SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEWS: 2022 CATCH-UP SPECIAL PART THREE
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
2022 CATCH-UP SPECIAL #3:
In this third installment of my review catch-up series, I will be reviewing the latest albums from The Hoppers, The Perrys, The Taylors, the Booth Brothers, and the Guardians Quartet.
BELIEVE
THE HOPPERS
LABEL: CUSTOM
PRODUCER: LARI GOSS, WAYNE HAUN, MIKE HOPPER, MICHAEL SYKES
RELEASE DATE: MAY 13, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: DEAN HOPPER (LEAD), KIM HOPPER (SOPRANO), KARLYE HOPPER (ALTO), MIKE HOPPER (BASS, DRUMS), CONNIE HOPPER (ALTO), AND CLAUDE HOPPER (BARITONE/BASS).
SONG LIST:
1. “Glorious Appearing” (Phil Cross)
2. “I Will Sing” (Jeff Ferguson, Reba Rambo, Regi Stone)
3. “Glory Up Ahead” (Lee Black, Sue C Smith)
4. “If I Had Known You Better” (Adina Bowman, Matthew Lawson)
5. “Believe For It” (Debernis Hill, Wayne Lee, CeCe Winans, Daniel Wong)
6. “The Climb” (Gary Casto, Barbara Huffman)
7. “Daniel Open Up Your Window” (Paula Stefanovich)
8. “Can You See The Clock” (Lari Goss, Joel Hemphill)
9. “Worth A Million Words” (Rodney Griffin)
10. “God Of A Second Chance” (J Michael Wilson)
THOUGHTS:
The Hoppers are back with their first project of new material since 2016 (Life Is Good). This is also the first album to not feature Connie and Claude Hopper throughout as they have scaled back their appearances.
“Glorious Appearing” sets the tone for this album and tells of Christ’s glorious return. Kim takes the lead on the powerful ballad “I Will Sing,” which tells of sharing the Gospel through song and praising Him no matter the circumstances. “Glory Up Ahead” is sure to be another hit for the group. This fun, mid-tempo tune looks toward Heaven and the Glory waiting for us. Karlye Hopper shines on “If I Had Known You Better,” a powerful ballad that tells of a journey to Christ. If I had known you better, I would have come running. I would have seen Mercy when I looked at you. “Believe For It” features Kim and proclaims our belief in Christ the Almighty. Connie Hopper is featured on one track: a ballad entitled “The Climb.” This song, originally recorded by Tribute Quartet, is right up her alley. Dean is featured on the up-tempo “Daniel Open Up Your Window.” This fun tune tells the story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den. “Can You See The Clock” is another ballad featuring Kim which asks listeners: Are you ready for Christ’s return? “Worth A Million Words” is a mid-tempo track featuring Dean and Karlye that simply says: words cannot describe His Love for us. Kim takes the lead once again on “God Of A Second Chance,” another powerful ballad that closes out the recording.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE HOPPERS CONTINUE TO DELIGHT LISTENERS WITH THEIR SIGNATURE FAMILY HARMONIES. THIS EXCITING ALBUM FEATURES TOP NOTCH VOCALS, WELL CRAFTED SONGS, AND THE SIGNATURE STYLE LISTENERS COME TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP. I WOULD HAVE LIKED A FEATURE FROM CLAUDE AND MIKE AS WELL, BUT THAT DOES NOT TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ALBUM AT ALL. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “THE CLIMB,” “CAN YOU SEE THE CLOCK,” “GLORY UP AHEAD,” AND “IF I HAD KNOWN YOU BETTER.”
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thehoppers.com
JOHN 3:16
THE PERRYS
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN
RELEASE DATE: MAY 20, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: LIBBI PERRY STUFFLE (ALTO), JARED STUFFLE (BASS), SCOTT BRAND (LEAD), JAMIE STREETMAN (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
1. “John 3:16 Is Calling Out To You” (Val Dacus, Joel Lindsey)
2. “I Think I’ll Just Go On” (Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey)
3. “Heaven To Me” (Daniel Doss, Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood)
4. “Tell The Grave” (Shelby Haun, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey)
5. “Calvary’s Touch” (Karen McPherson, Kyla Rowland)
6. “Baptized” (Marcia Henry)
7. “Whatever It Takes” (Wayne Haun, Barbara Huffman, Lyn Rowell)
8. “God Did” (Daryl Johnson, Dixie Phillips, Brian Principe)
9. “Warmin’ Up” (Carroll McGruder)
10. “That Sounds Like Home To Me” (Eddie Crook, Aaron Wilburn)
THOUGHTS:
The Perrys are back with another strong recording with John 3:16. Joining Libbi Stuffle and son Jared are former Gold City lead Scott Brand (who joined in 2021) and new baritone Jamie Streetman. This line-up featuring Brand’s powerhouse lead vocal harkens back to the Loren Harris era of the group. Brand is featured prominently on this album with six solos. His commanding lead shines on “Heaven To Me,” a powerful ballad that simply says: As long as I am where Jesus is, that is Heaven to me. He also shares the lead with Libbi on two other ballads: the country-flavored mid-tempo “Tell The Grave” and epic “Calvary’s Touch.” Libbi takes the lead on the country groove “Baptized.” This fun mid-tempo tune tells of being born again, purified, and cleansed in the water. Under the waters the old man died! New baritone Jamie Streetman shines on “Whatever It Takes,” a mid-tempo song that reminds us that Jesus has paid the price for us. No cost is too great. His Love is boundless. Jared Stuffle takes the lead on the tender “God Did.” This sweet song reminds us that God has a plan for us. He can use anyone. Jared’s voice keeps getting stronger and stronger. This is his best feature to date. Scott Brand is featured once again on the uptempo McGruders’ classic “Warmin’ Up,” which looks toward Heaven. This great album closes with a rousing rendition of “That Sounds Like Home To Me” featuring Libbi.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
ANOTHER FANTASTIC ALBUM FROM THIS BELOVED GROUP. SCOTT BRAND AND JAMIE STREETMAN ARE GREAT ADDITIONS TO THE GROUP. TOP NOTCH VOCALS AND WELL CRAFTED SONGS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “BAPTIZED,” “THAT SOUNDS LIKE HOME TO ME,” “GOD DID,” “WARMIN UP,” AND “HEAVEN TO ME.”
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.perrysministries.com
LOVE IS THE VOICE
THE TAYLORS
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 3, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: CHRIS TAYLOR (BARITONE/BASS), JONATHAN TAYLOR (LEAD/ TENOR), SUZANNE TAYLOR HISE (ALTO), AND LESLIE TAYLOR PERKINS (SOPRANO)
SONG LIST:
1. “God Do It Again” (Lee Black, Scott Inman)
2. “Love Is The Voice” (Gene Ezell, Wayne Haun)
3. “What I Know” (Adina Bowman, Bernadette Negus)
4. “I’m Loving You More Every Day” (Becky Pearce, Jimmy Pearce, Aaron Wilburn)
5. “Only Passing Through” (Chris Binion, Wayne Haun, Kevin Winebarger)
6. “Break Me Back To You” (Wayne Haun, Jordan Lloyd, Sean Smith)
7. “Look What He’s Done For Me” (Ruby Berry)
8. “Proclaim The Name (Jesus, Jesus)” (Dave Clark, Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun) 9. “Better Land” (Rachel McCutcheon)
THOUGHTS:
Love Is The Voice brings the Taylors back to their roots and the mixed quartet style. Leslie Taylor Perkins rejoins her family on this album after leaving the group in 2016. She temporarily rejoined to participate in a reunion tour as well.
Jonathan’s lead is featured on the catchy opening track “God Do It Again.” Chris’s smooth baritone shines on the title track which tells of Christ’s unchanging Love. “What I Know” is a true Southern Gospel style ballad featuring Suzanne’s strong alto. This powerful track says: What I know is there is Grace for each new day. Jesus never makes mistakes. I may not know the future, but I know who is in control! Leslie’s powerful soprano is featured on the mid-tempo praise ballad “I’m Loving You More Every Day.” Jonathan is featured again on “Only Passing Through,” which was recently recorded by Legacy Five. Chris shines on “Break Me Back To You,” a reflective ballad that simply says: I surrender to Your Way. Leslie takes the lead once again on “Look What He’s Done For Me,” a tender ballad reflecting on the many things Christ has done for us. He took away my broken heart and gave me a smile. He took away my sins. He made me His child. “Proclaim The Name (Jesus, Jesus)” features both Chris and Jonathan and praises the name of Jesus. Suzanne is featured on another ballad entitled “Better Land,” which looks to Heaven.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
OVERALL, THIS IS ANOTHER HIGHLY ENJOYABLE ALBUM FROM THE TAYLORS. GREAT SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH ARRANGEMENTS.
HIGHLIGHTS: “BREAK ME BACK TO YOU,” “GOD DO IT AGAIN,” AND “WHAT I KNOW.”
4 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thetaylorsmusic.com
TAKE THE STEP
THE BOOTH BROTHERS
LABEL: CUSTOM
PRODUCER: JASON WEBB
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 24, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: MICHAEL BOOTH (TENOR), BUDDY MULLINS (LEAD), JIM BRADY (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
1. “Here In This Place” (Jim Brady, Don Poythress, Tony Wood)
2. “For God So Loved” (Andrew Bergthold, Frances Rae Cash, Martin Cash, Scott Cash)
3. “Rise Again” (Dallas Holm)
4. “I Am Loved” (Gloria Gaither, William J Gaither)
5. “His Strength Is Perfect” (Steven Curtis Chapman, Jerry Salley)
6. “Take Another Step” (Steven Curtis Chapman)
7. “Almost Morning” (Joseph Habedank, Matthew Holt)
8. “Shall We Gather At The River” (Robert Lowery)
9. “Sing Wherever I Go” (Andrew Bergthold, Kyle Briskin, Ed Cash, Frances Rae Cash, Martin Cash, Scott Cash)
10. “Even If” (Scott Krippayne, Tony Wood)
THOUGHTS:
The Booth Brothers have experienced some personnel changes as of late with the departure of longtime lead singer Ronnie Booth as well as baritone Paul Lancaster. Buddy Mullins (Gaither Vocal Band) now fills the lead position while former baritone Jim Brady returns. This album was originally recorded with Paul Lancaster, but now has been rereleased with Jim Brady’s vocals.
This album features ten inspirational covers ranging in style from classic Southern Gospel to progressive and CCM worship. Jim Brady takes the lead on the opening track “Here In This Place.” The worshipful “For God So Loved” is given the Booth Brothers treatment and is sure to be a hit at concerts.Buddy Mullins shines on the Dallas Holm classic “Rise Again,” which tells of Resurrection. Michael Booth takes the lead on the Gaither classic “I Am Loved,” which perfectly suits his stellar tenor voice. It is given a nice new treatment here. “His Strength Is Perfect” is a tender ballad that praises Christ for His Strength. He will carry us when we can’t carry on! Buddy takes the lead on the Steven Curtis Chapman tune “Take Another Step.” Michael Booth delivers an incredible vocal on the moving “Almost Morning,” previously recorded by the Perrys. The trio’s intricate and beautiful harmonies are on full display on the classic hymn “Shall We Gather At The River.” “Sing Wherever I Go” is a fun catchy tune that is sure to become a hit for the group. This stellar album closes with another great ballad entitled “Even If.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE BOOTH BROTHERS DELIVER YET ANOTHER STELLAR RECORDING. POWERFUL VOCALS, MASTERFUL HARMONIES, AND INCREDIBLE SONGS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “ALMOST MORNING,” “SING WHEREVER I GO,” “FOR GOD SO LOVED,” AND “I AM LOVED.”
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.boothbrothers.com
COME ON IN
THE GUARDIANS QUARTET
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN, JOHN DARIN ROWSEY
RELEASE DATE: JULY 29, 2022
GROUP MEMBERS: DEAN HICKMAN (TENOR), JOHN DARIN ROWSEY (LEAD), PAT BARKER (BASS), AND SCOTT MULLINS (BARITONE)
SONG LIST:
1. “Come On In” (Traditional)
2. “Not For Long” (Karen Peck Gooch, John Darin Rowsey, Sue C Smith)
3. “What You Can’t Remember” (John Darin Rowsey, Daryl Williams)
4. “He’ll Move Heaven And Earth” (Wayne Haun, Dean Hickman, John Darin Rowsey)
5. “Cast My Care” (Dave Clark, John Darin Rowsey)
6. “I Need You” (Rodney Griffin, John Darin Rowsey)
7. “Heaven Is Happening” (John Darin Rowsey, Sue C Smith)
8. “Rest In Him” (Pam Hall, John Darin Rowsey)
9. “He Grew The Tree” (Chuck Lawrence)
10. “Surely He Did” (John Darin Rowsey, Sue C Smith)
THOUGHTS:
The Guardians Quartet deliver yet another stellar recording with Come On In. This exciting new album features ten inspirational songs that are sure to delight listeners. This is the group’s first project on Daywind Records.
The album opens with a true barn burner in “Come On In,” which invites God into our hearts and in our place of worship. John Darin Rowsey takes the lead on “Not For Long,” which is in classic Guardias style. Pat Barker’s upper register shines on the beautiful mid-tempo ballad entitled “What You Can’t Remember.” This moving song asks God to help us forget the sins and pain that He can’t remember. “He’ll Move Heaven And Earth” is a fun, up-tempo tune featuring Dean Hickman’s signature tenor. This song reminds us of God’s Love for us. Scott Mullins shines on “Cast My Care” a mid-tempo track that reminds us to cast our cares on Jesus for He will help us bear our burdens. John Darin Rowsey shines once again on “I Need You,” a ballad that asks God for wisdom and to walk with us. Pat Barker’s smooth bass is featured once again on the fun, up-tempo groove “Heaven Is Happening.” Dean Hickman takes the lead on “Rest In Him,” a tender ballad that reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. When you are down, rest in Him. Mullins shines once again on the classic “He Grew The Tree.” This beautiful ballad tells how Jesus died on the Cross so that we would go free. This fantastic album closes with the swing styled “Surely He Did” which tells of Christ’s many blessings and provisions.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE GUARDIANS DELIVER YET ANOTHER STELLAR RECORDING. TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION QUALITY, ARRANGEMENTS, SONGS AND VOCALS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “HEAVEN IS HAPPENING,” “SURELY HE DID,” “REST IN HIM,” “COME ON IN,” “NOT FOR LONG,” AND “WHAT YOU CAN’T REMEMBER.”
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.guardiansquartet.com
STAY TUNED FOR MORE REVIEWS!
-JUSTIN GILMORE