SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: THEY DON'T KNOW- THE KINGSMEN
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
THEY DON’T KNOW
THE KINGSMEN
MEMBERS: RAY DEAN REESE (BASS), RANDY CRAWFORD (BARITONE), BOB SELLERS (LEAD), AND JOSH HORRELL (TENOR)
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 14, 2017
Review copy courtesy of Crossroads Music.
SONG LIST:
They Don’t Know (What The Lord Can Do)- (Kenna Turner West/Jason Cox/Tony Wood), ft. Randy Crawford
Keep The Lions Hungry-(Regina Walden), ft. Bob Sellers
God Calls It Grace- (Logan H. Peck/Megan Sorrell Mulnix), ft. Josh Horrell
Hear The Word Of The Lord- (Lee Black/Marcia Henry), ft. Bob Sellers
The Evidence I Need- (Kenna Turner West/Jason Cox/Dave Clark), ft. Randy Crawford
I’ll Sail Away Yonder- (Ila Knight), ft. Josh Horrell, Ray Dean Reese
Cost Of The Cross- (Kristi Fitzwater/Jerald Hill), ft. Bob Sellers
Let Go And Hold Fast- (Regina Walden), ft. Josh Horrell
Fade To Black- (Randy Crawford), ft. Josh Horrell
Don’t Underestimate God’s Grace- (Sandy Knight), ft. Randy Crawford
Legacy- (Marty Funderburk, Barbara Fairchild), ft. Bob Sellers
THOUGHTS:
The Mighty Kingsmen are back with their first album in three years. This is the legendary quartet’s first new album since the highly praised Battle Cry in 2014. They Don’t Know is a truly compelling album that is sure to delight and encourage listeners. This is also the first record featuring new tenor singer Josh Horrell. Horrell blends perfectly with the group in my opinion and adds a fresh new dynamic to the group. This exciting project offers powerful messages of hope and faith in the classic Kingsmen way!
The record kicks off with the groovy title track which says that God has a plan. God has it under control! If I didn’t know what the Lord can do, I would be very worried. Randy Crawford delivers with great energy showcasing his smooth baritone. Bob Sellers takes the lead on the upbeat “Keep The Lions Hungry,” a great song of encouragement centered on the story of Daniel. This fun song simply says: “When it seems you’ve fallen prey in a lion’s den, He’ll keep the lions hungry and deliver you again!” One of my favorite tracks on this album is the powerful ballad “God Calls It Grace.” Josh Horrell gives a brilliant performance full of conviction and emotion. “The hope for every soul who’s lost their way. God calls it Grace!” Remember there is Grace for your weakness, Grace for your mistakes. His Grace is never failing and will never fade away!! Next, Sellers takes the lead on the up-tempo country styled, “Hear The Word Of The Lord.” This fun banjo infused tune simply proclaims that God’s Word is the best you will ever hear!! The best news you’ve heard is the Lord’s love for you! Randy Crawford is featured again on the mid-tempo ballad “The Evidence I Need,” which simply says I can see the evidence of His Mercy and therefore believe that He is life to me! “I’ll Sail Away Yonder,” is a fun convention style Heaven song that features Josh Horrell and bass singer Ray Dean Reese on the step out lines. This is another favorite of mine that showcases Horrell’s stellar tenor as well as Reese’s legendary bass. Bob Sellers shines on the ballad “Cost Of The Cross,” which is a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. “I owe my life to Christ and Christ alone!” May we “never forget the debt our sin caused and live forever grateful for the cost of the Cross.” Horrell is featured once again on the fun up-tempo track “Let Go And Hold Fast,” which says let go of your sinful past and embrace the love of Christ! There is new life in Him! “Fade To Black,” also featuring Horrell, is a simple yet beautiful ballad that looks to Heaven and the Way. It doesn’t fade to black for God promised Eternal Life with Him. Randy Crawford takes the lead again on the country styled mid-tempo “Don’t Underestimate God’s Grace,” another of my favorite tracks. This well written song conveys a simple yet powerful message: “Grace is not what I deserve, Grace is what I need.” His grace is higher, deeper, wider and sweeter. So don’t ever underestimate His Grace! This great album closes with another meaningful ballad “Legacy,” featuring Bob Sellers at his best. This song is in honor of believers who have left a legacy of faith.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A WORTHY FOLLOW UP TO 2014’S BATTLE CRY. THIS ALBUM HAS A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. EACH MEMBER SHINES ON THIS RECORDING. NEW TENOR JOSH HORRELL IS A GREAT ADDITION TO THE GROUP AND HIS FEATURES WERE DEFINITELY THE STANDOUTS FOR ME ON THIS CD. “GOD CALLS IT GRACE,” AND “I’LL SAIL AWAY YONDER,” ARE SONGS THAT ARE ON REPEAT FOR ME. RANDY CRAWFORD’S PERFORMANCE ON “DON’T UNDERESTIMATE GOD’S GRACE,” IS ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT FOR ME. MY ONLY GRIPE WITH THIS PROJECT IS THE LACK OF RAY DEAN REESE SOLOS. OVERALL, THIS ALBUM IS A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE LEGACY OF THIS LEGENDARY GROUP. THE KINGSMEN ARE MAKING SURE THAT IF “THEY DON’T KNOW”THE MESSAGE THAT THEY WILL!
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.kingsmenquartet.com