SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEWS: 2022 CATCH-UP SPECIAL PART FOUR
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
2022 REVIEW CATCH- UP SPECIAL PART FOUR
IN THIS FINAL INSTALLMENT OF MY 2022 REVIEW CATCH-UP SERIES, I WILL BE REVIEWING THE LATEST RECORDINGS FROM FOLENIUS, THE BOOTH BROTHERS, BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE, THE KINGSMEN, AND GOLD CITY.
THINK ON THESE THINGS
FOLENIUS
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: DAVID FOLENIUS, LISA FOLENIUS, RODNEY TYSON
SONG LIST:
What I Can Do For You
Love Will Roll The Clouds Away
Think On These Things
When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Brighter One
Let Me Introduce You To Grace
The God That Never Changes
Just Be There
Get Ready To Sail
Today Is Your Day
THOUGHTS:
Folenius is a powerhouse trio composed of David Folenius, his wife Lisa, and at the time of this recording Rodney Tyson. Folenius has lent his lead/baritone voice to several groups including Master’s Voice and The Williamsons prior to starting this trio. The group’s sophomore release, Think On These Things, features intricate harmonies, great songs, and stellar vocals.
David Folenius shines on the up-tempo “Brighter One,” which reminds us that there is a better day ahead. His powerful lead/baritone is also featured on the tender ballad “Just Be There,” the encouraging “Let Me Introduce You To Grace,” the groovy title track, and the up-tempo groove “Get Ready To Sail.” Lisa Folenius shines on the beautiful ballad “When Life Doesn’t Make Sense,” which reminds us that God is always in control. Put your trust in Him. Don’t give up even when life doesn’t make sense. She is featured on another ballad entitled “Today Is Your Day.” This great song encourages listeners to give their lives to Jesus. Today is the day. Turn from the darkness into the Light. Rodney Tyson shines on the up-tempo groove “The God That Never Changes,” which reminds us that the God who never changes, changes everything.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
FOLENIUS DELIVERS A GREAT ALBUM FEATURING WELL CRAFTED SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, AND FANTASTIC HARMONIES. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “TODAY IS YOUR DAY,” “THE GOD THAT NEVER CHANGES,” “BRIGHTER ONE,” “WHEN LIFE DOESN’T MAKE SENSE,” AND “GET READY TO SAIL.”
4 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.foleniusmusic.com
SPEAK JESUS
THE BOOTH BROTHERS
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: BARRY WEEKS
RELEASE DATE : SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: MICHAEL BOOTH (TENOR), BUDDY MULLINS (LEAD), AND JIM BRADY (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
1. “All My Days” (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)
2. “Room Full Of Stories” (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)
3. “My Next Victory” (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)
4. “Oh How Great The Love Of Jesus” (Matt Armstrong, Benji Cowart, Jenna Cowart, Daniel Doss, Jonathan Lee, Tony Wood)
5. “Stand In The Storm” (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)
6. “Nothing Like Grace” (Jim Brady, Buddy Mullins)
7. “The Unknown” (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)
8. “Let’s Sing” (Jim Brady, Buddy Mullins)
9. “God Of Every Season” (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)
10. “Hallelujah Praise The Lamb” (Gary McSpadden, Dawn Thomas, Pam Thum)
11. “Depending On You” (Jim Brady, Barry Week, Tony Wood)
12. “I Speak Jesus” (Abby Benton, Kristen Dutton, Riana Pratt, Carlene Prince, Jesse Reeves, Dustin Smith)
THOUGHTS:
The Booth Brothers blessed us with two albums this year. Speak Jesus is the trio’s first project with StowTown Records (not including the live album with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound). This album features the trio’s signature harmonies and progressive style. This is one of my favorite albums that the group has released. From the opening notes of the light, mid-tempo “All My Days,” this album is a blessing. Michael Booth, who is, in my opinion, an underrated tenor, shines on the mid-tempo “Room Full Of Stories.” This incredible song reminds us that though we all have different stories, they all tell of the faithfulness of God. “My Next Victory” is a fun groove that features Jim and Buddy. This catchy song simply says: God works all things together for our good. Each member is featured on the beautiful hymn-like “Oh, How Great The Love Of Jesus.” Jim Brady’s signature baritone is featured on the driving, mid-tempo “Stand In The Storm.” This great lyric (co-written by Brady) simply says: I’d rather stand in the storm with Jesus than stand in the sunshine alone. With Him, all things are possible. He is faithful through it all. Buddy Mullins shines on the ballad “Nothing Like Grace,” which was co-written by Mullins and Jim Brady. Jim takes the lead on “The Unknown,” which powerfully proclaims: You are the God who writes my story. I know I can trust You through the unknown. “Let’s Sing” is a fun, groovy country-styled tune featuring Buddy Mullins. This is sure to be a hit at concerts! Michael delivers an incredible performance on the tender “God Of Every Season.” This beautiful story-song tells of the faithfulness of Christ. Jim takes the lead on the Talleys hit “Hallelujah, Praise The Name.” This powerful anthem is perfect for the Booth Brothers. “Depending On You” is a great mid-tempo track that again features Michael. This incredible album closes with the powerful title track. This anthem calls on us to proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus. Shout it out!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR. POWERFUL SONGS, INCREDIBLE VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “HALLELUJAH, PRAISE THE NAME,” “LET’S SING,” “GOD OF ALL SEASONS,” “ROOM FULL OF STORIES,” “OH, HOW GREAT THE LOVE OF JESUS,” AND “STAND IN THE STORM.”
5 OUT 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.boothbrothers.com
MEET ME AT THE CROSS
BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: RICKY FREE
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: BRIAN FREE (TENOR), BILL SHIVERS (LEAD), AND JAKE ANGLIN (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
1. “Meet Me At The Cross” (Jason Cox, Kirk Kirkland, Kenna West)
2. “The Road Not Taken” (Jim Brady, Don Koch, Tony Wood)
3. “Even Then” (Jason Cox, Rob Mills, Kenna West)
4. “Outlive Your Life” (Brent Baxter, Jason Cox, Kenna West)
5. “Liar, Liar” (Jason Cox, Joseph Habedank, Josh Tomlin)
6. “That’s Why We Pray” (Buddy Mullins)
THOUGHTS:
Brian Free & Assurance delivers another great recording with Meet Me At The Cross. This is the trio’s third EP in a row featuring only six songs. Brian shines on the mid-tempo title track which invites listeners to come to the Cross where Jesus is calling. “The Road Not Taken” is a beautiful ballad that talks of the things God has kept us from without us knowing. Jake Anglin delivers an incredible vocal on the powerful ballad “Even Then.” This fantastic song reminds us that God has a plan for us. Trust in Him even in seasons of waiting. “Outlive Your Life” is a beautiful song that talks about legacy. If you want to make a mark, start with the heart. Make your life count by giving people love. Bill Shivers shines on this timely lyric. “Liar, Liar” has become popular and rightly so. This fun, up-tempo tune featuring Jake, simply says: the Devil is LIAR! This EP closes with another strong ballad featuring Brian entitled “That’s Why We Pray.” This Buddy Mullins penned track is a comfort in the crazy times.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE DELIVER A STRONG EP FEATURING GREAT SONGS AND STELLAR VOCALS. WHILE THE SIX SONG FORMAT IS POPULAR AND WORKS TO SOME EXTENT, I PREFER LONGER RECORDS (AT LEAST TEN SONGS). HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “EVEN THEN,” LIAR, LIAR,” AND “OUTLIVE YOUR LIFE.”
4 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.brianfreeandassurance.com
‘TIS THE REASON
THE KINGSMEN QUARTET
LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: RAY DEAN REESE (BASS), ALAN KENDALL (BARITONE), CHRIS BRYANT (LEAD), AND CHRIS JENKINS (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
Tis The Reason
The God Who Gives Himself Away
Here We Come A Caroling
The Christmas Song
O Holy Night
There Is Peace
THOUGHTS:
The last time the Kingsmen Quartet released a Christmas album was 1994. This legendary group brings fans a stellar Christmas present with Tis The Reason, a short six song EP. This is the last album featuring Chris Bryant and Chris Jenkins in the lead and tenor positions respectively. Bryant takes the lead on the opening track. This fun and festive title track reminds us of the true reason for the season. “The God Who Gives Himself Away” is a beautiful meditation on the boundless mercy of God. He gave himself to save us from our sin. “Here We Come A Caroling” is a fun, upbeat tune that is sure to put listeners in the Christmas spirit. Alan Kendall shines on the classic “The Christmas Song” while Chris Bryant takes the lead on the classic “O Holy Night.” Chris Jenkins delivers a stellar performance on the closing track “There Is Peace,” which encourages listeners to spread the love of Jesus all year long. When we love each other and give all year, there is hope, joy and peace.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE KINGSMEN DELIVER A GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO LISTENERS HERE WITH TIS THE REASON. GREAT SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. THIS ALSO SERVES AS A FANTASTIC FINAL ALBUM FOR THIS LINEUP.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.kingsmenquartet.com
ONCE AND FOR ALL: THE SONGS OF DOUG RILEY
GOLD CITY
LABEL: NEW HAVEN RECORDS
PRODUCER: DANIEL RILEY
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 25, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: DANIEL RILEY (BARITONE), CHRIS WEST (BASS), BRUCE TALIFERO (LEAD), AND THOMAS NALLEY (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
1. He Lifted My Burdens
2. Mercy Rescues Me
3. Once And For All
4. Gonna Take It And Leave It
5. The Savior’s Open Arms
6. Walk By Faith
7. He’ll Do It Every Time
8. Are You Ready
THOUGHTS:
Gold City delivers a fantastic album which honors Daniel Riley’s late brother Doug, who was a prolific songwriter. Once And For All features eight songs from the pen of Doug Riley in the classic Gold City style. It is also the last album to feature Thomas Nalley in the tenor position. New Tenor Chris Jenkins is, however, featured on the title track only. This album opens with the classic “He Lifted My Burdens” originally recorded on the 1998 album Within The Rock. Daniel Riley shines on the mid-tempo “Mercy Rescues Me” also from that album. Bruce Talifero gives a powerful performance on the title track. This newly recorded anthem tells of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Chris West is featured on “Gonna Take It And Leave It,” a Gold City classic also from Within The Rock (1998).Daniel takes the lead on the ballad “The Savior’s Open Arms” a newly recorded song that says: You can lose your broken heart in the Savior’s open arms. Thomas Nalley is featured on “Walk By Faith,” a newly recorded song that simply says: I am gonna walk by faith with Jesus leading me. “He’ll Do It Every Time,” from 1997’s What A Great Lifestyle, is another great feature for Bruce Talifero. This incredible song reminds us that Christ is still Mighty to save. This fantastic tribute closes with the classic “Are You Ready” from the album of the same name released in 2000. Thomas Nalley delivers a great performance on this rousing anthem.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
ANOTHER FANTASTIC RECORDING FROM GOLD CITY! STELLAR VOCALS, INCREDIBLE SONGS, AND QUALITY PRODUCTION. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “GONNA TAKE IT AND LEAVE IT,” “HE’LL DO IT EVERY TIME,” “HE LIFTED MY BURDENS,” “ONCE AND FOR ALL,” AND “ARE YOU READY.”
4.5 OUT OF STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.goldcityministries.com
THAT’S IT FOR REVIEWS FOR 2022!
STAY TUNED FOR MY TOP TEN OF 2022!
-JUSTIN GILMORE