SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: CHANGED- THE SHARPS

SOUTHERN  GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

CHANGED

THE SHARPS

PRODUCER:  Scott Godsey

RELEASE DATE: January 8, 2024

GROUP MEMBERS: ANDY SHARP (LEAD), BEN SHARP (BARITONE), TONY LEWIS (BASS), AND DAVID HOLT (TENOR)

SONG LIST:

1. Raise A Little Heaven (Brent Baxter, Zane King, Donna King)

2. Holy, Glory To The Lamb (Kyla Rowland)

3. Pourin’ Honey (Brent Baxter, Debbie Davis, Matthew Lawson)

4. There’s Always Hope (Karen Gillespie, Helga Kaefer)

5. Somebody Tell (Jerry R. Lovorn)

6. All Alone (Kyla Rowland)

7. The Offer Still Stands (Greg Day)

8. Changed (Gary Levox, Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley)

THOUGHTS:

The Sharps are back with a new record, a new sound, and a new member. Changed is the latest release from this storied quartet that has recently undergone a bit of a revamp so to speak. Andy Sharp, founding member and tenor singer, switched to lead vocals following the departure of longtime lead Mike Leath in 2023. David Holt was then hired to sing tenor. Also in the time since their last recording, Tony Lewis returned to sing bass for the group in 2021 after a brief absence.

Ben Sharp takes the lead on the fun, opening track, “Raise A Little Heaven.” This upbeat tune reminds us that: There is joy in jubilation no matter the situation. Tony Lewis’s smooth bass is featured on the tender song of praise “Holy, Glory To The Lamb,” the first single “Pourin’ Honey,” and the up-tempo “Somebody Tell.” The groovy “Pourin’ Honey” reminds us that spreading kindness can make a difference in this bitter world. A little kindness can change someone’s life. Make a gloomy day bright by speaking words of life. Andy Sharp is featured on the ballad “There’s Always Hope.” New tenor David Holt takes the lead on “All Alone” and the title track. I will admit that Holt’s high tenor voice didn’t hit my ear smoothly at first. However, after a few listens, the blend was a bit better. Ben Sharp is featured on the tender ballad “The Offer Still Stands” which invites people to accept Christ as their Savior. He is waiting with His Arms open wide. Trust in Him and ask Him to save you while you still can.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

WHILE NOT AS STRONG AS THE PREVIOUS RELEASE FOR ME, THIS PROJECT IS STILL A GOOD LISTEN. GREAT SONGS, VOCALS AND MESSAGE. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “POURIN’ HONEY,” HOLY, GLORY TO THE LAMB,” AND “THE OFFER STILL STANDS.” I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE FROM THIS NEW LINEUP.

3.5 OUT 5 STARS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thesharpsquartet.com