Short Review: "The Anchor Holds" (Reflection Trio)

Pros:

• The music was very professionally produced, with Roger Talley working on the project.  There's a lot of ballads with big orchestrations, as well as fun faster-paced tracks like "That Same Blood."

Cons:

• The "piano" sounds pretty bad.  The studio needs to invest in a real piano, or at least get a realistic-sounding keyboard.
• There's some kind of instrument in the background of nearly every track, that blends with the percussion and makes all the songs have a certain familiarity about them.  I think it's some kind of guitar, but it needs to be used less frequently.
• I wish there was at least one more fast-paced song.  There's only four of them compared with six ballads.
• The album might have benefited from a couple of lighter ballads.  They're all pretty heavily orchestrated (with "I'm Amazed" being the lightest)  The beginning of "Under His Wings" is even lighter, with little or no orchestration, but it doesn't follow through till the end of the song

Comments: The Anchor Holds is a CD worth listening to.  The songs on it haven't been sung to death and the music is very good.  I really like the project.

I would like to clarify about the song list.  "Under His Wings" is a different song than the old hymn you may sing in church, although the chorus is sung twice at the end.  "I Go to the Rock" is not the version that the Kingdom Heirs and Legacy Five did.  "I Will Praise You" is different than "I Will Praise Him," and "I'm Amazed" is not the praise-type chorus done by Mercy's Mark, but is actually the song that was IMO ruined by [Jason Crabb?]  "I Am Not Ashamed" is a completely different song than the Inspirations sang.  Just wanted to let you know, in case you look at the song list and think: "They've all been sung to death.  I'm not listening to the CD."  A couple of the songs, that I know of, have been sung by other groups, but they haven't been done too much.

Southern Gospel fans will enjoy listening to jazzy "I Go to the Rock," worshipful "Under His Wings," and the slightly progressive "Jesus Never Fails."  4.5/5 stars

Favorite Songs: That Same Blood, The Anchor Holds

Song List: I Will Praise You, I'm Amazed, I Go to the Rock, The Anchor Holds, Jesus Never Fails, Calvary Came Through, That Same Blood, I Know My Redeemer Lives, I Am Not Ashamed, Under His Wings

Short Review: Forgiven Self-Titled CD

EDIT: Listen to two songs from this CD right now!

Forgiven is a mixed trio sponsored by Hobe Sound Bible College in Hobe Sound, Florida.  These kind of groups tend usually to get one album, and then "disappear."  While this project is not on the scale of a lot of Southern Gospel projects, it's still worth a listen.


Pros:

• Music.  I've heard some projects where a group was accompanied by just a piano.  Thankfully this wasn't the case on Forgiven.
• Talent.  While there are places where the group is perhaps not as strong as they should be, they are good singers and aren't afraid to use their voices!  (Listen to the second verse of "Because He Lives.")
• Song selection.  I would have chosen different songs to substitute in several places, but Forgiven didn't sing songs that have recently been done by major Southern Gospel groups.

Cons:

• There's something about the music that I can't quite put my finger on.  But I think it might be this.  The music (particularly the drums and the brass instruments) needs to be louder.  I think some better mixing would have made a huge difference.

Comments: This is a nice album to listen to, especially when you're in the mood for something lighter.  You can order it online at: www.hsbc.edu.  4 stars

Favorite Songs: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), Everlasting Peace, Shout to the Lord, Oh Come Along, Because He Lives

Credits:
Song List: Because He Lives, Born Again, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), Everything, O God Our Help In Ages Past (accapella), Everlasting Peace, Shout to the Lord, Great Is Thy Faithfulness (piano solo), Heaven Medley, O Come Along, I've Come Too Far Medley
Group Members: Jac Crawford, Amy Going, Tim Henson (Pianist), Julia Stetler
Music Credits: Produced by Paul Stetler, Engineered by Chas Payson, Recorded and Mixed at Echo Beach Studios (Jupiter FL), Orchestration and Bass by Milton Smith, Piano by Timothy Henson, Drums by Todd Walker
Photography and Graphic Design: Mark Going

Greater Vision "The Only Way" Review

(Note: I know this review is way late, and that the album came out several months ago.  But I just got to listen to it the other night, so I thought I'd write a review anyway.)

He Didn't When He Could Have Passed By: Starting out the project is a fast-paced song with a country/bluegrass style.  This could be one of the jazziest Greatest Vision songs to date.  It was written by Rodney Griffin.  (Of course!  His songs are always really good.)  I don't have anything special to say.  Just that's it's a catchy song with a great beat and good lyrics and awesome music.  5 stars

Safe Within His Hand - This song can be compared in some aspects, to "You Were Faithful Yesterday." (Welcome Back)  It's about the same pace, medium slow.  And the music sounds somewhat similar.  It does have more of a country flavor though.  My favorite part is the end of the chorus.  3.5 stars

No Longer Chained - I love how this song is arranged.  The intro is slow, with soft orchestration, leading you to think that a ballad is coming.  But then the speed picks up with guitars and a nice string section.  The guitars make the track feel slightly country, but with the orchestration, it's a lot different than a country song.  Once again Rodney has written a winner.  At the end, the singing stops, the music starts playing again, and fades out, like in the Perry's "Blue Skies Coming."  4 stars

I Know A Man Who Can - Wow.  Chris Allman really gets into it.  4 stars

He's the Only Way - This is a fun song, very fast, with a good message.  A lot of people are very "tolerant," saying that "all roads lead to Heaven."  But of course, that's not true, and I appreciate Greater Vision singing the truth.  4.5 stars

Like I Wished I Lived - Slowing the pace, "Like I Wished I Lived," provides a nice ballad.  (you have to be in the mood for something slower of course) I would like to comment on this being the radio single.  My question is: why?  It's a fine song, but it doesn't compare to some of the other tracks.  The orchestration is rather light, and it just doesn't seem like a song to make people think: "I've got to get that album!"  4 stars

But God - Written by Rodney Griffin and Twila LaBar, this is another nice ballad.  I think this is perhaps slightly better than the last one.  It seems a little faster, as well.  The orchestration is, once again, pretty light. 3.5 stars

We Still Have to Pray - IMO, there should been a fast song here.  This makes three ballads in a row, and after "Eternity's About to Begin," there's two more.  As to the music, very light, with hardly any orchestration, barely any drums.  A lot of instruments come together at the bridge, but then leave, as the group sings the chorus again.

Eternity's About to Begin - This is a really fun, catchy, awesome song!  The organ produces a really neat sound.  The chorus, in particular, is really fun as there's a lot of words stuffed in.  There's a great beat, and the production is spectacular.  This would bring down the house in a concert setting, probably making at least one encore.  Similar to "No Longer Chained," the track starts out slow, but this time you can tell that it's going to get better.  I will definitely be listening to this a lot.  6 stars (Yes, I like it so much, that it went off the usual 1 to 5 star rating scale!)

Heaven Can't Be Far Away - I've heard a larger-scale version of this song by the Mark Trammell Trio on Once Upon a Cross, as they had a choir accompanying the group.  This version was good though, and it didn't really need a choir.  3.5 stars

Another Child's Coming Home - This is, IMO, the best ballad on The Only Way.  It's different than some of Greater Vision's recent hits ("God So Loves Me," "It Pays to Pray")  But it's still a nice song.  It's lighter.  And..."peaceful?"  (Sorry if I'm making no sense)  5 stars

Closing Comments:
Recently Greater Vision has put out a lot of albums with re-released songs.  (e.g. Welcome Back, Nothing But Fast, 20 Years: Live in Texas, ect.)  So it's about time that they put out a new original CD.

This CD has several solid songs, but it could have been improved in several ways.  For one thing, I would have liked to see at least one more fast song.  And I think that bigger orchestration on several songs would have been nice as well.

Greater Vision is an excellent group, and, as I was saying to somebody recently, their music is very worshipful.  Let's pray that they keep up with the God-glorifying music, and not merge into more
"progressive" styles.

Favorites: "Eternity's About to Begin," "No Longer Chained," "Another Child's Coming Home"

Gold City - "A Collection of Hits" Review

This CD is a collection of pre-released songs, which is obvious considering the title.  I've never really liked the early music of Gold City.  The project has some good songs, but they are from relatively old CD's.  If you are new to the world of SG music, and you like how the group songs, then you may enjoy this CD.  If you have been listening for a long time, and if you have a large collection of Gold City music, then it will possibly be a waste of money.  Songs include: "That Little Baby," "Where Is God," "God's Building a Church," "There Rose a Lamb," "When He Blessed My Soul," and many more.  There are 15 songs in all.  Some of my favorites are: "Surely," "It's Still the Cross," and "Where Is God."

Gold City - "A Collection of Favorites Volume 1" Review

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials - This is one of those classics that are sung a lot on the "Hymns" albums that a lot of groups put on.  It's a great song anyway, but Gold City really does a great job with it.  5 stars

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow - This version of the old hymn, is up-tempo, unlike the one produced by Signature Sound with George Younce, or the one that Phil and Kim Collingsworth sang.  The song sounds kind of "modern," with electric guitars and organ.  4.5 stars

There Is a River - This is one of the only slow songs from this CD.  This  one has also been done by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound.  The two versions have noteable differences.  The music of this one is heavier, the other lighter.  You probably won't listen to this a lot, as it tends to drag on.  3 stars

Life's Railway to Heaven - Some early versions of this song have a train feel incorporated in the music.  This one doesn't have that sound as noticeably.  But if you listen, you can hear it in the percussion.  The chorus is the best part.  4 stars

Where the Roses Never Fade - Ah, one of those old Cathedral classics.  You've got to love this song.  Medium tempo.  It moves along at a nice clip, but doesn't drag on and on.  4 stars

I'll Have a New Life - Another old Cathedrals song.  This one is good, although I don't know if it beats it's predecessor.  It's not as fast as the version the Cathedrals did, but it's still tremendous.  4.5 stars

Rainbow of Love - While we're on the Cathedral kick, this sounds like a song they'd sing.  And the music even resembles the music from some of their older recordings.  At the end, they sing the chorus again at a slower pace.  The kind of music is classic Southern Gospel.  4 stars

At the Cross - Medium slow tempo, with lots of organ.  4.5 stars
Heaven's Jubilee - Very fast tempo, Legacy Five's version from Know So Salvation is better.  3 stars.

He Hideth My Soul - I absolutely love this old hymn.  And Gold City doesn't disappoint in delivering it.  It has no orchestration, and minimal accompaniment (just the piano)  The soloist sings the first verse and chorus, and then the second verse.  Then the rest of the group comes in on the chorus.  I'm thankful for this, as the version from the Soul'd Out Quartet's album Ain't Nobody had a soloist singing the entire thing.  I think this song would have been better with orchestration, or at least more accompaniment, such as drums.  But they still did a good job.  4 stars

Review:
Gold City did a really good job with this project.  All old songs, with the current group members, and it's definitely a keeper.  Gold City is a very talented group with great songs.  Let's hope that their upcoming project will be as good as this one was.  This is a great CD to buy for those who love quartet music.  4 star rating for the whole album.

Whisnants - "More Than Enough" Review

Oh It Is Jesus - Starting out the latest addition to the Whisnant's music is a medium-fast song (penned by Jim Brady) with a bit of a country flavor.  This, personally, isn't my favorite style of music (you'll have to listen to it to know what I mean), but it's still a great song.  It probably won't be remembered as a classic though.  4 stars

All Is Well - Glancing at the song titles on the back of the album, you might think that this is a faster-paced song, like Greater Vision did in My Favorite Place or the Perrys in Look No Further.  (different songs with the same title)  However, it's a slow ballad with powerful orchestration.  It sounds absolutely awesome.  Near the end, part of the chorus from the old hymn "It is Well With My Soul" is sung.  I give this song (written by Melissa Brady) a 5 star rating.  This is one of the best ballads from More Than Enough.


God Settled It All - The intro of "God Settled It All" has a very progressive feeling, and some of that even carries into the rest of the song.  The music has some similarities to "King Jesus Is Coming," from one of the Whisnant's previous albums.  This is a really great up-tempo number, and should make a great concert hit.  Written by Amy Shellem and Daryl Williams, this is probably a different song than you first assumed it would be.  5 stars.


I'm Trusting the Blood - The group slows down the pace with this ballad, written by Joel Hemphill.  The music is much lighter than, say, "All Is Well" or "I Will Glory in the Cross."  It's a very nice song to listen to when you're in the mood for something more relaxed.  4 stars


He's Living Today - I assume this is the group's new radio single, since it's the only full song on their website homepage.   It's a great number with a great use of the brass and strings sections.  And the harp (I believe that's what it is) is nice too.  I think it will work well for radio, but it wouldn't have been my first pick.  On a side note, it appears that they used a very small part of the hymn "He Lives" as a tag at the end.  3.5 stars


I'll Trust the Potter's Hand - Here's another ballad for those of you who like peaceful songs.  Once again, not my favorite style.  The music has a slightly more serious feel than "I'm Trusting the Blood."  Susan takes the lead, much the same as Libbi Stuffle did in the Perry's radio hit "The Potter Knows the Clay." (Look No Further)  3 stars


Are You Ready - Written by Monty Lane Allen, "Are You Ready" does not bear any resemblance to Gold City's song.  The music is much faster and jazzier.  This is a "feel-good" kind of song, although it doesn't compete with the other up-tempo numbers from this project.  3.5 stars.


I Will Glory in the Cross - The Whisnant's do a good job with this song, which was penned by Dottie Rambo.  A ballad of course, with lots of heavy orchestration.  It is longer than any of the other songs (5:26) which probably means you won't hear it on your local gospel station, at least not anytime soon.  "In the Cross" makes a nice bridge about 3/4 of the way through.  4 stars


Weapon of Prayer - "Weapon of Prayer" is not my type of song.  It's not fast, but sort of medium-slow.  And the music leaves much to be desired.  I suppose it's not all as bad as I'm making it out to be.  It has some neat lyrics (although I think they should have mentioned more specific weapons [e.g. shotgun, bow, AK-47])  My favorite lines are:
"I have a weapon I know how to use."

and:

"Resisting the devil doesn't mean I should run, I cannot expect him to lay down his guns."
3 stars


Ready Medley - This medley includes "Ready to Leave," "I'm Getting Ready to Leave This World," and "Goodbye World Goodbye."   Of course anytime a group sings that last one, we always hear a lot from the brass instruments.  This is a fun, happy song to listen to, with very fast tempo.  4 stars


Burn the Boat - This is the best song on More Than Enough in my opinion.  At first the tempo is slow, but as we get to the chorus it speeds up some.  The lyrics are great, with a really good message.  It was penned by Dianne Wilkinson, and produced by Mylon Hayes.  (He did an incredible job!)  This should definitely be one of the radio singles.  It surpasses a lot of the other songs.  The rating is easily 5 stars.

Final Comments:  I would definitely recommend this CD to a friend.  None of the songs are too "progressive" (such as a lot of the numbers Brian Free & Assurance or the Gaither Vocal Band do)  The Whisnants stick close to the Southern Gospel style, while still giving some variety.  There are only two or three songs that I don't really care for.  The Whisnants are one of the best family/mixed groups in Southern Gospel music (along with the Collingsworth and the Perrys to name a couple), and their producers Lari Goss, Jim Brady, and Mylon Hayes did an excellent job handling the music.  Their latest addition to the SG world doesn't disappoint, a definite must-buy.  This is a 5-star project.

Radio Picks: Burn the Boat, All Is Well, God Settled It All, I Will Glory in the Cross

Legacy Five - "A Wonderful Life" Review

A Wonderful Life: Has a great message.  Christians can certainly agree that serving God is wonderful, and that he gives us all kinds of blessings, the biggest being the promise of a home in heaven, and the "Wonderful Life" we have here.  As for the song, it has medium tempo, with a cheerful feel.  And it makes a great album title.  4 stars

God Had a Hand In It: Not many songs talk about evolution.  This is an exception to the rule.  It states: "there ain't no big bang about it...God had a hand in it."  Southern Gospel needs more songs that address these kinds of issues.  Even some people who claim to be Christians are confused about this topic. (theistic evolutionists.)  So thumbs-up to Legacy Five for singing the truth.  Fast country/jazz might be the best way to describe it.  3 stars

Ask Me Why: May remind long-time L5 fans of some of the older albums.  (e.g. Strong in the Strength)  It's a pretty ballad, in a high key.  I don't know about you, but the title reminds me of the Kingdom Heirs song "Tell Me Who."

Nobody Ever Loved Me Like God Does: This is the best song on the CD, up to this point.  It's a fun song, sprinkled with a country flavor, verses sung by the talented Scott Fowler.  4 stars for a great song.

There’s Only Well – Cross4Crowns beat Legacy Five to this song in It Just Started For Me.  The two versions have distinct differences though.  The music is a lot different, and Cross4Crown's soloist handled the verses better than Legacy Five's.  So, I would have to say, after listening to both songs, Cross4Crowns was the better of the two.  Legacy Five's is good as well, making "There's Only One Well" one of the best songs on the project.  5 stars

Just Because Of You: The group slows down the pace, with a ballad.  The song recognizes the value of a family, and it's a really great-sounding song, especially when they get into the chorus.  This song will probably get overlooked more than some on the CD, but it deserves a lot of credit. 5 stars

God Cares For Me: Legacy Five quickly comes back with another medium-fast "fun" song.  It took me a few listens, before I really started to enjoy this song.  This could make a good concert song, if the group decides to sing this in their performances.  4 stars

Living in the Palace: The music from "Living in the Palace" is very reminiscent of the style of "Contemporary Christian Music" that has become increasingly popular over the years.  I don't think the song is bad, it doesn't have a rock n' roll backbeat, and it's not even nearly as rocky as many of the songs from that genre.  But it still reminds of that type of music.  I'm not all out criticizing the song.  It's fun to listen to, but I don't think Legacy Five should do a lot of these.  They need to keep singing the Southern Gospel style.  5 stars

Destination Known: 5 stars, a faster-paced song, not as "fun" as some, but I like it better than some of those kinds of songs.  It's more "serious" sounding.

I’m Still Amazed: This is one of my favorite songs from A Wonderful Life.  "I’m Still Amazed” bears resemblances to several songs from all over the Southern Gospel genre.  Mainly “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now” by the Lefevre Quartet, but also “Blue Skies Coming” by the Perry’s, and “I Know I’m Going Home” by the Triumphant Quartet.  This song has a nice brass section throughout it.  Not like “I Believe” by Gold City, it’s more “concealed.”  It also utilizes the strings sections in a pleasant way.  5 stars

For What Earthly Reason – There are certain songs that, when you mention them, Southern Gospel fans will almost certainly recognize.  "He Looked Beyond My Faults," and "Champion of Love" are two examples.  While "For What Earthly Reason" may not be as well known as some, people will still remember this song, back from the days when the Cathedrals sang.  It's a pretty song, the music isn't as heavy as a lot of ballads tend to be, but it doesn't ruin the track.  4 stars

God Is Still In America – This song is interesting in that it references recent world events(Ground Zero, the flood in New Orleans).  It's a solid ballad, nicely orchestrated, with a good message.  Legacy Five released this quite a while back, as a free listen on their blog.  You can likely still download it there, if you don't want to buy the whole album.  4 stars

Final Review: I was disappointed, at first, with this CD, thinking it not as good as "God's Been Good," or "Just Stand."  But after listening a couple of times, I'm starting to appreciate it more than I did.  It has some great fast music as well as slow ballads.  It will make a good addition to your music collection, especially to those who love Legacy Five's music.

Kingdom Heirs - "We Will Stand Our Ground" Review

Heaven Is My Goal - Southern Gospel style, fast pace makes this a great song.  5 stars

If You Give the Devil an Inch - Light jazz for the music, interesting lyrics, not fast, and not slow either.  4 stars

I'm Gonna Hit the Ground Running - Country/Jazz feel, heavier than some of the previous songs.  (If You Give the Devil an Inch)  5 stars

I'm Not Worried About Forever - Light music on the verses.  A little heavier on the chorus.  I can't really pinpoint an exact genre for this one.  Perhaps Southern Gospel/Country?  4 stars

Just Preach Jesus - Now we really get into it with Just Preach Jesus.  Totally awesome!  A must buy if you just want to sample the album.  I saw them sing this live in concert at Dollywood, and since them, it's really been one of my favorites!  Heavier than the previous.  Southern Gospel style.  5 stars

No Bones About It - Another solid hit.  Like the last one in some aspects.  This could be make a good radio single.  Instead of that horrid "Tell Me Why" that they picked instead.  41/2 stars

We Will Stand Our Ground - The only truly slow song on this CD, "We Will Stand Our Ground" makes a good title.  It's also not a bad song, though it probably won't be remembered with radio singles like "The Empty Tomb Says It All."   5 stars

When Heaven's Gates Swing Open - I said that the former song was the only truly slow song.  That's true in the song.  It's more serious than a lot of the others.  But this one would probably take second place, (either this or "If You Give the Devil an Inch") although it's more "cheerful" than "We Will Stand Our Ground.  Done in classic Southern Gospel style.  31/2 stars

Where's John - The most serious song on this CD, in my opinion, "Where's John" takes the viewpoint of a man who has been left behind when in the rapture.  He looks for his brother, and can't find him.  And he remember's some things that John (his brother) told him about Jesus coming back.  And no, in case you're wondering, this song has absolutely nothing to do with John in the Bible.  Spooky music, kind of like a haunted house.  4 stars

I'm a Brand New Man - This is the rockiest song on the KH's newest CD.  It takes the viewpoint of Zachaeuas, and has some great lyrics (lines like "I love the folks I used to love to hate)  I saw this in concert too.  5 stars

Tell Me Who - I don't really like this one.  I believe it's the radio single (unfortunately) and is not very good.


Conclusion:
When I first heard previews of this album, I though "interesting titles, doesn't really sound very good."  But getting a copy of the music, and listening to the whole thing, has really changed my mind.  This is a really good CD, and I fully recommend getting it.  If you get a physical copy, even better, it has some cool cover artwork.  The songs have varying styles, from jazz, to classic Southern Gospel, to slow music, to country.  You can hear it for free at napster.com (you get 25 free song plays [a month?])  My final review is 5 stars.

Kingsmen: Grace Says Review

Kingsmen - Grace Says

After the Sunrise - 5 Stars - This song was produced in a traditional Southern Gospel style.  It may remind you of the Cathedral's.  One of my favorites from the album, and definitely a must-buy if you only want to get a few tracks from the album.

The Love of Christ - 5 stars - Another really great song, this one slows down a bit.  I like this one better than the version the Integrity Quartet (aka Triumphant Quartet) did.  The music is better, and isn't as heavy.   On a sidenote I noticed that the bass singer wasn't as noticeable as the Integrity Quartet's.

Grace Says ­- 31/2 stars - This one slows down a lot more than the last two.  Probably won't be remembered as a hit, but a nice tune and words.

He's Everything I Need (That's All I Need) - 5 stars - The radio single for this project, it's an awesome
song and has a great country flavor.  I love it, and it is absolutely a must-get.


I Can Hardly Wait - 5 stars - Fast-paced and sticking closely to the Southern Gospel feel.  Maybe not quite as good as the former 5-star rated songs, but it follows after them.  If you're not careful, it may get stuck in your head! :D


I Knew It Was Him - 31/2 stars - This track isn't that great, but it isn't bad, so I give it an average rating.  The music is really slow and doesn't have a lot of orchestration at the beginning.  It kind of picks up after the second verse, which makes that the best part of the song.


Loving Shepherd, Gracious God - 4 stars - Slow song, very calm, the tune of the chorus closely resembles that of the Inspiration's radio single "The Son Came Down."


Oh, What a Hallelujah Day - 3 stars - Drums, Piano, and Bass Guitar.  Very fast.  Southern Gospel.

Comments:
The last album from the Kingsmen', "Missing People" wasn't very good.  But the Kingsmen really came back strong with this one.
If you're looking for a great album to add to your collection, make sure you consider this one.  It will make a great addition to your collection.