C. Smith/Kenna Turner West)
When Mercy Looks At Me (Jeff Bumgardner/Ricky Free)
Forever Home (Jason Cox/Joel Lindsey)
You Could Be The Difference (Sam Mizell/Jamie Slocum/Sam Tinnesz)
One Mile World (Lee Black/Ben Storie)
THOUGHTS:
****In this special FLASHBACK FRIDAY REVIEW, I review a CD that was released earlier this year that I was not able to review.
Brian Free & Assurance are back again with another exciting project of faith and harmony with their latest project on the Daywind label. Despite the recent departure of bass singer Jeremy Lile (thus reverting the group back to a trio), the group stays true to their sound and has definitely found their place in terms of style. BFA is getting better and better with each recording and this is no exception. Brian Free continues to blow me away with his clear, resonant tenor voice. Bill Shivers proves once again on this record that he is among the industries best lead singers. Mike Rogers rounds out the trio with his solid, smooth baritone.
The album opens with the strong driving beat of “Somebody’s Miracle.” This progressive style track features Shivers and encourages listeners to love others. We as Christians need to reach out to our neighbors and shine the light of Christ in this dark world. Shiver’s powerful lead is also showcased on the mid-tempo track “Mission Of Mercy,” and the Heaven focused “Forever Home,” which deals with loss and the promise of Eternal Life. We will be more alive than we’ve ever been in our forever home.
Brian Free’s soaring tenor is featured on the moving ballad “That’s Just What Grace Does,” which tells of God’s transforming power and Grace. He also takes the lead the trio’s cover of the CCM style, “The Measure Of A Man” by 4Him. This lyric reminds us that it is not our accomplishments or wealth that matters. What matters to Christ is your heart. That is the true measure of a person. “He Will Carry You,” also features Free, and is a song of hope. Jesus is faithful and will help you through any struggle. You can always run to Jesus! Free also shines on the closing track “One Mile World,” which reminds listeners that you can make a difference in the hurting world.
Mike Rogers is featured on the title track which encourages listeners to spread the Gospel to all people. We must live out the love of Christ with the Grace we have been given. We have been made worthy so we must live like we’re redeemed. Rogers shines on this powerful “call to action” song. Rogers takes the lead on perhaps my favorite track on the record: the moving ballad “When Mercy Looks At Me.’ This powerful song written by Jeff Bumgardner and Ricky Free beautifully describes Christ’s love for us! When He looks at me, all He sees is His child saved by Grace. I am so unworthy yet He still loves me enough to die for me. Rogers is also featured on the mid-tempo “You Could Be The Difference.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS RECORD IS WELL PRODUCED, AND CONTAINS SOME INCREDIBLE SONGS. EACH VOCALIST GIVES AMAZING PERFORMANCES WITH THE STANDOUTS BEING: MIKE ROGERS ON “WHEN MERCY LOOKS AT ME,” BRIAN FREE ON “HE WILL CARRY YOU,” AND BILL SHIVERS ON “FOREVER HOME.” OVERALL, THIS IS A FANTASTIC RECORDING AND A MUST BUY FOR NOT ONLY FANS OF THE GROUP, BUT SOUTHERN GOSPEL FANS IN GENERAL.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: http://www.brianfreeandassurance.com/