SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: SOULACE 4- SOUL'D OUT QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW:
SOULACE 4
SOUL’D OUT QUARTET
RELEASE DATE: AVAILABLE NOW
LABEL: INDEPENDENT, TABLE PROJECT
MEMBERS: MATT RANKIN (LEAD/BARITONE), DUSTY BARRETT (TENOR), JASON MCATEE (BARITONE/LEAD), AND IAN OWENS (BASS)
*Review Copy Provided*
SONG LIST:
SWEETER AS THE DAYS GO BY
HERE COMES THE BRIDE
LIFE WILL BE SWEETER SOMEDAY
RUN ON
HE LOVED ME WITH A CROSS
NO SHORTAGE
HOLD ME
IN THE SWEET FOREVER
THE JUDGMENT
HAD IT NOT BEEN (LIVE)
THOUGHTS:
Soul’d Out Quartet is back again with the final entry in their popular Soulace series. This fresh and exciting new project features classic Southern Gospel standards such as “In The Sweet Forever,” “Here Comes The Bride,” and “The Judgment.” This is the first recording to feature new lead/baritone singer Jason McAtee, who joined the group following the departure of Bryan Hutson. McAtee brings a powerful, soulful voice to this already dynamic group. Though he announced his departure last year, bass singer Ian Owens is featured on this CD and appears to have returned to the group following a brief leave. This recording will have listeners praising God and singing along!
Matt Rankin is featured on the groovy “Sweeter As The Days Go By,” which is a similar arrangement to the version performed by Canton Junction. Ian Owens hits an impressive low note on this fun opening track. Dusty Barrett and Jason McAtee shine on the classic anthem “Here Comes The Bride,” which tells of that glad reunion day. Barrett takes the lead on the Cathedral Quartet classic “Life Will Be Sweeter Someday,” which showcases his strong tenor well. The arrangement is slightly different than the original, but honors the original. Ian Owens shines on the upbeat tune “Run On,” which he recorded on his debut solo album Ain’t Misbehavin. Owens continues to give incredible performances and cement himself as one of the best bass singers in Southern Gospel Music. Next, Jason McAtee takes the lead on the powerful ballad “He Loved Me With A Cross,” which was written by popular songwriter Sue C. Smith. McAtee absolutely blew me away with his performance on this special song. His voice reminds me of Jason Crabb quite a bit in terms of tone. “No Shortage,” is another groovy track that tells of Christ’s love for us that never runs out! This fun track has been recorded by many groups but most recently by the Isaacs. Ian Owens is featured on my favorite song on this recording by far, “Hold Me.” Owens’s smooth bass is fits this incredible ballad perfectly in my opinion. This is one of his best features of his career. Next, the group puts their own spin on the classic “In Sweet Forever,” which injects a fresh new life into the song which showcases the group’s harmony well. “The Judgment,” made popular by the Kingsmen, features the powerful tenor voice of Dusty Barrett once again. This version includes more verses than that of the Kingsmen version. It is also not a cappella like the other version, but rather features epic orchestration. This great album closes with a live performance track “Had It Not Been,” which features the soulful voice of Jason McAtee.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS CD IS FANTASTIC FINAL ENTRY IN THE SOULACE SERIES! EACH MEMBER SHINES ON THIS PROJECT. DEFINITE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: IAN OWENS ON “HOLD ME,” JASON MCATEE ON “HE LOVED ME WITH A CROSS,” AND DUSTY BARRETT ON “THE JUDGMENT.” OVERALL, THIS CD DEFINITLEY BELONGS IN YOUR MUSIC COLLECTION.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.souldoutquartet.com