SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: TESTAMENT- THE PERRYS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW:
TESTAMENT
THE PERRYS
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 9, 2017
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN
MEMBERS: LIBBI PERRY STUFFLE (ALTO), TRACY STUFFLE (BASS), ANDREW GOLDMAN (LEAD), JARED STUFFLE (BASS), AND TROY PEACH (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
1. Let’s Stop For A Moment
2. I Will Pray
3. It’s Not Here To Stay
4. Find Me Faithful
5. Lord Send Me
6. Who I Could Have Been
7. Sing In The Valley
8. Moses And Elijah
9. It Carried Him
10. My Hope Is In The Blood
11. The Harder The Battle, The Sweeter The Victory
THOUGHTS:
For over 50 years, The Perrys have been sharing the Good News in song. This groups has seen its fair share of struggles, but have come back stronger than ever. Testament, their latest effort on StowTown Records, is just that: a testament to God’s faithfulness in their lives. This exciting album of new material is a great addition to the top notch discography of this beloved group. Tracy and Libbi, along with son Jared, Andrew Goldman, and Troy Peach deliver these great songs as only they can.
The album begins with a contemplative track entitled “Let’s Stop For A Moment.” Libbi and Andrew Goldman shine on this powerful song that simply says: Stop for a moment and praise Him. There is nothing the Lord can’t do bring you through. Nothing is impossible for Him! “I Will Pray,” is a mid-tempo song featuring Libbi Perry Stuffle that simply proclaims: I will pray. No matter what the circumstance, I will trust in God. Next, Troy Peach is featured on the groovy “It’s Not Here To Stay,” which says give your burdens to the Lord. Everything is temporary in this world. God promised that all things will be made new! Burdens can be lifted. Chains can be released! Darkness makes way to Light! Libbi takes the lead on the tender ballad “Find Me Faithful,” which truly captures the testimony of this group over the past few years. Life is hard for everyone. We all go through trials, but God is with us. I hope when it’s all said and done, He finds me faithful.
Tracy Stuffle is featured on the fun upbeat tune “Lord, Send Me.” This prayer in song asks the Lord to use me wherever He needs me. There is nowhere I wouldn’t go for you! I don’t have much to offer, but everything I am is yours. Tracy’s voice is sounding better and better considering the struggles he has experienced in the last few years. Though his bass isn’t as strong as before, it is great to hear him take on the step out lines of an up-tempo song again. Next, Jared Stuffle shines on the country styled ballad “Who I Could Have Been,” which says: Christ not only saved me from my sin, He saved me from who I could’ve been. Since he joined the group, Jared has improved vocally with each recording with this feature being his best yet. Stuffle is becoming a great vocalist and adds a fantastic bass part helping his father.
Troy Peach takes the lead on “Sing In The Valley,” a tender country style ballad which tells of Christ’s faithfulness. This powerful song showcases Peach’s smooth baritone perfectly. Andrew Goldman shines on the up-tempo bluegrass infused track “Moses And Elijah,” which looks toward Heaven. Soon we will take our Heavenly flight just like Moses and Elijah. Our redemption is drawing nigh! Goldman’s lead is top-notch on this energy filled song that is sure to be a hit at concerts. “It Carried Him,” featuring Andrew Goldman, is a powerful story song about a man’s trusted Bible. This song and vocal performance blew me away! Goldman delivered the lyric with deep conviction and the vocal blend of the group was superb. This great recording closes with two impressive covers: “My Hope Is In The Blood” and “The Harder The Battle The Sweeter The Victory.” The former, originally performed by The Primitive Quartet, features Libbi and proclaims that “there is no other fountain so sweet.” My hope is anchored in His Precious Blood. He is my Savior!! The latter is a classic convention song that showcases Jared’s bass as well as the group’s overall vocal harmonies.
FINAL THOUGHTS: This record is a MUST BUY!! Fans of the Perrys, traditional or progressive Gospel music alike will love this album. The songs are well written and the vocals are top notch. Each vocalist shines on this album. Some highlights for me were: Jared on “Who I Could Have Been,” Andrew Goldman on “It Carried Him,” Tracy on “Lord, Send Me,” and Libbi on “Find Me Faithful.” I also loved the convention song “The Harder The Battle The Sweeter The Victory.” As I said earlier, this is a fantastic addition to their discography. This recording is truly a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness in their lives and is sure to be a blessing to all who listen.
5 out of 5 stars
For more on the Perrys, visit: www.perrysministries.com