SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: CD REVIEW SPECIAL!
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
REVIEW CATCH-UP:
2020 HAS BEEN A WHIRLWIND OF A YEAR. I HAVE BEEN EXTRA BUSY AT WORK AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH REVIEWS AS MUCH AS A RESULT. THESE ARE A FEW PROJECTS THAT I MISSED REVIEWING CLOSER TO THEIR RELEASES. ENJOY!
SONGS FOR THE TIMES
THE ISAACS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 23, 2020
LABEL: HOUSE OF ISAACS
PRODUCER: BEN ISAACS
GROUP MEMBERS: SONYA ISAACS YEARY, REBECCA ISAACS BOWMAN, BEN ISAACS, AND LILY ISAACS
SONG LIST:
Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold My Body Down)
Through It All
The Wilderness
Just Over Yonder
The Love Of God
The Times They Are A Changing
Peace In Trusting
Give Him What You Got
Medley Of Hymns (Old Rugged Cross, Softly And Tenderly, In The Garden, Nearer My God To Thee)
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around (ft. Jason Crabb and Angela Primm)
THOUGHTS:
This year has been quite a difficult one for everyone. God uses music to uplift His children and comfort them in times of hardship. A perfect example of this is the latest project from the beloved Isaacs. This talented family delivers one of their best recordings ever here with the aptly titled Songs For The Times. This special project features a great mix of classics and new songs that are sure to encourage listeners during this turbulent time. From the rollicking “Ain’t No Grave” to the bluesy “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” this CD is simply stellar! A standout among this powerful project is “The Wilderness,” a poignant lyric that reminds us that God will never forsake us. Another standout is the masterful a cappella performance of the classic “The Love Of God.” “Peace In Trusting,” is a beautiful song written by Sonya, her husband Jimmy, and Becky that encourages listeners that God has it all under control. Other highlights include: Lily Isaacs’s take on “The Times They Are A Changing,” the beautiful “Medley Of Hymns,” and the bluegrass classic “Just Over Yonder.”
One of the best albums of the year!
5 out of 5 stars!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.theisaacs.com
PEACE AT LAST
THE NELONS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2020
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN, JASON CLARK
GROUP MEMBERS: JASON CLARK, KELLY NELON CLARK, AMBER NELON KISTLER, AUTUMN NELON CLARK
SONG LIST:
Children Sing
Jordan
Peace At Last
Pilgrim
Still Free
Wish We All Could Remember
Two Are Better Than One
The Devil Taught Me To Pray
If God Pulled Back The Curtain
Patience Of Job
Grace Ain’t Fair
I Just Wanted You To Know
Love All Day Long
THOUGHTS:
The beautiful family harmonies of the legendary group The Nelons are showcased on their newest release: Peace At Last. This anointed family brings listeners thirteen fresh, powerful songs of inspiration and hope in these trying times. This incredible album opens with “Children Sing,” a country anthem telling the story of Christ. Autumn takes the lead on the group’s latest single “Jordan,” a groovy, upbeat tune that captures the joy of joining Christ in Heaven one day! The group shines on the poignant title track. This incredible song reminds us that for believers: one day there will be peace at last when we will join Christ in Heaven forever. “Pilgrim” is a groovy tune featuring Jason Clark that simply says: we are just pilgrims passing through this world on our way to Heaven, our home. “Still Free,” is a powerful anthem featuring Amber Nelon Kistler that proclaims our freedom in Christ no matter our circumstances! This is one of Amber’s strongest features yet and is sure to be a hit! Kelly Nelon Clark shines on the mid-tempo “Wish We All Could Remember,” a poignant tune that encourages listeners to remember how to love one another. “Two Are Better Than One” is a powerful ballad that simply reminds listeners that we are stronger together. Jason and Autumn trade off on the verses of the country/bluegrass styled “The Devil Taught Me To Pray.” This powerful track tells of someone who through the dark times, turned to Christ in prayer. “If God Pulled Back The Curtain” paints a beautiful picture of what true peace and eternity looks like with Christ. “Patience Of Job” is a fun, groovy tune that asks Christ for patience like that of Job when things get tough. “Grace Ain’t Fair” features Amber and is simply the Gospel in song. This powerful mid-tempo track reminds us that we are totally free and forgiven in Christ even though we don’t deserve it! “I Just Wanted You To Know” is a beautiful song that lifts up praise to Christ. “I love you more today than ever and I just wanted you to know.” This album concludes with the groovy “Love All Day Long,” which simply encourages listeners to spread love everywhere they go.
Definitely one of my favorite albums of the year!
5 out 5 stars!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thenelons.com
LITTLE MORE LOVE
JORDAN FAMILY BAND
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 9, 2020
LABEL: JFB MINISTRIES
GROUP MEMBERS: RANDA JORDAN (LEAD/ SOPRANO/PIANIST), ALEX JORDAN (LEAD/BARITONE, BASS GUITAR), JOSH JORDAN (BARITONE/ACOUSTIC GUITAR), HUTCH JORDAN (LEAD GUITAR/HARMONY VOCALS) and HEATHER JORDAN (ALTO/ HARMONY VOCALS)
SONG LIST:
1. A Little More Love (Jason Cox, Kirk Kirkland, Kenna West)
2. Pray Hard (Josh Jordan, Randa Jordan)
3. He Don’t Remember Nothing (Josh Jordan)
4. Hope For The World (Josh Jordan)
5. It Finds You (Lee Black, Devin McGlamery, Nathan Woodard)
6. Don’t Give In (Robert McGee Jr)
7. Unspoken (Matthew Lawson, Chris White)
8. I Can Hardly Wait (Sam Atkinson, Josh Jordan)
9. Only Growing (Stephen Day)
10. Can’t Lose For Winning (Josh Jordan)
11. Redneck Redemption (Josh Jordan)
12. I Wanna Go (Sam Hoyle)
THOUGHTS:
The Jordan Family Band is back with yet another fantastic recording. This talented family leans into their country style with Little More Love. The group, comprised of Randa and Josh Jordan and their son’s Hutch and Alex, welcomes a new member on this project: Hutch’s wife Heather, who joins the group as a harmony vocalist and alto.
This exciting project opens with the up-beat title track featuring Randa in the lead vocal. This fun country style tune simply reminds listeners to spread the love of Christ to all they meet! This world needs a little more Love! Alex is featured on the mid-tempo tune “Pray Hard,” which encourages listeners to pray even when it’s hard. God knows your pain and is there for you always. Josh takes the lead on “He Don’t Remember Nothing,” a mid-tempo tune that tells of the forgiveness of Christ. He remembers it all. After we repent, He takes the wrong we’ve done and buries it deep in His Blood. “When it comes to my sin after I repent, He don’t remember nothing.” Randa and Heather are featured on the first single from the album: “Hope For The World,” a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to spread Christ’s love to the world. He is the hope for the world. Newest member Heather is featured on the powerful mid-tempo track “It Finds You,” which tells of the transforming power of Grace, which never leaves you where it finds you. Her stellar alto voice fits with the group perfectly. Alex is featured once again on the country style tune “Don’t Give In,” which encourages listeners to stay strong in your faith no matter what others say. Randa shines on the beautiful ballad “Unspoken,” which simply says: God hears the unspoken prayer requests. Josh shines on the up-tempo country flavored tune “I Can Hardly Wait,” which describes the joy in knowing we’ll be with Christ one day! The beautiful love song “Only Growing” features Hutch and Heather and reminds us of the importance of true love. Randa is featured once again on “Can’t Lose For Winning,” a mid-tempo track that simply says: just remember God is in control. He will carry you through. “Redneck Redemption” is a groovy country tune featuring Josh that tells of a tough as nails man turning from sin and accepting Jesus as his Savior! This stellar album closes with the powerful “I Wanna Go,” featuring Randa. This beautiful track simply looks to Heaven our eternal home. I can’t wait to see the face of my Savior!
This incredible album is the best from this group to date! Definitely a must for Southern Gospel and Country fans!
5 out of 5 stars!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.jordanfamilyband.com
FAVORITES ON REPEAT
THE ERWINS
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2020
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
GROUP MEMBERS: KEITH ERWIN (LEAD), KRIS ERWIN (BARITONE), KATIE ERWIN (SOPRANO), AND KODY ERWIN (BASS)
SONG LIST:
Favorite Song Of All
There Is A Savior
Nobody
The Great Adventure
The God That Cannot Fail
Possible God
I’m In This Church
THOUGHTS:
The Erwins are back with another stellar recording featuring seven of their favorite songs growing up. Their sweet harmonies shine on the opening mid-tempo track “Favorite Song Of All,” which tells of the Lord’s favorite song of all: the song of the redeemed! The classic “There Is A Savior” is delivered beautifully by this talented family. Kody and Katie take the lead on the verses of this powerful standard that praises Christ, the Savior of the world. Keith takes the lead on the mid-tempo “Nobody,” which is a powerful track that simply says: I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about Jesus! “The Great Adventure” is a fun, upbeat tune that tells of the joy of living life with Jesus! “The God That Cannot Fail” is an up-tempo quartet tune that reminds listeners via several classic Bible stories that God will never fail us! Kody’s smooth bass voice is featured on the groovy “Possible God,” a fun song that reminds us that God delivers again and again. Kody Erwin is an underrated bass singer in my opinion. He is one of my favorite bass singers in Southern Gospel. His vocal performance here reminds me a lot of Keith Plott. This incredible album closes with the up-tempo “I’m In This Church,” which praises Christ for His Saving Grace and His Love.
ONE OF THE BEST OF THE YEAR!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.erwinsministries.com
BROTHERHOOD: THE LIVE TOUR EDITION
ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND AND THE BOOTH BROTHERS
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2020
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
GROUP MEMBERS: EHSS (ERNIE HAASE, DEVIN MCGLAMERY, DUSTIN DOYLE, AND PAUL HARKEY)
BOOTH BROTHERS (MICHAEL BOOTH, RONNIE BOOTH, PAUL LANCASTER)
SONG LIST:
1. Life’s Railway To Heaven (ME Abbey, Charles Tillman)
2. Home (Rusty Goodman, Tanya Goodman Sykes, Aaron Wilburn)
3. All The Gold (Larry Gatlin)
4. Jesus Is Coming Soon (RE Winsett)
5. I’ll Fly Away (Albert E Brumley)
6. Beulah Land (Squire Parsons)
7. Going Home (Gloria Gaither, William J Gaither)
8. In The Garden (C Austin Miles)
9. Look For Me At Jesus Feet (Squire Parsons)
10. I’ll Fly Away (Reprise) (Albert E Brumley)
THOUGHTS:
Two beloved Southern Gospel groups together for one live album! Brotherhood: The Live Tour Edition brings together Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and The Booth Brothers for a special listening experience. Recorded at one of the groups’ live concerts a while back, this special album features these incredible groups singing timeless classics.
This exciting album opens with a rousing rendition of “Life’s Railway To Heaven,” featuring Ronnie Booth on the verse. Next, the groups cover the Rusty Goodman classic “Home,” which features Paul Lancaster on the verse. Ronnie Booth is featured once again on the Gatlin Brothers classic “All The Gold,” which does the original justice. Devin McGlamery takes the second verse of the classic RE Winsett penned “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” which has become a quartet standard. Speaking of quartet standards, the groups also take on the popular “I’ll Fly Away.” A major highlight of the album is their cover of the Squire Parsons classic “Beulah Land,” which features Paul Lancaster and Devin McGlamery. Both groups join together to deliver an especially moving performance. Other highlights for me include: Paul Harkey and Dustin Doyle on “Going Home,” Ernie Haase on “In The Garden,” and Michael Booth on “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet.”
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and The Booth Brothers deliver a stellar listening experience here featuring some timeless classics. It is always great when groups come together to praise Christ and combine their talents.
5 out of 5 stars!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.erniehaase.com
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW! STAY TUNED FOR MY TOP TEN CDS OF THE YEAR!
GOD BLESS,
JUSTIN GILMORE
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