2022 Review Catch-Up Special Part One
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
2022 REVIEW CATCH-UP SPECIAL PART ONE:
After another lengthy hiatus, I am back! I am finally returning to provide my thoughts on some of the great Southern Gospel CDs released so far this year. I firstly want to apologize to my readers as well as the groups for my absence. The last few months at work have continued to be difficult. It has unfortunately taken most of my energy. I will, moving forward, do better to post more regularly. This special catch-up series will be released in three parts, each featuring five projects.
With that being said, here are my brief thoughts on a few of the projects released this year so far.
A REAL GOOD DAY
MASTER’S VOICE
LABEL: INDEPENDENT
PRODUCER: RICKY CAPPS AND T.J. EVANS
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 7, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: RICKY CAPPS (TENOR), T.J. EVANS (LEAD), JERRY PILGRIM (BASS), AND LATHAN MOORE (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
1. “One Who Can” (Karen Gillespie, Bernadette Negus)
2. “Whose Hand You’re In” (Corey Barker)
3. “Always Believe” (Corey Barker)
4. “Good News Is Comin Down The Road” (Daryl Williams)
5. “Raise Him Up” (Robert Royer, Rivers Rutherford)
6. “Love Remembers” (Devin McGlamery)
7. “Take ‘Em To The Lord” (Jimmie Harper Ray)
8. “I Need Your Grace Tonight” (Toby Boyett)
9. “Love On Jesus” (Corey Barker)
10. “Come To Jesus” (Heidi Greer, Ryan Greer)
11. “Sow A Little” ( Lee Black, Mike Harland)
12. “What You Could Do With Me” (Josh Wright)
13. “Then And There” (Patrick Black, Barbara Huffman, Clayton Inman)
Ever since I listened to their album Undivided (2016), I have been a big fan of Master’s Voice. I was immediately impressed and hooked on their smooth harmonies and stellar vocals. Their latest offering entitled A Real Good Day continues to showcase this. This exciting project opens with the modern stylings of “One Who Can” which reminds listeners that Jesus is the one who can do anything. Ricky Capps beautifully delivers the lyric of “Whose Hand You’re In” which tugs on the heartstrings. Loved ones who pass on are in the hands of Jesus. Therefore, we can have a peace of mind knowing they are safe and we will see them again. “Always Believe” features new baritone Lathan Moore and reminds us that no matter what we face, we must believe and put our faith in Christ. “Comin’ Down The Road” is a fun up-tempo song that tells the story of Lazarus. Jerry Pilgrim’s smooth bass is front and center on the powerful “Raise Him Up.” This poignant song tells of the Father’s Love. “Love Remembers” reminds us that we can never be too far from God’s Love. “Take ‘Em To The Lord” is a fun tune that encourages us to give our burdens to the Lord in prayer. It also encourages us to bring others to Christ. Ricky Capps shines on another powerful ballad “I Need Your Grace Tonight,” which is a raw, honest lyric asking Jesus for help in the darkest of times. “Love On Jesus” is a fun tune, featuring T.J. Evans, that reminds us that today is a real good day to love on Jesus. Lathan Moore is featured once again on the powerful ballad “Come To Jesus” which encourages listeners to give their lives to Jesus. Surrender your life to Him and you will know true freedom. Jerry Pilgrim shines once again on “Sow A Little,” which reminds us to spread love and hope in this dark world. T.J. Evans gives a powerful vocal on the poignant ballad “What You Could Do With Me.” This exciting project closes with a fun, up-tempo quartet style tune entitled “Then And There,” which looks to the day when we join Christ in Heaven!
Another great CD from this talented group! Incredible songs and stellar vocals!
4.5 out of 5 stars!
For more information: www.mastersvoice.com
THE WORLD NEEDS A SONG
THE LORE FAMILY
LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS
PRODUCER: ROGER TALLEY
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: DARREN LORE (LEAD), SANDY LORE (SOPRANO), FAYTH LORE WHISNANT (ALTO), SAMUEL LORE (BARITONE), AND JAKE WHISNANT (BASS)
SONG LIST:
1. The World Needs A Song (Darren W. Lore, Dixie L. Phillips, Bev Herrema)
2. I Bring You Jesus (Darren W. Lore, Rachel McCutcheon, Marcia Henry)
3. Hope Arose (Darren W. Lore, Rachel McCutcheon, Marcia Henry)
4. Great Is His Faithfulness (David Gentiles, May E. Ageles, Steven M. Musso, Elizabeth H. Summers)
5. You Love, I’ll Judge (Dixie L. Phillips, Chris Binion, Heather Sorenson)
6. Jesus Changed (Samuel Lore, Darren W. Lore)
7. The Dark Night Of The Soul (Darren W. Lore)
8. Run To The Throne (Kenna Turner West, Jason Cox, Jeff Bumgardener)
9. Would Someone Go Summon The Angels? (Darren W. Lore)
10. We Remember (Rebecca J. Peck, Kenna Turner West, Logan Peck)
11. The World Needs A Song Reprise
THOUGHTS:
In 2009, Darren and Sandy Lore launched the Lore Family with children Fayth and Samuel. Their latest project The World Needs A Song is the second release on the Horizon Records label. Darren Lore co-wrote six of the eleven tracks on the album. This is my first time listening to the group and I must say I’m impressed.
This exciting album opens with the fun, uptempo title track. Darren Lore takes the lead on this classic style Southern Gospel song. Fayth Lore is featured on the beautiful, mid-tempo track “I Bring You Jesus,” which simply praises Christ, Our Rock and Redeemer. Samuel Lore shines on the Easter song “Hope Arose.” This powerful track proclaims: Life took the keys! Hope Arose! Sandy Lore takes the lead on “Great Is His Faithfulness,” a powerful ballad that reminds us that in grief and glory, God is faithful. Fayth shines once again on a powerful lyric “You Love, I’ll Judge.” This incredible song simply says: We only see others from an outside perspective. God sees who we really are inside. God instructs us to love one another. He will judge us all in the end. The groovy “Jesus Changed” features Samuel and tells the story of the demon possessed man being saved by Jesus. “The Dark Night Of The Soul” is a powerful track, featuring Darren and Sandy, that reminds us: God is still in control in the darkest of nights. The mid-tempo tune “Run To The Throne,” featuring Fayth, encourages listeners to run to the His Throne and give Christ your burdens. “Would Someone Go Summon The Angels?” is a mid-tempo tune that celebrates a sinner finding salvation in the Lord. This stellar album closes with the anthem “We Remember,” which recalls that day that Christ saved us.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE LORE FAMILY CAN COUNT ME AS A NEW FAN. THIS ALBUM IS FANTASTIC! INCREDIBLE SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. HIGHLIGHTS: “HOPE AROSE,” “JESUS CHANGED,” “THE WORLD NEEDS A SONG,” “YOU LOVE, I’LL JUDGE.”
4 OUT OF 5 STARS! FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thelorefamilyministries.com
LET’S JUST PRAISE THE LORD
GAITHER VOCAL BAND
LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP
PRODUCER: GORDON MOTE AND BILL GAITHER
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: BILL GAITHER (BASS/BARITONE), WES HAMPTON (TENOR), ADAM CRABB (LEAD), TODD SUTTLES (BARITONE/BASS), AND REGGIE SMITH (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
1. 10,000 Reasons
2. Reckless Love
3. You Are My All In All
4. Chain Breaker
5. Revive Us Again
6. Revelation Song
7. Oh, Can You See It
8. Man Of Sorrows
9. Way Maker
10. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
11. Jesus Messiah
12. Worthy The Lamb
Worship music and the Gaither Vocal Band are a perfect match as evident in their latest offering Let’s Just Praise The Lord. This project features twelve classic worship anthems complete with the classic GVB style. Five of the selections (“Chain Breaker,” “Revive Us Again,” “Man Of Sorrows,” “Jesus Messiah,” and Gaither classic “Worthy The Lamb”) are lifted from other recent GVB projects featuring the current lineup. However, the other seven are new tracks. Reggie Smith takes the lead on a cover of the GVB’s version of “You Are My All In All/Canon In D,” previously featuring David Phelps. Smith does an incredible job on this powerful track. Adam Crabb shines on the moving “Reckless Love.” This powerful song reminds us that Jesus loves us unconditionally. No matter how far we stray, He reaches for us.“10,000 Reasons” and “Way Maker” praise Christ for His many blessings upon us. He is a miracle worker, our light in the darkness. Wes Hampton shines on the classic “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” which is given a wonderful arrangement here. The group’s signature harmonies are on full display on the now classic “Revelation Song.” “Oh Can You See It” is a new song written by Bill & Gloria Gaither, and Woody Wright. This great track featuring Todd Suttles powerfully tells of Christ’s return.
Let’s Just Praise The Lord is yet another incredible addition to the discography of the Gaither Vocal Band. Timeless songs, powerhouse vocals, and top tier musicianship.
5 out of 5 stars!
For more information: www.gaither.com
2:22
KAREN PECK & NEW RIVER
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 22, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: KAREN PECK GOOCH (SOPRANO), SUSAN PECK JACKSON (ALTO), GRANT GIBSON (TENOR/LEAD), AND KARI GOOCH (HARMONY/SECOND ALTO)
SONG LIST:
1. “Spirit Of Heaven” (Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun, Reba Rambo)
2. “Answer Is Jesus” (Lee Black, Karen Peck Gooch, Kenna West)
3. “The Keepers” (Karen Peck Gooch, Mitch Wong, Tony Wood)
4. “Future Glory” (Michael Cochren, Nathan Woodard)
5. “Bless His Holy Name” (Mia Fields, Karen Peck Gooch, Mitch Wong)
6. “If God Wrote A Song” (Jason Cox, Ashley Franks, Kenna West)
7. “Dance” (Dave Clark, Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun)
8. “Lead Me Through” (Michael Farren, Karen Peck Gooch, Tony Wood)
9. “Valley Too Long” (Lee Black, Dave Clark, Karen Peck Gooch)
10. “Sheaves (Dedicated To Isabel)” (Dave Clark, Michael Farren, Karen Peck Gooch) 11. “The Lord’s Prayer (Recitation)”
THOUGHTS:
Karen Peck & New River are back with another exciting new project entitled 2:22. This worship-filled album features the consistent vocal line-up of Karen Peck Gooch, Susan Peck Jackson, Kari Gooch, and Grant Gibson.
This stellar album opens with “Spirit Of Heaven,” a simple lyric that ushers in a time of worship. Karen Peck Gooch takes the lead on the moving “Answer Is Jesus,” which reminds us that Jesus is the answer in this troubled world. “The Keepers” features each member and celebrates the people who keep on keeping on. Grant Gibson shines on the groovy “Future Glory,” which tells of the hope we have in Christ. “Bless His Holy Name” is another tender ballad featuring Karen that is full of hope and thanksgiving. Kari Gooch shines on “If God Wrote A Song,” a tender song that reminds us of God’s love for us. “Dance” is a fun, up-tempo song of praise featuring Karen. Karen takes the lead again on the powerful “Lead Me Through,” which offers up another timely message. Whatever Christ brings us to, He can bring us through it! Susan shines on the anthem “Valley Too Long,” which simply says: We have been in this valley for way too long! We are praying for a new day to dawn! “Sheaves” is a powerful ballad that reminds us that the faithful will be rewarded in Christ. “He will turn our sorrow into song. Carry on though the harvest now is full of grief.” The album closes with the group reciting The Lord’s Prayer, a fitting way to wrap up this incredible album.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
KAREN PECK & NEW RIVER DELIVER YET ANOTHER STELLAR RECORDING! POWERFUL SONGS, TOP NOTCH VOCALS AND MUSICIANSHIP. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “SHEAVES,” “THE KEEPERS,” “VALLEY TOO LONG,” AND “FUTURE GLORY.”
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.karenpeckandnewriver.com
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
THE OLD PATHS
LABEL: SONLITE RECORDS
PRODUCER: ROGER TALLEY
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 18, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: TIM RACKLEY (LEAD), DOUGLAS ROARK (BARITONE), DANIEL ASHMORE (BASS), AND STEVE LADD (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
How Good The Good News Feels (Jason Cox, Lyn Rowell, Tony Wood)
Let The Rain Wash Your Troubles Away (Sue C. Smith, Kenna Turner West)
I Get That From Him (Tony Wood, Gina Boe, Joseph Habedank)
This Little Light Of Mine (Traditional)
Every Story Whispers His Name (Debbie Davis, Bernadette Negus, Val Dacus, Gene Ezell)
Good God Almighty (David Crowder, Benjamin Glover, Jeff Sojka)
He Bought Me (Adina Bowman, Reba McGuire, Dony McGuire, Joseph Habedank)
Music To Your Ears (Rodney Griffin, Joseph Habedank)
Over The Next Hill We’ll Be Home (John R. Cash)
That’s Why I Pray (Danelle Leverett, Sarah Buxton, Blair Daly)
Who Better Than Me (Kenna Turner West, Tony Wood, Dave Clark)
Is He Worthy (Andrew Peterson, Ben Shive)
THOUGHTS:
The Old Paths are back again with an exciting new project entitled Music To Your Ears. This CD features twelve stellar tracks ranging from country to Gospel to contemporary and more. The vocal lineup of Tim Rackley, Doug Roark, Daniel Ashmore, and Steve Ladd puts their signature style on these great songs.
The album opens with the hand-clapping “How Good The Good News Feels,” which tells of the joy we find in Jesus Christ. Daniel Ashmore shines on the island style “Let The Rain Wash Your Troubles Away.” Ashmore’s bass voice shines on this simple song that reminds us that when the storms of life come, let the rain wash your troubles away. Steve Ladd takes the lead on the powerful “I Get That From Him.” This incredible song tells of the amazing Grace of God. We get a chance to live again thanks to His Grace and Mercy. “This Little Light Of Mine” is given a modern Southern Gospel update and features each member. “Every Story Whispers His Name” is a powerful ballad, featuring Tim Rackley, that reminds us to turn to His Word for the answers you seek. Steve Ladd shines on the David Crowder classic “Good God Almighty,” a fun song that simply says: God is in control. He is Good. Doug Roark is featured on “He Bought Me,” a beautifully written song that simply says God loves us no matter what we’ve done. He bought me just as I am. The title track is a song of hope that simply says: I pray that my life be music to God’s Ears. Daniel Ashmore’s bass shines once again on the classic Johnny Cash penned tune “Over The Next Hill We’ll Be Home.” Steve Ladd shines again on the poignant “That’s Why I Pray,” originally made popular by country music duo Big & Rich. This song reminds us of the power of prayer. We can make a difference in this broken world. “Who Better Than Me” is a fun song that tells of the transforming power of God. If you need someone to lead you to Him, who better than me: a soul who has been set free! This stellar album closes with the powerful anthem “Is He Worthy?,” which praises Christ our Savior!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
STELLAR VOCALS, POWERFUL SONGS, AND TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION QUALITY AND MUSICIANSHIP.
4 out of 5 stars! For more information: www.theoldpathsonline.com
STAY TUNED FOR ANOTHER COLLECTION OF REVIEWS IN PART TWO!
-JUSTIN GILMORE