SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: COME THIRSTY- JAY STONE SINGERS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
COME THIRSTY
JAY STONE SINGERS
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
LABEL: SKYLAND RECORDS/ CROSSROADS MUSIC
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS AND STONE CARTER
GROUP MEMBERS: SHARONA STONE CARTER, BOBBY CARTER, STONE CARTER, EMMA CARTER
SONG LIST:
Just Receive It- (Amy Susan Foster, Rebecca J. Peck)- ft. Emma
Your Will Another Way- (Rachel McCutcheon, Dixie Phillips)- ft. Sharona
I’m Saved- (Karen Peck Gooch, Jason Cox, Sue C. Smith)- ft. Bobby, Ensemble
Each Time- (Stone Carter, Matthew Lawson)- ft. Stone
I Won’t Turn Back- (Karen Peck Gooch, Kenna T. West, Don Poythress)- ft.
Come Thirsty- (Kenna T. West, Lee Black)- ft. Sharona
Kept By The Promise Keeper- (Dixie Phillips, Susan Phillips)- ft.
Cornerstone/I Go To The Rock- (Lari Goss, Dottie Rambo)- ft.
That Great Tomorrow- (David L Hanvelt, Lee Black)- ft. Sharona
That’s Where Miracles Begin- (Bobby Carter, John Mathis)- ft. Bobby
THOUGHTS:
The Jay Stone Singers are back with their third album on Skyland Records. This exciting, ministry driven group, though not a household name, has a forty-one year heritage that began with founder Jay Stone, his wife Mary and their children Jeff and Sharona. Now. Sharona along with her husband Bobby Carter and their children Stone and Emma carries on the family tradition. Come Thirsty is a wonderful musical journey featuring ten songs written by some of the best writers in the Southern Gospel field including Kenna West, Rebecca Peck, and Lee Black.
The record opens with the country style tune “Just Receive It,” featuring Emma. This fun song simply says: though we may not be worthy, Christ gave us the Gift of Salvation. What we needed the Cross completed. Just receive Him! Next, Sharona takes the lead on a mid-tempo song entitled “Your Will Another Way,” which reminds us that God works all things for our good. He answers your prayers though sometimes not in the way you expect. This powerful song says: “I surrender to your purpose here. Though sometimes it just isn’t clear.” The group picks up the tempo again on the rousing country styled “I’m Saved.” Bobby Carter takes the lead on this fun song that simply says “My soul has been saved by His Glorious Grace!” Carter’s country twang fits this song perfectly. Stone is featured on “Each Time,” which he co-wrote with Matthew Lawson. This progressive style mid-tempo track reminds us of God’s faithfulness. If we put our faith in God, He’ll see us through each and every time. “I Won’t Turn Back,” is a fun convention style tune featuring Sharona, which simply says that “just up the way there’s a better day, so I won’t turn back.” Emma shines on the title track “Come Thirsty.” This beautiful mid-tempo anthem is a call to all who are in need of true healing. The Living water is calling out to you. The Fountain brings healing to the wounded soul. Come thirsty, drink freely. Stone takes the lead again on the powerful ballad “Kept By The Promise Keeper,” which simply says: I’m a believer kept by Christ the promise keeper. Though struggles come knocking, fear can’t dominate our lives for we are His. Both Emma and Stone are great examples of the incredible young talent in Southern Gospel Music. I was very impressed with not only their vocal ability, but their ability to convey the message of the songs. Next, the group covers the Dottie Rambo classic “I Go To The Rock,” led by Stone and features a bit of the Speer Family standard “Cornerstone” at the beginning. Sharona is featured once again on the tender ballad “That Great Tomorrow,” which reminds us that in that Great Tomorrow, there will be no sorrow, no pain, no more sickness, and no more bitter tears. Our joy remains Eternal for we as believers know what lies ahead! This incredible song is perhaps my favorite on the entire project. Sharona’s alto is showcased beautifully and she delivers the lyric with great conviction. The album closes with “That’s Where Miracles Begin,” a thoughtful country style ballad featuring Bobby. This great song encourages us to never doubt what God can do. He is always there to see you through! “If you’re standing on the edge of giving in that’s where miracles begin.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
COME THIRSTY IS A GREAT LISTENING EXPERIENCE. FEATURING GREAT SONGS, IMPRESSIVE VOCALS, AND HEART FOR THE GOSPEL. THE JAY STONE SINGERS ARE DEFINITELY A GROUP TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON. THE FAMILY BLENDS REALLY WELL VOCALLY AND AS I SAID ABOVE, BOTH EMMA AND STONE HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD OF THEM IN GOSPEL MUSIC. STANDOUT TRACKS INCLUDE: “THAT GREAT TOMORROW,” “COME THIRSTY,” “I’M SAVED,” AND “JUST RECEIVE IT.” OVERALL, I REALLY ENJOYED THIS CD AND CONSIDER IT TO BE ONE A MUST BUY.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.jaystonesingers.com