SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: GOD WANTS YOU- COVERED BY LOVE
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
GOD WANTS YOU
COVERED BY LOVE
RELEASE DATE: May 2017
LABEL: HITMAKER
PRODUCER: JOHN DARIN ROWSEY
MEMBERS: RHONDA SMITH, CODY SMITH, ETHAN SMITH
SONG LIST:
1. Lifetime Contract- (Randy Shafer)
2. I'm Living Proof- (Mike Payne)
3. Meet You In Glory- (Randy Shafer)
4. I'll Lay My Crown- (Mike Payne)
5. I'll Go With Him- (Mike Payne)
6. A Part Of Me- (Randy Shafer)
7. God Wants You- (Mike Payne)
8. This I Know- (Bill Schell)
9. The Good Shepherd- (Mike Payne)
10. There's Power In God's Son- (Public Domain)
11. Dust On The Altar- (Public Domain)
THOUGHTS:
Covered By Love is a relatively new trio in the Southern Gospel field. This family group from Ohio is steeped in tradition and faith in Christ. It is clear that this great music has been a major part of this family and now the Smiths are sharing their faith with the world. God Wants You is the trio’s latest release featuring the voices of Rhonda Smith and her sons Cody (17) and Ethan (15). This enjoyable recording features great, true Southern Gospel songs written by the talented Randy Shafer, Mike Payne, and Bill Schell.
The album opens with the up-tempo “Lifetime Contract,” featuring Rhonda Smith. This fun tune tells of our duty to follow Christ and share His Word to all. We must work to bring souls to Christ. This song also showcases the trio’s harmonies well. “I’m Living Proof,” is a powerful ballad that features Cody and Rhonda. This well written lyric tells of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. He can make a change in you, just look at me ‘I am living proof.’ I am living proof that His Word is true! I was impressed by the tone and maturity of Cody’s voice. He has a great future ahead of him. 15-year-old Ethan takes the lead on the mid-tempo track “Meet You In Glory.” This song looks to Heaven where we will live forever if we believe. Through the Blood of Christ, I will meet you there someday. The younger Smith brother delivers the lyric well for his age. Along with his brother, he will have a great future in this field. Cody is featured once again on the first radio single: a mid-tempo groove entitled “I’ll Lay My Crown,” which also features guest bass vocalist Dan Ward. Ward was the engineer for this project which was recorded at Hitmaker. This song tells of that glorious day when we will meet Jesus. I will lay down my crown at His feet. “I’ll Go With Him,” is a groovy track that showcases the trio’s blend and tells of the coming Rapture. No one knows the hour, but we will go with Him. Rhonda’s sweet alto is featured again on a moving Country style ballad called “A Part Of Me.” This simple yet thoughtful lyric looks toward Heaven and our home there. Christ is the Master Builder. This song reminds us that this world is our temporary home. A part of us is already there with the Master. “God Wants You,” is a fun up-tempo track featuring Cody. This creative lyric is a call to arms for Christ! God wants us in His Army. Now is the time to join! The mid-tempo traditional style song “This I Know,” encourages listeners to ask the Lord for His transforming touch. Once I was bind, but now I see! This I know! Rhonda delivered the second verse with conviction. Cody shines once again on the mid-tempo ballad “The Good Shepherd,’ which tells of the Savior’s unending Love for us. He will always be faithful. No matter what you go through, the Good Shepherd will be with you. “There’s Power In God’s Son,” is a great bluegrass style tune that proclaims Christ’s Power. This song reminded me a lot of The Happy Goodmans. This recording closes with the timely hymn “Dust On The Altar.” We are living in trying times and this song encourages us to spread God’s Love throughout the world. Kindness, Goodness and the Love of Christ will never go out of style or be old fashioned!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS RECORDING IS HIGHLY ENJOYABLE TRADITONAL SOUTHERN GOSPEL. EACH VOCALIST DELIVERED SOLID PERFORMANCES THAT WERE DEFINITLEY FULL OF CONVICTION AND EMOTION. “I’LL LAY MY CROWN,” “DUST ON THE ALTAR,” AND “I’M LIVING PROOF,” ARE THE STANDOUTS FOR ME PERSONALLY ON THIS RECORD. MY ONLY MINOR CRITIQUE IS THAT THE VOCAL BLEND COULD HAVE BEEN SMOOTHER ON A FEW SONGS, BUT I STILL ENJOYED THIS ALBUM. OVERALL, I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE FROM THIS GROUP AND FEEL THAT THEY WILL GET BETTER AND BETTER WITH EACH RECORDING.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
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