SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: THE GOSPEL- LAUREN TALLEY
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW:
THE GOSPEL
LAUREN TALLEY
LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS
PRODUCER: LAUREN TALLEY
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2017
SONG LIST: (ft/Author)
I Believe (featuring Brian Free & Assurance)/(Sue C. Smith, Travis Cottrell, Kent Hooper)
The Cradle, The Cross And The Crown- (Kenna Turner West, James Isaac Elliott, Jason Cox)
I Am Not Ashamed- (Dawn Thomas)
I Hear A Song (featuring Gordon Mote)/(Lauren Talley, Kenna Turner West, Tony Wood)
Everything (featuring Cindy Morgan)/(Lauren Talley, Kenna Turner West, Cindy Morgan Brower)
The God Who Never Changes- (Lauren Talley, Kenna Turner West, Tony Wood)
Our Song Will Be Jesus- (Lauren Talley, Kenna Turner West, Lee Black)
The Blood Of Jesus Speaks For Me- (Travis Cottrell, David Moffitt)
Hallelujah, What A Savior- (Philip P. Bliss, Jared Alan Meyers)
What Grace Is Mine (featuring Riley Harrison Clark)/ (Kristyn L. Getty)
THOUGHTS:
Lauren Talley is back again with an exciting new recording that is full of heart, faith, and The Gospel. Talley took on many positions with the production of this recording. Not only is she the featured vocalist, Talley produced, co-wrote four songs, and recorded some background vocals as well. She succeeds in each area, in my opinion, turning in great vocal performances and an overall great production quality. This record is sure to delight listeners everywhere with its compelling and enjoyable songs!
This exciting musical journey begins with the edgy anthem “I Believe,” which features guest vocalists Brian Free & Assurance. Talley and BF&A blend well together on this up-tempo track proclaiming belief in Christ the Savior of the world. His faithfulness has taught us that He will not fail us! So, I believe in Him! Next, Talley shines on the mid-tempo track “The Cradle, The Cross, The Crown,” which tells the story of Christ from His birth to His Resurrection. Talley showcases her impressive vocal range on the Dawn Thomas penned ballad “I Am Not Ashamed.” This incredible song simply says: I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus. I am willing to give my life for Him. I am not here to please this world, but rather Christ who created me. No matter what this world says, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!! Amen! Next, Gordon Mote joins Talley on the groovy tune “I Hear A Song,” which Talley co-wrote with Kenna Turner West and Tony Wood. This fun track is all about the Joy the Lord brings us and how we can’t contain it! Cindy Morgan Brower joins Talley on “Everything,” a simply beautiful lyric which they co-wrote with Kenna Turner West. This incredible song proclaims: Jesus is everything you need. He is everything, He is everywhere. He cares about you. He will never let you go! Both vocalists blend beautifully together on this powerful track. “The God Who Never Changes,” is a fun pop styled track that says that though this world is ever changing and busy, God is always the same. Lauren Talley along with Kenna Turner West and Lee Black co-wrote the anthem “Our Song Will Be Jesus,” which praises Christ and His faithfulness. Next, Talley shines on the worship ballad “The Blood Of Jesus Speaks For Me,” written by Travis Cottrell and David Moffitt. Her impressive range is once again showcased on this amazing song. Another standout track is Talley’s fresh take on the classic hymn “Hallelujah, What A Savior.” This great recording closes with another incredible duet featuring guest vocalist Riley Harrison Clark (Tenor with Tribute Quartet). “What Grace Is Mine,” written by Kristyn Getty, is a beautiful declaration of belief in Christ saying: I will go wherever He is calling me. I’ll lose my life to find it in Him. I will give my all to gain the whole. I will take up my cross and follow Him. In my humble opinion, this is by far the best track on the record. Their voices blend beautifully together on this simply brilliant piece.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS RECORDING IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF WHY LAUREN TALLEY IS AMONG THE FINEST IN SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC. HER VOCAL ABILITY IS EXCEPTIONAL AS IS HER PRODUCING AND SONGWRITING: ALL OF WHICH WERE ON DISPLAY ON THE RECORD IN TOP FORM.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!!!
GO OUT AND GET THIS RECORD ASAP!
VISIT http://laurentalley.com/ and www.thetalleys.com for more information on Lauren Talley.