SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: 17TH AVENUE REVIVAL- THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
17TH AVENUE REVIVAL
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
MEMBERS: DUANE ALLEN, JOE BONSALL, WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN, AND RICHARD STERBAN
PRODUCER: DAVE COBB
LABEL: LIGHTNING ROD RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 16, 2018
SONG LIST:
1. Brand New Star (Aaron Raitiere & Mando Saenz)
2. There Will Be Light (Jamey Johnson, Larry Shell & Buddy Cannon)
3. God’s Got It (Charlie Jackson)
4. I’d Rather Have Jesus (Rhea Miller & George Beverly Shea)
5. Walk In Jerusalem (Traditional /Public Domain)
6. Where He Leads Me I Will Follow (Ernest W. Blandy / Public Domain)
7. Pray To Jesus (Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally)
8. If I Die (Ashley Monroe & Vince Gill)
9. Let It Shine On Me (Huddie Ledbetter)
THOUGHTS:
The Mighty Oaks are back with another record that showcases their classic yet trailblazing style. 17th Avenue Revival is a throwback to the rock & roll styling of the 1950’s and the group’s Gospel roots. This record is raw, not doctored, and completely authentic which means that some imperfections are present. However, the retro feel works and the Boys turn in some great vocal performances. The album opens with the lead single “Brand New Star,” which has been described as the happiest song about losing a loved one. This catchy tune featuring William Lee Golden celebrates the entry of a loved one entering Heaven. “There’s a brand new star up in Heaven tonight.” Duane Allen takes the lead on the piano ballad “There Will Be Light,” which says: “joy comes in the morning and outshines the darkest of nights.” Whatever you are going through, Jesus is always with you. Hold to His unchanging Hand. There will be light. Joe Bonsall is let loose on the swinging groove “God’s Got It.” This fun tune simply says: God has everything you need. William Lee Golden shines on the classic hymn “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” This track showcases the pure, incredible vocal talent of Golden and the quartet. Golden’s performance is one of his best ever. “Walk In Jerusalem,” is a simple groove that looks to Heaven and is a great vehicle for Sterban’s smooth bass. The group’s classic harmonies are featured on “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow,” a tender ballad that simply declares our trust in the Lord. We will follow where He leads. “Pray To Jesus,” is fun country story cover that features Bonsall. This is sure to be hit at concerts. Another great Golden performance comes in the form of “If I Die.” This country ballad features religious overtones especially the last verse which says: “If I die a praying, I ain’t afraid to go.” The record closes with the up-tempo Gospel groove “Let It Shine On Me,: which features Allen, Sterban, and Bonsall. The fun lyric simply says: “Let the Light from the Lighthouse shine on me!”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS ARE LEGENDS IN THE COUNTRY AND GOSPEL FIELD AND THIS RECORD PROVES IT. THEY AREN’T AFRAID TO BE GUTSY AND REAL. I APPRECIATE THE RAW APPROACH AS WELL AS THE RETRO FEEL. EACH MEMBER SHINES VOCALLY ON THIS RECORD. WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN GIVES SOME OF HIS BEST PERFORMANCES EVER WITH “I’D RATHER HAVE JESUS,” AND “ IF I DIE.” MY ONLY CRITIQUE WOULD BE THAT I WOULD’VE LIKED A FEW MORE SONGS. THIS IS ONE OF THE GROUP’S SHORTER CDS. OVERALL, THIS IS MUST BUY FOR FANS OF THE OAKS AND RETRO STYLE MUSIC.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.oakridgeboys.com