Whosoever Will - This is a beautiful ballad that tells the story of a girl who runs away at 17 from a bad home. The second verse tells of a man who lived selfishly for 80 years, but as he neared his final days, he had a greater need than material possessions. The group really puts some energy and feeling into the bridge which sounds awesome! This song reminds me a lot of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s “You Are Welcome Here.”
Everywhere I Go - This song is not new to the Southern Gospel scene. The Browns recorded it on their album Now. The Liberty Quartet sang it as well as other groups too I’m sure. I think the song is pitched too low here, especially at the beginning. Libbi Stuffle helps bring it up a bit when she joins the others after the second verse.
Through the Night - The title song of this album, “Through the Night” is another beautiful ballad. It definitely fits in the “power ballad” category. The song talks about praising God “through the night, while this trial perseveres.” It’s a great testimony song to walking with God even when things are tough.
He Is Good to Me - This up-tempo tune was written by Wayne Haun and the Perry’s own Joseph Habedank . My favorite part is the verses. They have an interesting tune that’s fun to listen to.
Too Good to Not Be True - This song tells the story of the woman at the well. It offers a unique perspective that I’ve never really heard before. The first verse tells the story from her point of view and says that she tries to tell Jesus that he’s not supposed to talk to her, but he won’t give up. What a beautiful picture of God not giving up on us! This is a rather, quiet pretty song that may leave you thinking afterward.
The Blood and Its Power - This song has an interesting piano feature in the intro. It has almost a classical touch that doesn’t seem to quite fit with the rest of the song which is a medium tempo country-flavored tune. While I sometimes don’t enjoy medium-paced country-infused songs like this, I really enjoy this one. The tune and the words, as well as the unique intro combine to make a great song. I think part of the second verse is worth repeating, “It’s been removed [the blood] from many places, or watered down, but here’s a truth. It is how the lost are found.” Amen! :)
One of These Mornings - This is a great pick for the last up-tempo number. It starts big and doesn’t let up until the end where it goes out with a bang. For their last three albums, the Perrys have had at least one song, having a similar feel to this one, that had to do with Heaven, Death, or the Rapture. (“Dying Is a Day,” “Blue Skies Coming,” “One of These Mornings”) They’ve all made for great songs. This theme, as well as the style, works well for them.
Unspoken Request - This is a very unique song. Rather than try to explain it, I’ll just let you read the chorus:
“I was somebody’s unspoken request, the reason for their tears and pain. The saints joined together to lift me in prayer without even knowing my name. Laid on the altar and given to God, trusting the Father knows best. I stand here redeemed and an answer from Heaven, to someone’s unspoken request.”
When He Spoke - The first verse of this song pictures Mary as she meets Jesus for the first time after he had risen from the grave. This is the third and final power ballad on Through the Night. It’s another excellent slow song.
Comments:
Many groups have recorded projects that are good, even excellent. Some have even recorded several albums that are outstanding. But fewer groups have recorded at least three outstanding albums in a row. The Perrys are one of the few groups that have. The majority of the songs on at least their last four albums (Through the Night, Blue Skies Coming, Almost Morning) are not at all second rate! From song selection, to the musical styles they utilize, the Perrys continue to record excellent music. Through the Night is a wonderful addition to their already impressive catalog.
I think part of the reason I enjoy listening to the Perrys so much is largely due to the rich orchestrations many of their ballads, and even some of their up-tempo numbers (“I Know It Was the Blood,” “Blue Skies Coming”) hold. They also record mostly new songs from some of Southern Gospel’s top song writers. For example, on this album, I believe every single song with the exception of “Everywhere I Go” was a brand new song, never before sung by any group.
Through the Night is one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. I whole-heartedly recommend that you pick up a copy of this project as soon as you can!
CD Rating: 5 stars
Average Song Rating: 4 stars
Favorite Songs: “Whosoever Will,” “Through the Night,” “The Blood and Its Power,” “One of These Mornings”
Music Styles: Progressive Southern Gospel, Power Ballad
Produced by: Dottie Leonard Miller and Wayne Haun
Review copy not provided
