SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: COMPILATION SPECIAL- KINGSMEN QUARTET & THE INSPIRATIONS

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEWS:

A COMPILATIONS SPECIAL:

DECADES: A MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH THE KINGSMEN VOL. 1 & 2

THE KINGSMEN

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 24, 2023

LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS

AND

AGELESS TREASURES

THE INSPIRATIONS

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 14, 2023

LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS

THOUGHTS ON DECADES:

The Kingsmen Quartet has been a mainstay in Southern Gospel music since 1956. The group’s rich legacy is represented in this excellent collection. This special two CD set features thirty-two of the quartet’s most beloved songs. In addition, this project includes four songs recorded by original members: baritone Raymond McKinney, bass Reece McKinney, along with lead Frank Cutshall, tenor Jack Henderson, and pianist Eldridge Fox in 1959 (at Raymond McKinney’s home) which have not been heard in decades. “Til I Found God” is a fun quartet style song that talks about the joy of the Lord. Until I found God, I was alone with nothing worthwhile. Other unearthed classics include: “House Of Gold,” “New Jerusalem,” and “This Is A Mean World.” This special compilation of hits also includes “Shaking Off The Clay” a previously unreleased song which is the last to feature vocals from former members Chris Jenkins and Chris Bryant. This toe tapping, energy filled tune tells of crossing over to our final home and what a day that will be!

Decades is a must for Kingsmen fans as well as Southern Gospel Music fans in general. This special collection takes listeners on a musical journey through the storied career of this legendary quartet from 1956-2021. Songs like “After The Sunrise,” “The Son Will Rise,” “When God Ran,” “I Will Rise Up From My Grave,” “We Do Not Die,” “He’s All I Need” “One Way Trip,” and “Wish You Were Here” are sure to delight listeners all over again.

This is a special compilation that not only features classic songs, but includes never before heard songs as well. This special touch puts it above other collections of this kind.

Collection compiled by Alan Kendall and Brandon Reese

5 out of 5 stars

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.kingsmenquartet.com

THOUGHTS ON THE INSPIRATIONS’ AGELESS TREASURES:

Another legendary group in Southern Gospel music, The Inspirations, released a classics collection this year as well. Ageless Treasures features thirty of the beloved quartet’s popular hits. This project compiled by the quartet includes classics such as: “He Broke The Chains,” “ In The Twinkle Of An Eye,” “If You Only Knew,” “They’re Holding Up The Ladder,” “I’ll Never Sail Alone,” “Overwhelming Joy,” “Home Is Sounding Sweeter,” and more. All thirty tracks are previously recorded and therefore feature original vocals from former members including: Mike Holcomb, Archie Watkins, Matt Dibler, Melton Campbell, Jody Hosterman, and more.

Overall, this is a highly enjoyable listen. While it does not feature any new recordings or unearthed tracks, it does feature what makes this group special: classic tight harmonies and message filled songs!

4 out 5 stars.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.theinspirationsquartet.com