SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: GONNA SING GONNA SHOUT- FROM THE PEN OF RICK LANG
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
BLUEGRASS GOSPEL GONNA SING, GONNA SHOUT- FROM THE PEN OF RICK LANG
FEATURING: CLAIRE LYNCH MARTY RAYBON THE WHITES BRADLEY WALKER THE COX FAMILY LARRY CORDLE DAVE ADKINS HIGH ROAD JERRY SALLEY KENNY & AMANDA SMITH
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 16, 2018 LABEL: BILLY BLUE RECORDS PRODUCER: JERRY SALLEY
SONG LIST:
Thinkin’ Outside The Box – Dave Adkins
Heaven’s Back Yard – High Road
I See God – Marty Raybon
Don’t Tune Him Out – The Whites
The Back Of The Church – Jerry Salley
Gonna Sing Gonna Shout – Claire Lynch
Henry Clayton Parker – Bradley Walker
There Will Be Singing – The Cox Family
I’ve Read The Book – Marty Raybon
They Were Fishermen – Kenny & Amanda Smith
Sunday Morning Gospel Jubilee – Larry Cordle
There Is A Light – Dave Adkins
THOUGHTS: I will admit that this CD was not on my radar, but I have to say upfront that I was pleasantly surprised. Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout features twelve all new songs from the pen of prolific songwriter Rick Lang. Lang is well known in the Bluegrass field and beyond with his songs being covered by some of the most popular Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel artists. This CD is sure to be delight for fans of classic Country Gospel. The album kicks off with the fun “Thinkin’ Outside The Box,” featuring Dave Adkins. This upbeat song talks about heading to Heaven and thinking of life forever in Christ. Next, the versatile ladies of High Road are featured on the tender “Heaven’s Back Yard,” which uses the idea that loved ones are hanging out in a “backyard” playing and laughing in Heaven. Country legend Marty Raybon is heard on the fun, up-tempo “I See God.” This song also features Larry Stephenson, Jerry Salley, and Josh Swift making for a fun male quartet number that simply says: God is all around us. “Don’t Tune Him Out,” featuring The Whites, encourages listeners to do just that: listen for God’s voice. Jerry Salley takes the lead on a great story song “The Back Of The Church,” which tells of people struggling yet finding solace in Christ. There is room in the Church for all. The title track is perhaps my favorite track on the album. Claire Lynch takes the lead on this fun tune that also features the male quartet (this time with Brandon Rickman, Josh Swift, and Salley) backing on the choruses. Lynch’s voice reminds me a lot of Dolly Parton’s. Popular Country Gospel newcomer Bradley Walker shines on the up-tempo tune “Henry Clayton Parker,” which tells of a man coming to Christ. The mid-tempo Bluegrass style tune “There Will Be Singing,” features the stellar harmonies of the Cox Family and simply describes the wonders of Heaven. Marty Raybon appears again on the top tapping “I’ve Read The Book,” which reminds us that: “when it’s all said and done, the battle is already won.” So, don’t let the troubles of the world get you down. God is in control. Kenny and Amanda Smith are featured on the tender Bluegrass ballad “They Were Fishermen,” which reminds us that we who believe are called to be fishers of men. Jerry Salley, Larry Stephenson, and Josh Swift back Larry Cordle on the great up-tempo story song “Sunday Morning Gospel Jubilee,” which tells of a man’s conversion after watching the Gospel Jubilee. Salley along with Maggie Salley back Dave Adkins on the mid-tempo “There Is A Light,” which once again looks to Heaven where there is a light in window for me. FINAL THOUGHTS: OVERALL, THIS RECORDING FEATURES GREAT VOCALS, GREAT SONGS, AND GREAT MUSICIANSHIP. I WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH RICK LANG, BUT I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH HIS SONGWRITING. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS CD AND DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT TO ANY FANS OF BLUEGRASS, COUNTRY AND GOSPEL MUSIC. 4 OUT OF 5 STARS!! FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.ricklangmusic.com