SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: VICTORY SHOUT- THE KINGSMEN
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
VICTORY SHOUT
THE KINGSMEN
LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 7, 2019, AVAILABLE NOW
GROUP MEMBERS: RAY DEAN REESE (BASS), CHRIS JENKINS (TENOR), CHRIS BRYANT (LEAD) AND ALAN KENDALL (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
Running To Win (Sandy Knight)
Just Climb (Karen Gillespie, Adina Bowman, Gene Ezell)
I’ve Ever Been Glad (Regina Walden)
Victory Shout (Kenna T. West, Jason Cox)
Dear John (Jason Cox, Joseph Habedank, Kenna T. West)
It Still Changes Me (Chris Binion, Matthew Lawson)
King Of Kings (Rebecca J. Peck, Dianne Wilkinson)
Prodigal Son (Larry W. Gatlin)
You’ll Move Mountains For Me (Karen Gillespie, Rachel McCutcheon)
That’s Where You’ll Find Me (Kenna T. West, Jason Cox)
THOUGHTS:
The Mighty Kingsmen are back and in my opinion better than ever! This is quite honestly one of my favorite Kingsmen albums. Victory Shout is the first project to feature the new members Chris Bryant and Alan Kendall, who joined to fill the openings left by Bob Sellers and Randy Crawford. This recording also features the return of popular tenor Chris Jenkins to the group following a brief departure. With nine new songs and one classic, this exciting album is sure to delight listeners.
The album opens with an upbeat tune called “Running To Win,” featuring new baritone Alan Kendall. This catchy song talks about the race of life and finishing it well. Chris Jenkins takes the lead on the mid-tempo track “Just Climb,” which reminds us that God will come through just in time! Keep moving on and don’t lose your faith! “If you speak to your mountain and it doesn’t move, just climb!” “I’ve Ever Been Glad,” has been on repeat since I received this album. This true Southern Gospel quartet style tune features the classic bass voice of Ray Dean Reese. This fun song proclaims the joy of the Lord that transforms our lives. Jenkins takes the lead again on the first single from the project and the title track. “Victory Shout,” is an inspirational anthem that reminds us that Christ works all things for our good. We are victorious in Him can rejoice even in tragedy! “Lift up a victory shout!” “Dear John,” is a groovy tune that features new lead singer Chris Bryant. This fun song tells of John The Revelator and his recordings. “It Still Changes Me,” featuring Alan Kendall, is a moving track about how Christ’s Word has the power to change even as our lives evolve. “King Of Kings,” featuring Chris Bryant, is a powerful ballad praising Christ and His grandeur. “Prodigal Son,” is another standout for Ray Dean Reese, who takes the lead on the first verse and some step-out lines. This Larry Gatlin penned classic about forgiveness is given a nice re-recording here. “You’ll Move Mountains For Me,” featuring Chris Jenkins, is a beautiful song expressing trust in Christ. He is always with us and will never turn us away. This fantastic album closes with another powerful ballad entitled “That’s Where You’ll Find Me.” This well written, deeply moving song describes meeting a loved one at the throne of Christ in Heaven. Bryant delivers the lyrics with incredible conviction and vocal ability. This lineup really fits well together.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
HONESTLY, THIS IS CURRENTLY MY FAVORITE ALBUM OF THE YEAR SO FAR. GREAT SONGS, INCREDIBLE VOCALS, AND WELL PRODUCED. EACH VOCALIST GIVES A STELLAR PERFORMANCE ON THIS RECORD. RAY DEAN REESE SHINES ON “I’VE EVER BEEN GLAD” AND “PRODIGAL SON.” CHRIS JENKINS IS ONE OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL’S BEST TENOR VOCALISTS IN MY OPINION AND THIS CD ONCE AGAIN SHOWCASES THIS. CHRIS BRYANT AND ALAN KENDALL FIT SO WELL WITH THE GROUP THAT IT FEELS LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN HERE FOR YEARS.
A MUST BUY FOR FANS OF THE KINGSMEN AND SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC IN GENERAL.
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!!!!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.kingsmenquartet.com