SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: STILL STANDING- THE MARTINS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
STILL STANDING
THE MARTINS
LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP
PRODUCER: GORDON MOTE
RELEASES DATE: JULY 13, 2018, AVAILABLE NOW WHEREVER MUSIC IS SOLD
GROUP MEMBERS: JOYCE MARTIN SANDERS, JUDY MARTIN HESS, AND JONATHAN MARTIN
SONG LIST:
Running
Beautiful
Good
Mercy Come In
Days Like This
Smell Of Smoke
Heal The Wound, Leave The Scar
Still Standing
Stained Glass
Lotta Life
Wherever You Are
THOUGHTS:
For the first time in four years, the award winning sibling group The Martins are back with a brand new recording. This exciting new project showcases the incredible three-part harmonies and meaningful message that have made the group a household name over the years. Still Standing is full of undeniable passion and heart. Each song is delivered with great conviction that ushers in a true feeling of worship.
The album kicks off with the driving rhythm of “Running,” which features Joyce and simply says: Instead of running away, run to the Lord. “Beautiful” is a unique ballad written by Joyce, Kenna West and Don Poythress that features all three siblings. Joyce sings the first verse about Jonathan, Joyce and Jonathan sing the second verse about Judy, and both Judy and Jonathan sing the third verse about Joyce. This incredible song reminds us that Christ takes all of the broken pieces and makes them beautiful. He takes our valleys and turns them into something beautiful. Jonathan shines on the mid-tempo track entitled “Good.” This engaging lyric tells the story of Jonathan himself. It simply says: while life hasn’t been easy, it has been good. God has blessed him with loving people in his life. Judy is featured on the simply brilliant ballad “Mercy Come In.” This deeply moving prayer in song asks for God’s Mercy to rain down. Flood our souls with Your Peace and shatter the darkness in our heavy hearts. Judy’s vocals are simply incredible. “Days Like This,” is a mid-tempo song of hope featuring Joyce that says: God is with you in the midst of your trials. This song reminds us that no matter what, God is in control! Perhaps my favorite song on the album, “Smell Of Smoke,” is a groovy, upbeat track that tells of the Hebrew Three in the Fiery Furnace. They trusted in God and He saved them. When they walked out of the fire, they didn’t smell of smoke. The harmonies and Joyce’s powerful lead vocal blew me away. “Heal The Wound, Leave The Scar,” is a profound, stellar ballad, penned by Nichole Nordeman and Clinton Lagerberg, that powerfully asks God to: heal the wound, but leave the scar. Scars are reminders of how merciful He is. Joyce delivers the lyric beautifully. The title track, which features Judy, is another upbeat, groove that proclaims: we’ve been through the fire, been through battles, but because of the Blood of Jesus, we’re still standing. Jonathan is featured once again on the creative and profound “Stained Glass.” This well written, country styled track reminds us that we are all pieces of God’s mosaic. It doesn’t matter what side of the wall we’re on, we are all stained glass. No matter what you’ve done, you are welcome in God’s house. “Lotta Life,” is another fun song with a great message: We’ve all had ups and downs, but we must keep running the race and trusting in Him. There’s still a lot of life left to live. Joyce shines on this song she co-wrote with her husband Paul and Jeff Silvey. The album closes with a beautiful, new rendition of a Martins classic: “Wherever You Are.” This tender, yet powerful ballad features Judy and encourages listeners that God is right there beside you wherever you are. God is the answer to all of your questions. This song, while originally recorded twenty five years ago, is like its message: timeless.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE MARTINS ARE BACK WITH ANOTHER INCREDIBLE ALBUM. EACH SIBLING DELIVERS STELLAR VOCAL PERFORMANCES FULL OF CONVICTION AND HEART. STANDOUTS INCLUDE: “SMELL OF SMOKE,” “STAINED GLASS, “WHEREVER YOU ARE,” “HEAL THE WOUND, LEAVE THE SCAR,” AND “MERCY COME IN.” GORDON MOTE EXPERTLY PRODUCED THIS RECORD AS WELL. OVERALL, THIS RECORD IS EXCELLENT, DEEPLY MOVING, AND WELL CRAFTED.
ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR SO FAR.
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.martinsonline.com