SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: RENEWED- THE ROYALHEIRS
- Aug 8, 2017
- 3 min read
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
RENEWED
THE ROYALHEIRS
RELEASE DATE: 2017
PRODUCER: BOB CALDWELL
MEMBERS: BRIAN FUSON (BARITONE), SHEM KOUTZ (LEAD), AND RANDY LEWIS (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
He’s Been So Good To Me
Bless Your Holy Name Again
There’s A Testimony
Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet
Wonderful Day
He’ll Do It Again
Still
Seed Of The Righteous
Even So Come
I’ll Never Sail Alone
Pray Through Me
Hymns Medley
THOUGHTS:
Hailing from Flint, Michigan, The Royalheirs, though they were founded in 1995, are a relatively new trio in Southern Gospel Music. Each member has an extensive background in the Gospel music field and has a true heart for the Lord. Their brand new CD entitled Renewed features twelve great songs showcasing the strong harmonies of this exciting trio. Nine of the twelve songs were previously recorded by the group in 2009 and 2012. Lead singer Shem Koutz joined the group in 2008 and as of this year also serves as the trio’s manager. He is joined by Randy Lewis, former tenor of the Calvarymen, the Toney Brothers, and Melody Boys among others and Brian Fuson (Baritone) formerly of New Destiny Quartet. Fuson also is a fellow blogger. Both Lewis and Fuson joined the group this year.
The CD starts out strong with a fresh take on “He’s Been So Good To Me,” a groovy tune praising Christ for His faithfulness. The trio’s version stacks up nicely compared to the bass led version by Soul’d Out Quartet. “Bless Your Holy Name Again,” is a prayerful ballad that simply says: “Lord, I’ve come to bless your Holy Name again.” His Grace is sufficient! Next, Shem Koutz takes the lead on the mid-tempo groove “There’s A Testimony,” which is just that a testimony in song! This song proclaims that “I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ!” Koutz has a smooth, dynamic voice and delivers the lyric with power. Tenor singer Randy Lewis is featured on the Gospel standard “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet.” His crystal clear voice shines on this beloved classic. Next, Brian Fuson is featured on the mid-tempo Country styled “Wonderful Day,” which looks ahead to our Heavenly home. If you believe in Him, one day you will go there and hear Him say come on in it’s a wonderful day. Fuson’s impressive vocal ability shines on this fun track. “He’ll Do It Again,” is another mid-tempo tune that reminds us that God is always with us. He’s a friend that won’t forget you. He will never forsake you! Brian Fuson’s powerful baritone is featured again on the ballad “Still,” which simply says that His purpose will prevail. “He was, He is, He will. Still.” Koutz takes the lead on the groovy “Seed Of The Righteous,” a song that would fit great on a Kingdom Heirs recording. This swinging tune simply says that: We are the seed of the righteous. We were all made in His Image. He gave us life and still gives us life everyday! “Even So Come,” featuring Koutz and Fuson, is a tender ballad that entreats the Lord to come and take us home. Fuson delivers the powerful lyrics with great conviction. Next, the trio covers “I’ll Never Sail Alone,” recently performed by the Inspirations. The group harmonies are on full display on this fun “quartet” style song. “Pray Through Me,” featuring Koutz, is a moving mid-tempo ballad that says: Holy Spirit, “When I don’t have the words to say, pray through me.” When they Spirit intercedes, there is no enemy that we can’t defeat when we are on our knees. The trio closes the album with a beautiful a cappella medley of classic hymns including: “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” “Jesus, The Sweetest Name I Know,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” This is my favorite track on this record without question. The vocals and arrangement were simply brilliant.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS CD IS DEFINITELY WORTH ADDING TO YOUR MUSIC LIBRARY. THE ROYALHEIRS ARE NOT ONLY VOCALLY IMPRESSIVE, BUT I CAN TELL THEY ARE THE REAL DEAL. EACH VOCALIST DELIVERS GREAT PERFORMANCES AND THEIR HARMONIES WERE IMPRESSIVE. GREAT MIX OF NEW AND FAMILIAR SONGS AND OVERALL GREAT PRODUCTION QUALITY.
3.8 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.theroyalheirs.wordpress.com
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