SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEWS: CHRISTMAS 2019 EDITION #1
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC EDITION OF CD REVIEWS:
What Christmas Really Means - The Erwins
A True Family Christmas- The Collingsworth Family
All The Lights- Donna King
The Holiday season is just around the corner and to celebrate, several great artists have released new Christmas projects. Let’s showcase of few now!
WHAT CHRISTMAS REALLY MEANS
THE ERWINS
GROUP MEMBERS: KEITH, KODY, KRIS AND KATIE ERWIN
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN & TREY IVEY
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 18, 2019
SONG LIST:
Good Will (Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, Jeff Bumgardner)
Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) (Arr. and additional chorus by Ed Cash, Matt Gilder, Chris Tomlin)
Grown Up Christmas List (David Foster, Linda Thompson)
What Christmas Really Means (David Moffat, Sue C. Smith)
His Name Shall Be Called (Rachel McCutcheon, Adina Bowman)
In The First Light (Robert Kirklin)
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Arr. Wayne Haun)
Give Me A Star (Hayim Hefer, David Krivochci)
The Season Of Love (Mark Harris, Don Koch)
Ordinary Baby (Dony McGuire, Gloria Gaither)
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
The Erwins are one of my favorite groups currently singing today. These talented siblings are not only vocally incredible, they are the real deal on and off stage. What Christmas Really Means features ten incredible songs that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. The rousing “Good Will,” sets the tone for this celebration of Christ and His Love for us. This song showcases the stellar harmonies of the group and tells of the true spirit of Christmas. Next, the group covers the classic “Joy To The World,” giving it a driving rhythm. Kody Erwin is featured on another classic “Grown Up Christmas List,” which showcases the young bass singer’s incredible range. Leif Shires joins the group on the title track: a powerful mid-tempo anthem that reminds listeners of the true reason we celebrate Christmas. Katie takes the lead on “His Name Shall Be Called,” a beautiful mid-tempo track that tells of the birth and life of Christ and the praise His Name deserves. His name shall be called out throughout the endless ages. “In The First Light,” features the smooth baritone of Kris and tells of Christ’s birth. Next, the group covers the classic “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” given a fresh and exciting new arrangement from Wayne Haun. “Give Me A Star,” is a groovy tune that reminds us that Jesus is our North Star. He is our guide in this crazy world. This is my favorite song on the project! Kody hits some impressive low notes throughout this fun song. The album closes with two more powerful ballads (“The Season Of Love” and “Ordinary Baby”) that remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. Christ is the greatest gift we have ever received! This world would be so much better if we believed it and shared the true reason for the season!
This project is a must buy for fans of the Erwins and good old fashioned Christmas quartet music. Go out and get this CD ASAP! Stellar vocals, well crafted songs, and top notch production quality.
4.5 out 5 stars! For more information: www.erwinsministries.com
A TRUE FAMILY CHRISTMAS
THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: BRADLEY KNIGHT AND DAVID CLYDESDALE
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 18, 2019
GROUP MEMBERS: PHIL SR., KIM, BROOKLYN COLLLINGSWORTH BLAIR, COURTNEY COLLINGSWORTH METZ, PHIL JR, AND OLIVIA COLLINGSWORTH
SONG LIST:
Christmas Spirit Medley (Spirit of The Season/Caroling, Caroling/We Need A Little Christmas)
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Sleigh Ride- Instrumental
We Do Christmas Like We Mean It
Home For Christmas Medley (There’s No Christmas Like A Home Christmas/Home For The Holidays)
Another Christmas Closer
I Call Him Lord
Carol Of The Bells- Instrumental
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Isn’t That Why He Came
Mary, Did You Know?
The Story Of The First Christmas (O Little Town Of Bethlehem/Away In A Manger/The First Noel/O Come All Ye Faithful/We Three Kings/O Holy Night)
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
If you are a fan of classic Christmas music with incredible harmonies, then this is the album for you! The Collingsworth Family deliver many of your favorite Christmas standards with stellar vocals and equally impressive musicianship. Each member shines on songs such as: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Mary Did You Know?,” and”Let It Snow!” While the classics are delightful as usual, I was especially moved by the newer songs including the tender ballad “Another Christmas Closer.” This incredible song tells of a person longing to see a loved one who has gone to be with the Lord. I’m another Christmas closer to seeing you again. Other highlights for me include the beautiful rendition of “I Call Him Lord,” and the closing medley with Olivia reciting the Christmas story. The album also showcases the incredible musical talent of Kim Collingsworth with two fantastic instrumental pieces.
Overall, this is yet another incredible project from this talented family. It is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! Masterful vocals, timeless songs, and fantastic musicianship! Go and get this ASAP!
4.5 out of 5 stars! For more information: www.collingsworthfamily.com
ALL THE LIGHTS
DONNA KING
LABEL: JOURNEY RECORDS
PRODUCER: ZANE AND DONNA KING
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 18, 2019
SONG LIST:
I Wonder As I Wander (Public Domain)
All The Lights (Donna King, Michaela Clarke)
Come On Ring Those Bells (Andrew Culverwell)
Christ Is Born (Domenico Bartlucci, Ray Charles)
Because Of A Baby (Donna King)
Go Tell It On The Mountain (Public Domain)
You’ll Find Christmas (Donna King, Sue C. Smith)
Anything Is Possible (Donna King, Rachel Morgan Perry)
There’s A New Kid In Town (Claude Putman Jr.)
The Gospel Wrapped Up In A Song (Donna King, Zane King, Sue C. Smith) ft. Zane King
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
Donna King, one half of the talent duo Zane & Donna King, steps out for a solo Christmas effort with All The Lights. This delightful holiday project not only showcase King’s incredible voice, but it also highlights her talent as a songwriter. King co-wrote five songs on this album. This recording features a great mix of newer songs and timeless classics. The album opens with the beautiful yet haunting “I Wonder As I Wander,” which showcases King’s incredible soprano voice. The title track praises Christ as the light of all lights. He was the most perfect gift! Christ illuminates our darkest nights! “Come On Ring Those Bells,” is a fun cover that has a country feel to it. It reminds us why we celebrate! “Christ I Born” ushers in a time of worship as it lifts up praise to Christ. “Because Of Baby,” another country style track, tells of the journey to Christ’s Birth. This fun song simply says: Christmas isn’t meant to be hustle and bustle. It is meant to be peace on Earth and spending time with family because of a baby. Next, King covers the classic “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” which is given a nice country bluegrass styling to it. “You’ll Find Christmas,” is another tender ballad that invites listeners to come find Jesus and you’ll find Christmas. “Anything Is Possible,” reminds us that with God nothing is out of reach! Love came to save the day! So all is well and anything is possible! “There’s A New Kid In Town,” tells of Christ’s birth and the longing for a new King. This fantastic album closes with a fun, mid-tempo tune called “The Gospel Wrapped Up In A Song.” King is joined by her husband on this great song of hope and love that invites everyone to join in praise to Christ!
Donna King is an underrated vocalist in this field in my opinion. This delightful Christmas project showcases her God given talent both as a singer and a songwriter. Highlights include: “Because Of A Baby,” “You’ll Find Christmas,” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”
4.5 out of 5 stars! Definitely a must add to your Christmas collection!
For more information: www.zaneanddonnaking.com