Best Albums of 2012

Here are my favorite albums that were recorded in 2012. What were your favorites?

Brian Free & Assurance - Nothing But Love
Favorite Tracks: I Want to Be That Man, I Will Be Praying, Guard Your Heart, If the Lord Says Do It, It's Quite a Valley
Style: Contemporary, Progressive
Comments: Traditional SoGo fans probably won't like this album, but if you like musical diversity, Nothing But Love is a great project with a great selection of songs.

Legacy Five - Count Your Blessings
Favorite Tracks: Blood Washed Band, I Call You Faithful, It Is No Secret, Heaven Came Down
Style: Southern Gospel, Traditional
Comments: The audio quality on this CD was much better than the quality of L5's last album A Wonderful Life. On another note, although it will probably take long-time fans a while to get over Glenn Dustin's departure, Matt Fouch fits in just fine.

Lefevre Quartet - But For the Cross
Favorite Tracks: But For the Cross, I'm So Saved, The Wedding Song, Put It Right There
Style: Mixed (both progressive and Southern Gospel style songs)
Comments: This CD has something for everybody. I really enjoyed most of the songs, and I think this group deserves more attention.

Mark Trammell Quartet - Lifetime
Favorite Tracks: Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah, I Sing the Mighty Power, Meet Me Over On the Other Side
Style: Traditional, Southern Gospel
Comments: The huge orchestrations arranged by Lari Goss won me over to this project.


 

CD Review: "Right Now" (Old Paths Quartet)

Battle Stand - Love the choice of instruments, particularly the banjo and drums. Not as fast as some of the others, but nearly as good. 5 stars

He's My Song - This is a very slow and peaceful song. I love the first part of the chorus that goes "He's my song, when I don't feel like singing." (words in italics indicate the rest of the group joining the soloist) 4.5 stars

Woke Up This Morning - Very fast and fun, great harmony, very smooth. The Old Paths have a talented bass singer. This song should bring down the house in a concert setting. 5 stars

Everlasting Yes - This is a good song, but I just wonder what it would sound like with a big orchestra. It could get a little draggy if you're not in the right mood. 4.5-5 stars