SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: FAITHFUL STILL- THE DOWN EAST BOYS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
FAITHFUL STILL
DOWN EAST BOYS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
LABEL: SONLITE RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MAY 15, 2020, AVAILABLE NOW!!
GROUP MEMBERS: RICKY CARDEN (LEAD), DARYL PASCHAL (BARITONE), DOUG PITTMAN (TENOR), AND ZAC BARHAM (BASS)
SONG LIST:
Amazing Amounts Of Amazing Grace (Bev Herrema, Dixie L. Phillips, Kristi Fitzwater)
What Love (Chris Allman, David Shelton)
John Saw And Wrote About (Susan Brady)
Those Hands (Chris Binion, Nathan Woodard)
Fall Like Jericho (Rachel McCutcheon, Val Dacus, Tery Wilkins)
I Hear (Chris Binion, Rachel McCutcheon)
Church Of The Living God (Karen Gillespie, Rachel McCutcheon)
God Will, Yes He Will (Chris Binion, Rachel McCutcheon)
Bottom Of The Basket (Donald Phillip Morris)
A Story That Began At The Cross (Kenna T. West, Sue C. Smith, Jason Cox)
Sweet Journey (Chris Binion, Rachel McCutcheon)
THOUGHTS:
The Down East Boys are back with, in my humble opinion, one of the best albums of the year so far. Faithful Still features eleven well crafted songs that captures the group’s desire to spread the Gospel via powerful music. This exciting new project is sure to be a blessing to all who listen! The group is sounding better than ever as the voices of Ricky Carden, Daryl Paschal, Doug Pittman, and Zac Barham have created a unique blend. In addition, I expect a few more number one hits for the group as well.
The album opens with the project’s first radio single: “Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace.” This upbeat tune, showcasing the group’s stellar harmonies, reminds listeners of the daily blessings of God. Doug Pittman takes the lead on the epic ballad “What Love,” written by Greater Vision tenor Chris Allman along with David Shelton. This powerful song tells of the life changing Love of Christ. What Love Jesus gave when He died for me! “John Saw And Wrote About” is a fun quartet style song that excitedly looks forward to our true home in Heaven. Ricky Carden takes the lead on the beautiful ballad “”Those Hands” which tells the story of his grandfather, who was a source of strength in his family. The song shifts to powerfully describing Christ as an even greater source of strength. “They’ve seen nails. They’ve seen wood. They made a way when nothing could.” Those Hands have picked me up again and again. Amen! Zac Barham’s smooth bass is featured on the groovy “Fall Like Jericho,” which encourages listeners that with God, all things are possible! Barham has quickly become one of my favorite bass singers recently. His range and rich tone are truly impressive. “I Hear” is a powerful ballad that details the Easter story (from Christ’s entry into Jerusalem through the Resurrection). Pittman takes the lead once again on the up-tempo “Church Of The Living God,” which tells of the staying power of the Church! None can stand against the Church of the living God. “God Will, Yes He Will” is a fun, up-tempo tune that reminds listeners that Christ is always faithful. No matter your circumstance, Christ will carry you through. Daryl Paschal shines on the groovy “Bottom Of The Basket,” which praises Christ who provides for us. Zac Barham hits some incredible low notes on this track originally made popular by the Dixie Melody Boys. “A Story That Began At The Cross” featuring Doug Pittman, is a powerful ballad that simply says: “I stand here today all because of a story that began at the Cross.” This incredible album closes with the up-tempo “Sweet Journey” which encourages listeners to live life with Christ by your side!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE DOWN EAST BOYS HAVE DONE IT AGAIN! FAITHFUL STILL FEATURES INCREDIBLE SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. THIS CD HAS BEEN IN CONSTANT ROTATION SINCE I RECEIVED IT. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “FALL LIKE JERICHO,” “THOSE HANDS, “BOTTOM OF THE BASKET.” ONE OF THE BEST OF THE YEAR SO FAR!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.downeastboys.com