SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: READY FOR REVIVAL- THE GUARDIANS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
READY FOR REVIVAL
THE GUARDIANS
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCERS: WAYNE HAUN AND JOHN DARIN ROWSEY
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2018
GROUP MEMBERS: JOHN DARIN ROWSEY (LEAD), DEAN HICKMAN (TENOR), NEIL UHRIG (BARITONE), AND PAT BARKER (BASS)
SONG LIST:
Ready For Revival
Uncommon Praise
God Fights On My Side
He Loves
Just Getting Started
When America Falls
Turn Around And Look At Me
Name Above All Names
How Big Is God Medley
What The Church Is Doing Right
He’s Blessing Me
You Can Depend On Jesus
THOUGHTS:
The Guardians are back and better than ever with the fresh and exciting Ready For Revival. This new project is the first to feature bass singer Pat Barker and with that the group’s new quartet sound. Ready For Revival features a great mix of traditional quartet style with a more inspirational styles.
The album opens with the energy filled title track that simply says: We are trusting in Christ to bring restoration to the world. We are the Church and we’re ready for revival. Dean Hickman takes the lead on the mid-tempo track “Uncommon Praise,” which powerfully proclaims: God brings us unending peace and blessings. Uncommon favor keeps coming my way so I offer up uncommon praise. Hickman’s tenor shines on this powerful track. Pat Barker’s smooth bass shines on the groovy “God Fights On My Side,” which reminds us that we can do all things with Christ on our side. Christ has not given us a spirit of fear! There’s a reason I don’t run away and hide! This is one of my favorite tracks on the album as well as vocals from Pat Barker. John Darin Rowsey is featured on the beautiful ballad “He Loves,” which reminds us that: “there is nothing that God wouldn’t do to prove to you and me how much He loves.” Next, Pat Barker takes the lead once again on a groovy tune entitled “Just Getting Started,” which simply says: God is always working in amazing ways! “So if you’re asking what the Lord has done, pull up a chair because I’m just getting started. I could go on and on.” Neil Uhrig is featured on the patriotic ballad “When America Falls,” which calls for all of us to pray for America in this dark time. We need healing and forgiveness! We must ask Christ to unite us again! “Turn Around And Look At Me,” is a easy listening style track that features Dean Hickman and reminds us to look to Christ for guidance. This song is similar to the Cathedrals classic “Yesterday,” in style. The song showcases the stellar harmonies of the new quartet formation. “Name Above All Names,” is an uptempo groove that features Rowsey once again. It is a fun song of praise to the Name above all names! Barker takes the lead once again on a medley featuring “How Great Thou Art,” “How Great Is Our God,” and his signature song “How Big Is God.” Barker’s vocals are top notch on this incredible medley. “What The Church Is Doing Right,” featuring Neil Uhrig, is a fun, mid-tempo track that encourages the Church to show Christ’s Love to all. “To a world that’s lost in darkness, it’s still a shining light.” “He’s Blessing Me,” featuring Dean Hickman, is a groovy,mid-tempo tune that tells of the many blessing that God showers on us. Barker shines on the step out lines on the last two choruses with impressive low notes. Speaking of Barker, he takes the lead on the beautiful ballad “You Can Depend On Jesus,” which in my opinion, is his best vocal of his career. This powerful song of encouragement reminds us that God is always faithful. The song also showcases Barker’s incredible range and smooth tone.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE GUARDIANS DELIVER IN ALL ASPECTS. GREAT SONGS, INCREDIBLE MESSAGE, STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION QUALITY. STANDOUT TRACKS INCLUDE: “GOD FIGHTS ON MY SIDE,” “HE LOVES,” “HE’S BLESSING ME,” AND “YOU CAN DEPEND ON JESUS.” PAT BARKER FITS WITH THE GROUP WELL AND ADDS A GREAT NEW DYNAMIC TO THE OVERALL SOUND OF THE GROUP. HE ALSO IN MY OPINION DELIVERS SOME OF HIS BEST WORK HERE.
DEFINITELY WORTH ADDING TO YOUR MUSIC LIBRARY!
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.guardiansquartet.com