TOP TEN FAVORITE SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUMS OF 2017
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
TOP TEN FAVORITE SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUMS OF 2017
THIS HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL YEAR FOR SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC. AS I COMPILED THIS LIST, I WAS AMAZED ONCE AGAIN AT THE QUALITY OF THE MUSIC FROM MANY GREAT ARTISTS. I FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CHOOSE ONLY TEN, BUT AFTER SOME THOUGHT, HERE ARE MY TOP TEN FAVORITE CDS FROM THIS YEAR!
#10-
SILENCE THE STONES- 11TH HOUR
THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME LISTENING TO THE GROUP AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY HOOKED ON THEIR INCREDIBLE SOUND.
#9-
BEYOND AMAZED- BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE
This record is a tried and true BFA album complete with powerful lyrics, incredible vocals, and that classic progressive style.
#8-
BE BRAVE- THE MCKAMEYS
This record is stellar! The McKameys once again provide listeners with fresh, exciting, and powerful Bible based songs and incredible vocal performances! Sheryl Farris is a fantastic songwriter who contributed six of the songs on this record including: “Be Brave,” “For The Record,” and “Living For Eternity.” I have to say that with the addition of a fun convention song and Ruben Bean’s more prominent bass voice, I found this CD to be even better than the previous release.
#7-
BORN & RAISED- MATT FOUCH
As you all know, my favorite part of a quartet is the bass. Matt Fouch is one of my favorite bass singers on the road today. I always look forward to seeing Legacy Five when they come out here to California. I was excited to learn that Fouch would be releasing a solo project and it did not disappoint! Loved the concept of the CD and song selection. This CD showcases his impressive range!
#6-
QUARTET TRIBUTE, VOL. 1- TRIBUTE QUARTET
I love CDs featuring classic quartet songs and this is one of the best in recent years. Great song selection and vocals. I still can't stop listening to Anthony Davis' feature "Come On Let's Go To That Land."
#5-
GREAT MOMENTS- MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET
Like #6, Mark Trammell Quartet also delivered an excellent album of Southern Gospel classics. Loved the song selection and vocals especially Randy Byrd on "He Pilots My Ship" and Mark Trammell on "The Lighthouse."
#4-
WE HAVE THIS MOMENT- GAITHER VOCAL BAND
What can I say about this incredible CD! Once again, the GVB released another top notch recording. This amazing album features the debut of new tenor Reggie Smith who shines on several tracks most notably on "I'll Worship Only At The Feet Of Jesus," and "Hymn Of Praise." I enjoyed this CD more than last year's release.
#3-
WALK WORTHY- MASTER'S VOICE
This group continues to impress me. From the incredible bass singing from Jerry Pilgrim to the meaningful lyrics of songs like "Lift Your Hands When You Can't," and "One Day Longer," this album was the complete package for me. Great vocals, songs, and message.
#2-
THE LAST BIG THING- KINGDOM HEIRS
Just edging out Master's Voice, The Last Big Thing is in my opinion the best quartet album of the year. Top notch vocals and incredible songs such as "I Wanna Do More," "Just Another Mile," and "Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You." One of the groups best albums hands down.
AND #1-
HYMNAL- DAVID PHELPS!!
This record is simply brilliant! I was blown away by the creativity, the artistry, the vocals, the musicianship and most importantly the heart on this album. Phelps is one of my favorite vocalists period in any genre and in my opinion this is his best work.
THERE YOU HAVE IT MY TOP TEN FAVORITE SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUMS OF 2017! IT WAS A FANTASTIC YEAR AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT 2018 HAS IN STORE!
-JUSTIN GILMORE