SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW SPECIAL THROWBACK THURSDAY EDITION FEATURING THE SOUND, BILLY BLACKWOOD & FR
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEWS:
THROWBACK THURSDAY EDITION:
MAKE IT COUNT- THE SOUND (2019)
FROM THE HEART- BILLY BLACKWOOD & FRIENDS (2019)
HIGHROAD- HIGHROAD (2019)
MAKE IT COUNT
THE SOUND
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: SCOTT GODSEY
RELEASE DATE: 2019
SONG LIST:
City Of Joy (Michael Neale)
It Was Grace (Hunter Leath, Rob Mills)
First Church of Mercy (Lee Black, C. Aaron Wilburn)
Make It Count (Jason Cox, Rob Mills, Kenna West)
Can I Get A Witness (Jason Cox, Brent Baxter, Kenna West)
On The Road To Emmaus (Jeff Steele)
I Am Becoming (Drew Cline)
Great God Almighty (David Carr, Mark Lee, Johnny Powell)
Something ‘Bout Love (Lee Black, Jason Cox, Sue C. Smith)
Rain (Jacob Mills, Levi Mills)
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
Prior to this review, I was not familiar with this trio. With Make It Count, I am now a fan. The Sound features the pop/country stylings of vocalists Rob Mills and his sons Levi and Jacob. The group reminds me a lot of Karen Peck & New River and Rascal Flatts. This album, released last November, is already proving to be quite successful for this ministry minded trio! From the opening anthem “City Of Joy” to the powerful title track “Make It Count,” this group reminds listeners that we must make the most of our time here and spread the Love of Christ to all we meet. Each vocalist gets a chance to shine with Levi taking the lead on the mid-tempo worshipful tune “Can I Get A Witness,” and the powerful “First Church Of Mercy,” which both call for those who are lost to come to the Father. Jacob is featured on the mid-tempo “It Was Grace,” which tells of the transforming power of Christ’s Love and Grace. Patriarch Rob Mills lends his soulful grit to a fantastic new arrangement of the Steele’s classic “On The Road To Emmaus.”
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by this family group and will definitely bring them into my listening rotation. Highlights include: “On The Road To Emmaus,” “Make It Count,” and First Church Of Mercy.”
4 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.thesound.org.
****REVIEW COPY PROVIDED BY DAYWIND RECORDS****
FROM THE HEART
BILLY BLACKWOOD & FRIENDS
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: TIM PARTON
RELEASE DATE: 2019
SONG LIST:
People Need The Lord (Phill McHugh, Greg Nelson)
It Is No Secret (Stuart Hamblen)
In The Garden (Public Domain) ft. Yvonne Lewis-Shelton
Without Him (Mylon LeFevre)
Willing Heart (Kelly Willard)- ft. Kelly Willard
I’d Rather Have Jesus (Rhea Miller, George Beverly Shea)
A Strange Way To Save The World (Dave Clark, Mark R. Harris, Don Koch) ft. Dave Clark
Your Grace Still Amazes Me (Shawn Craig, Connie Harrington)
Love Held Jesus To The Cross (Billy Blackwood)- ft. Gene McDonald
If People (Gordon Jensen)
You’re In God’s Hands (Lanny Wolfe)
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
This special album, according to the liner notes, began as solos and duets on Billy Blackwood’s TV program on 3ABN called From The Heart. This easy listening album features timeless classics sung by the smooth legendary baritone voice of Billy Blackwood. He is joined on several songs by some equally talented friends including: Dove Award winning songwriter Dave Clark, beloved bass singer Gene McDonald, prolific studio singer Yvonne Lewis-Shelton, and Christian Music veteran Kelly Willard. Highlights include: “In The Garden,” “Love Held Jesus To The Cross,” and “Your Grace Still Amazes Me.”
Overall, this project features fantastic vocals and focuses on the timeless message of the Gospel in the classics.
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.blackwoodbrothers.com
****REVIEW COPY PROVIDED BY DAYWIND RECORDS****
HIGHROAD
-HIGHROAD
LABEL: NEW DAY RECORDS
PRODUCER: BEN ISAACS
RELEASE DATE: 2019
GROUP MEMBERS: SARAH DAVISON, LAUREN CONKLIN JOHNSON, KRISTEN BEARFIELD, AND KINSEY ROSE
SONG LIST:
Nothing At All (Sarah Davison, Michael Farren, Tony Wood)
Faith, Hope, & Love (Kristen Bearfield, Sarah Davison, Kenna West)
High Road (Pete Sallis, Tia Sillers)
It’s You (Devin McGlamery, Nathan Woodard)
Snake River Reel (Lauren Conklin Johnson)
Second Chances (Kinsey Rose, Sarah Davison, Kenna West)
Faithful Again (Kristen Bearfield)
Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Thomas Dorsey)
Two Coats (Ralph Stanley)
The Day I Got Saved (Sarah Davison, Michael Farren, Tony Wood)
BRIEF THOUGHTS:
“With a fanbase easily canvassing an array of genres—from country, to bluegrass, to Gospel, to contemporary Christian—the ladies of HighRoad now arrive at their much-anticipated, fourth full-length album, "High Road", released on Daywind's New Day Records. Once again partnering with GRAMMY®-nominated producer Ben Isaacs, who helmed HighRoad’s two previous albums, the new project finds the group’s grassy instrumentation, lush harmonies, original songs, and gentle nostalgia-laden melodies harkening back to their roots.” - Excerpt from their website Bio.
I have had the pleasure of featuring this incredible group of women in SGN Scoops, so this was a great treat to finally listen to and review a full album of theirs. I completely agree with the excerpt above. This CD showcases the beautiful harmonies, the powerful message of the Gospel, and the incredible songwriting and musicianship of this talented group. Highlights include: “Two Coats,” “Snake River Reel,” “High Road,” and “The Day I Got Saved.”
I highly recommend this album for fans of Gospel and Bluegrass alike. With powerful lyrics, intricate harmonies, and stellar vocals, this album is sure to continue to delight listeners.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.highroadmusic.com
****REVIEW COPY PROVIDED BY DAYWIND RECORDS****