SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: IT'S STILL GOOD NEWS- THE GUARDIANS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
IT’S STILL GOOD NEWS
THE GUARDIANS
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: JOHN DARIN ROWSEY AND WAYNE HAUN
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 23, 2020, AVAILABLE NOW
GROUP MEMBERS: DEAN HICKMAN (TENOR), JOHN DARIN ROWSEY (LEAD), PAT BARKER (BASS), AND SCOTT MULLINS (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
Holy is Thy Name (with Lift Up Holy Hands) (Bill Henry) (Darren Thomas)
I Wish I Could Tell You (John Darin Rowsey and Scotty Inman)
Just To Know (John Darin Rowsey and Wayne Haun)
You’re Home To Stay (Where We Ever Shall Be) (Jerry Goff)
It’s Still Good News (John Darin Rowsey, Kenna West, and Bob Sammons)
Someone To Care (Jimmie Davis)
Breathe In, Breathe Out (John Darin Rowsey and Jason Crabb)
One Pair Of Hands (Billie Campbell and Mann Curtis)
Make My Heart Your Dwelling Place (John Darin Rowsey)
God Is Listening (John Darin Rowsey and Mark Bishop)
That’s What Makes Grace Amazing (John Darin Rowsey and Marty Funderburk)
From Now On (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul)
THOUGHTS:
2020 has been quite a challenging year for everyone. A global pandemic, social unrest, and other trials have become the news of the day. It is in times like these that music really soothes my soul. This album reminds us all that there is still GOOD NEWS! The Guardians are back with another well crafted, inspirational recording featuring the songwriting talents of lead singer John Darin Rowsey among others. Rowsey teams with Wayne Haun to produce this record which marks the firsts album featuring new baritone Scott Mullins. Mullins joins Rowsey, tenor Dean Hickman, and bass Pat Barker to complete the stellar vocal lineup.
This exciting new album opens with the beautifully orchestrated “Holy Is Thy Name (with Lift Up Holy Hands),” which praises Christ for His Saving Grace. Pat Barker takes the lead on the groovy “I Wish I Could Tell You,” which simply tells of Christ and the joy He brings. “Just To Know” is a mid-tempo tune that features new baritone Scott Mullins. This easy listening track tells of the faithfulness of Christ and how good it is just to know He is there. Dean Hickman shines on the classic “You’re Home To Stay (Where We Ever Shall Be).” This powerful standard looks to Heaven our forever home. The title track, featuring John Darin Rowsey, is a groovy tune that simply proclaims the unchanging Good News of the Gospel. Barker’s smooth bass is featured again on the classic ballad “Someone To Care,” which reminds us that God is always there and He cares. Rowsey is featured again on the upbeat “Breathe In, Breathe Out,” which simply says: the only thing I have to do to make Him love me is breathe in and breathe out. Don’t worry about what people say. Live out your beliefs. Be a light for Christ! “One Pair Of Hands” is a beautiful mid-tempo tune that encourages listeners to put their trust into Christ’s Loving Hands. Dean Hickman delivers a stellar performance on this powerful track. “Make My Heart Your Dwelling Place” is another tender ballad that invites Christ into our lives. Pat Barker shines on the fun “God Is Listening,” which reminds us that God hears our prayers and is always there! This incredible album closes with a stellar rendition of “That’s What Makes Grace Amazing,” and a powerful cut of “From Now On” from the musical film The Greatest Showman.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE GUARDIANS HAVE ONCE AGAIN DELIVERED AN INCREDIBLE RECORD FEATURING STELLAR VOCALS, WELL CRAFTED SONGS, AND TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. SCOTT MULLINS IS A FANTASTIC ADDITION TO THE GROUP AD FITS RIGHT IN. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “GOD IS LISTENING,” “I WISH I COULD TELL YOU,” “FROM NOW ON,” “BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT,” AND “IT’S STILL GOOD NEWS.” A MUST BUY FOR QUARTET FANS!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.guardiansquartet.com