SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: NO DEPRESSION IN HEAVEN- THE CHUCK WAGON GANG
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
NO DEPRESSION IN HEAVEN: THE GOSPEL SONGS OF THE CARTER FAMILY
CHUCK WAGON GANG
LABEL: MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS & DAVID JOHNSON
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 30, 2019
GROUP MEMBERS: SHAYE SMITH (ALTO/OWNER). MELISSA KEMPER (SOPRANO), STAN HILL (TENOR), AND KARL SMAKULA (BASS/GUITARIST)
SONG LIST:
When Our Lord Shall Come Again (Johnson Oatman Jr., R.L. Ferguson)
Am I A Soldier Of The Cross (Isaac Watts)
The Meeting In The AIr (Mae Taylor Roberts)
The Heart That Was Broken For Me (J. Van DeVenter)
Honey In The Rock (Frederick Graves)
There’s No Depression In Heaven (James D. Vaughan, Roland Shadowens)
The Old Gospel Ship (Alphus Lefevre)
On The Rock Where Moses Stood (A.P. Carter)
Anchored In Love Divine (James Rowe, James D. Vaughan)
There’s A Hill Lone And Gray (Beverly Carradine, John B. Bryant)
Somebody’s Boy (R.S. Hanna)
The Bible In The Cabin (W.C. Hafley, A.J. Showalter)
THOUGHTS:
Southern Gospel and Country music both have a long and storied history. The two genres have also been closely intertwined in their purpose and tradition. On this special project, one of Southern Gospel music’s trailblazing groups The Chuck Wagon Gang pays tribute to another legendary American Roots artist: The Carter Family. Shaye Smith, Stan Hill, Melissa Kemper, and Karl Smakula put their classic style on these timeless songs which are sure to delight listeners.
I must admit that this was the first time I had listened to a full Chuck Wagon Gang album. Overall, I was impressed with the simplicity and the classic harmonies and style of this long serving group now in its third generation. Tribute albums are usually some of my favorites and this one did not disappoint. While not particularly familiar with The Carter Family, I felt this was a well crafted tribute to the classic style of old.
The album opens with a rousing rendition of “When Our Lord Shall Come Again,” which simply looks to Christ’s Second Coming describing what will happen then. “Am I A Soldier Of The Cross,” is a great mid-tempo track that simply says: God is faithful when the storms of life rage. “The Meeting In The Air,” one of my favorite tracks on the album, is a classic song that expresses excitement for the day we enter Heaven. “The Heart The Was Broken For Me,” features Melissa Kemper and Stan Hill and reminds us of Christ’s Sacrifice for us. This song is particularly interesting in that the first verse is more of a ballad, then starting with the second it picks up and becomes more of a classic mid-tempo group harmony piece. “Honey In The Rock,” is a fun track that simply reminds us to spread the Word of God to all. He is our Savior! Leave your sins for His Blood to cover! Shaye Smith is featured on the title track: a beautiful song of hope. This well crafted lyric reminds us that in Heaven, there is no hunger, no pain, no sadness, and no death. If we believe, we are going to a land free from care! Next the group puts their spin on the classic “The Old Gospel Ship.” While he was not featured on a verse, Karl Smakula’s impressive bass voice is prominent throughout. “On The Rock Where Moses Stood,” featuring Stan Hill, is another highlight for me on the album. This fun tune simply encourages listeners to give your hearts to the Lord, lest your soul be lost. “Anchored In Love Divine,” showcases once again the stellar harmonies of this legendary group. This simple song praises the Lord for the shelter and Love He provides. “There’s A Hill Lone And Gray,” featuring Melissa Kemper, is a fun, yet meaningful song that tells of Christ’s Sacrifice to redeem us sinners. Kemper is featured once again on “Somebody’s Boy,” a story song that tells of a boy lost in the world with his mother wishing for his safe return: a metaphor for us lost sinners and Christ’s desire for our return to Him. The album closes with another thoughtful story song in “The Bible In The Cabin.” This stellar track tells of a Bible that becomes precious over time.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
OVERALL, I MUST SAY I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THIS ALBUM. GREAT SONGS, FANTASTIC HARMONIES, AND CLASSIC STYLE. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “THE MEETING IN THE AIR,” “ON THE ROCK WHERE MOSES STOOD,” THERE’S NO DEPRESSION IN HEAVEN,” AND “THE OLD GOSPEL SHIP.”
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.chuckwagongang.net