OFFICIAL TOP 10 FAVORITE SOUTHERN GOSPEL CDS OF 2016
OFFICIAL TOP 10 FAVORITE SOUTHERN GOSPEL CDS OF 2016
#10 UNDIVIDED- MASTER’S VOICE (January 2016) 5 stars!
This exciting album from Master’s Voice truly has something for everybody!! This CD was my introduction to this group and I must say I’m impressed. This album has some of my favorite songs of this year one of which is “Lord Of Mercy,” featuring the incredible bass singing of Jerry Pilgrim.
# 9 THE ONLY ONE- DOUG ANDERSON (May 2016) 5 stars!
Anderson delivers another record infused with that down home country style and heart that we have come to expect. This recording is a collection of songs that truly tell a story: the story of Jesus and how He changes our everyday lives. It very much deals with faith based heritage, trusting God in the midst of suffering, and celebrating the little things that bring you joy. These powerful songs are performed with heart and gravitas the only way Doug Anderson can deliver them.
#8 ONLY FAITH CAN SEE- THE ERWINS (September 2016)- 5 stars!
This fresh, energetic group has re-teamed with producer Wayne Haun for this exciting sophomore project. Once again, their dynamic family harmony and the Lord are the focus. As I said of their StowTown debut last year, God is the center of this project and each sibling is but a humble vessel for the Lord. This CD featuring eleven well written songs is sure to be another hit for the up and coming quartet. Each member delivers incredible vocal performances showing talent beyond their years.
# 7 BETTER TOGETHER- GAITHER VOCAL BAND (August 2016), 5 stars!
The GVB continues to produce top quality recordings! This CD deserves a place on this list as well as its recent Grammy nomination for Best Roots Album. Brilliant songs, incredible vocal performances, and an overall enjoyable listen! Each vocalist brings their “A” game and blends well together! Gaither’s statement is true: The group is better together and so are we all!
#6 FAMILY HARMONY & STRONGER TOGETHER- NELONS (August 2016) 5 stars!
These recordings showcase the best of the Nelons: harmony, songs, and production quality. Two of my absolute favorite records of the year. Amber Nelon Thompson continues to impress with her incredible voice. She is one of the best young vocalists in 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.
#5 THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING- CANA’S VOICE (May 2016)- 5 stars!
This record is simply brilliant! This debut record from this fresh, exciting new group blew me away! Each vocalist gives fantastic performances including: Doug Anderson on “Love Anyway,” Jody McBrayer on “His Heart Is Big Enough,” and Taranda on “Jesus Never Fails.”
#4 REFRESHING- SECOND HALF QUARTET (July 2016), 5 stars!
If you are a fan of the Cathedrals, especially the 1980s lineups, this project is for you! The Second- Half Quartet, a scrap iron group formed by Greater Vision, Mark Trammell and Pat Barker, brings new life to several lesser known Cathedrals songs on their debut project on Daywind Records. This “refreshing” new album features ten Cathedral Quartet songs; all but two of which are pulled from Trammell’s time with the legendary quartet. This record has everything that I look for in a project: great songs, stellar vocals, top quality music and production.
#3 FULL SAIL- MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET (October, 2016), 5 stars!
This is definitely without question my favourite album from the Mark Trammell Quartet. Each member delivers fantastic vocal performances on incredibly well written and meaningful songs. Blake Buffin, in particular, blew me away with his rendition of “More Than You’ll Ever Know.”
#2- HERE FOR YOU- TRIBUTE QUARTET (September, 2016)- 5 stars!
Tribute Quartet truly hits a home run with their sophomore recording on Daywind Records. Produced by the multi-award winning Wayne Haun, this record showcases the incredible harmonies of one of Southern Gospel Music’s most dynamic quartets. This fresh and exciting new project features the stellar voice of Riley Harrison Clark, Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, and Anthony Davis. If you are feeling alone in this troubling time, this album reminds us that God is here for you!
Definitely my favorite quartet album of the year!!
#1-NATURE’S SYMPHONY- THE ISAACS (September, 2016) – 5 stars!
This is hands down the best album of the year in my humble opinion! This record is simply brilliant! From the production, to the music, the songwriting, and the vocals, this is the best album released by the group hands down. These powerful songs were born of personal struggles and the journey from that pain to praise. This album also was recently nominated for a Grammy.
HONARABLE MENTIONS:
A CANTON CHRISTMAS- CANTON JUNCTION
LIFE IS GOOD- THE HOPPERS
IN THE HANDS OF A CARPENTER- L5
AUTHENTIC- GOLD CITY
HYMNS OF FANNY CROSBY- EHSS