SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: LIFE IS GOOD- THE HOPPERS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
LIFE IS GOOD
THE HOPPERS
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2016, Available Now
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER:
MEMBERS: CONNIE HOPPER (ALTO) , CLAUDE HOPPER (BARITONE), DEAN HOPPER (LEAD) , KIM HOPPER (SOPRANO), MIKE HOPPER (BASS, DRUMS), KARLYE HOPPER (ALTO/SOPRANO)
SONG LIST:
Jesus, the One- ft. Kim
Life Is Good- ft. Ensemble
Grace Will Get To You- ft. Connie
Walk Two- ft. Kim
Brethren We Have Met to Worship- ft. Ensemble
If We Ever Gotta Look- ft. Ensemble
Until You've Known the Love of God- ft. Claude
Song of Moses- ft. Kim, Dean, Connie
My Ransom- ft. Karyle
By and By- ft. Dean, Karyle
Before the Sun Goes Down- ft. Connie
* Review Copy Provided
THOUGHTS:
One of Southern Gospel Music’s most beloved family groups, The Hoppers are back with another exciting project. Life Is Good is the group’s debut project on Daywind Records and nearly five years in the making. This album truly exemplifies this group’s world famous harmonies and blend. The group sounds better than ever on this fresh new project.
The album opens with the first single “Jesus, The One,” which triumphantly proclaims that Jesus is the only Savior and King! Every knee shall bend in reverence to the One! He is wonderful, faithful, powerful and the ruler of all! Kim Hopper delivers the lyric with her signature style and powerful voice. Next, the family’s blend is showcased on the up-tempo feel good song “Life Is Good.” This light hearted track simply says that life is good because God is! God has given us life so thank Him for everything in it! Mike Hopper’s bass can be heard on this track clearly which adds a fresh new dynamic to their blend. Matriarch Connie Hopper takes the lead on the mid-tempo track “Grace Will Get To You,” which tells of the transforming power of Christ. No other touch but the Master’s will do. He will turn your life around.
Kim Hopper shines on the tender mid-tempo ballad “Walk Two.” This thoughtful lyric simply says listen to Jesus. Whatever He asks, obey. “If He asks you to walk a mile, walk two.” We need to heed His Call even more now in this troubled time. We must love and care for our neighbors. If you do it for the least of these, you do it for Him. Next, the group’s harmonies are showcased once again on “Brethren We Have Met To Worship,” which is a hymn of praise. This unique, mid-tempo track sees two trios take the lead on the second (the men) and third verses (the women). The more traditional styled “If We Ever Gotta Look,” is a fun, mid-tempo track that excitedly looks toward the splendors of Heaven. The ensemble shines on this sure to be concert favorite. Mike Hopper is becoming a solid bass singer as evidenced on this track. Patriarch Claude Hopper delivers a heartfelt performance on the classic “Until You’ve Known The Love Of God.” His warm baritone conveys the timeless lyric well. “Song Of Moses,” features Kim, Dean, and Connie. The beautiful orchestrations aid the lyric of praise which proclaims the power and triumph of God! Dean and Kim’s daughter Karyle beautifully delivers the lyric of “My Ransom,” a powerful and worshipful ballad. Lord, your wounds have paid my ransom. No doubt can overcome my faith. My freedom in Christ cannot be taken from me by any Earthly threat. His Love has paid my ransom. Dean and Karlye are featured on the up-tempo tune “By An By,” which looks forward to our everlasting life Heaven. We will sing His Praises by and by. No more sorrow over there!! The album closes with the tender, thought provoking ballad “Before The Sun Goes Down,” featuring Connie. This powerful lyric reflects on one’s life near the end asking: did I live your way? Did I help my brother when I could? Was I a light for you? Before I reach the end, I have to know that I’ve walked your way. We are not perfect and so unworthy, yet He loves us. When I am old and nearing the end, I hope to reflect on my life and know that I did the best I could to live how He called me to live. What a powerful song!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE HOPPERS ARE TRULY ONE OF BEST GROUPS IN SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC IN MY OPINION. THIS RECORD SHOWCASES THEIR GOD GIVEN TALENT AND HEART FOR THE LORD. GREAT, MEANINGFUL SONGS, POWERFUL VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION QUALITY. KARYLE HOPPER HAS BEEN A GREAT ADDTION TO THE GROUP. HER PERFORMANCE ON “MY RANSOM,” WAS DEFINITLEY A HIGHLIGHT FOR ME ON THIS PROJECT. ALSO, MIKE HOPPER IS A SOLID BASS SINGER AND I’M GLAD HE IS SINGING WITH THE GROUP MORE. OVERALL, THE HOPPERS HAVE PRODUCED ANOTHER STELLAR RECORDING! MUST BUY!
5 OUT 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.thehoppers.com