SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: ONE DAY IN THE PAST- DOWN EAST BOYS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
ONE DAY IN THE PAST
DOWN EAST BOYS
LABEL: SONLITE RECORDS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 24, 2018
GROUP MEMBERS: RICKY CARDEN (LEAD), DARYL PASCHAL (BARITONE), DOUG PITTMAN (TENOR), AND ZAC BARHAM (BASS)
*Thank you to Greg Bentley and Crossroads Music Group for continuing to provide me with review copies from your artists.
SONG LIST:
That Would Be Amazing
Somebody Is Me
I’d Like To Tell It Again
Beat Up Bible
Lord I Need You To Show Up
Testimony Time
Jesus Have Mercy On Me
Beautiful Shining Happy Golden Shore
The Blood Remains
Just What I Needed
Beautiful Valley
THOUGHTS:
The Down East Boys are back with a new recording that encourages listeners and Christ followers to get back to basics. The quartet, through this CD, reminds us what God has done and can do for us if we just believe. This is the first project featuring new bass vocalist Zac Barham who joined the group this year following the departure of Rick Walls. Barham’s rich, unique bass voice is sure to delight audiences all over the country. This is also Doug Pittman's first CD with the quartet. His incredible tenor voice shines on this project as well. One Day In The Past features eleven well crafted and engaging songs of hope.
The album opens with the easy listening, mid-tempo “That Would Be Amazing.” This catchy, upbeat lyric simply encourages listeners to accept Christ into their lives. You won’t make a better choice! Christ will make all things right through His marvelous Grace and Love. Lead singer and founder Ricky Carden is featured on the quartet’s version of the groovy “Somebody Is Me.” This fun, jazzy tune says that revival starts with you and me! Don’t be afraid to praise His name! Share your joy that you have been saved! Tenor Doug Pittman takes the lead on the mid-tempo track “I’d Like To Tell It Again,” which beautifully talks about spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “I’m sure by now, you’ve heard about a man who left everything to give all that He had.” The Lord loved us so much that He gave His life for us so that He could take our sin away! I’m sure you have heard about Him, but I’d like to tell the story again! Pittman delivers the lyric with great conviction. His crystal clear tenor fits the song perfectly! I also particularly love the power ending with Pittman and Barham hitting stellar notes on the end of each spectrum. Carden is featured once again on the first single “Beat Up Bible.” This rich heartfelt version of the hit song from country artist Little Big Town “paints the picture of a ‘worn out an torn up’ Bible used by generations to teach the value of prayer.” When your hurting, just open up the pages and read. We need more worn out Bibles in this world! Daryl Paschal’s smooth, energetic baritone shines on the up-tempo tune “Lord We Need You To Show Up.” This traditional style track asks the Lord to show up in a mighty way like He did in days of old. His presence makes a difference! Light a fire in our souls! “Testimony Time,” is a upbeat driving tune written by Sandy Knight. This catchy tune features Zac Barham, Carden, and Paschal and tells of people who are not afraid to share their stories of how God has blessed them. “Come gather round and spread the news, tell what the Lord has done for you. Let the whole world know that God is GOOD!” Barham’s rich bass is featured once again on the classic “Jesus Have Mercy On Me,” made popular by George Younce with the Cathedrals. Barham’s delivery on the lyric does Younce and the song justice. I have been singing this song to myself often ever since I listened to it! Next, the quartet’s harmonies are put on display with the convention style “Beautiful Shining Happy Golden Shore,” which features great low notes from Barham. Pittman is featured on the powerful anthem “The Blood Remains,” which proclaims: the Blood of Jesus still changes lives. The nails, the people on that hill and the rest have gone away, but the Blood remains. “Countless generations will never be the same! Time marches on. That dark day is gone, but the Blood remains.” This song is simply brilliant. I was absolutely blown away by the vocals and deeply moved by the lyrics. Pittman gives an incredible vocal performance showcasing his incredible range especially towards the end of the song. Speaking of the ending, once again, both Pittman and Barham hit unbelievable notes in a classic “cloud of dust” style close. Next, the group shines on the driving, up-tempo track “Just What I Needed,” that simply says: God gave me just what I needed when “He took care of my future, one day in the past.” This incredible album closes with a new recording of a Down East Boys classic chart-topper, “Beautiful Valley.” This country gospel style track originally recorded in 1989, now featuring Doug Pittman, talks about perseverance and trusting in Christ. “I will not despise the lessons He gives. For in this beautiful valley, I’m learning to live.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS IS HANDS DOWN ONE OF IF NOT MY FAVORITE ALBUM OF THE YEAR SO FAR. INCREDIBLE SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION QUALITY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A POWERFUL MESSAGE. ZAC BARHAM IS A FANTASTIC BASS THAT IS SURE TO BE A FAN FAVORITE, IN MY OPINION. I HAVE LISTENED TO THIS CD OVER AND OVER AGAIN SINCE I RECEIVED IT. IT IS SURE TO BE A BLESSING TO ALL WHO LISTEN TO IT.
AN ABSOLUTE MUST BUY FOR FANS OF GREAT QUARTET MUSIC.
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.downeastboys.com/