CD Review: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound "Here We Are Again"

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - This song, based on the old negro-spiritual, that was originally written by Wallis Willis, comes to life with the sound of a whirring movie projector.  It’s kind of a weird rendition of the song, especially when the group switches to using “mouth instruments,” as Yankee Gospel Girl put it (read her review here).  The song goes out as it came in, with the spinning projector sound.

Singing in the Midnight Hour - The last song sounded rather like a traditional quartet song, but this one is the opposite.  The style is pretty progressive, and fast.  Doug Anderson lends his signature sound (no pun intended) to the verses.  I don’t really like the style he lends here.  He can do and has done better.  The song has a good beat, but I can’t get past the vocal work.

Here We Are Again - This first ballad (I use that term loosely) has a slow country swing to it.  The group sings very traditionally, unlike “Singing In the Midnight Hour.”  I usually don’t care for these types of songs, but this one isn’t half bad!  I like hearing Ian Owens sing the first verse.

I Believe - I don’t have much to say about this track.  It’s a fairly big ballad.  The orchestration becomes especially heavy toward the end.  I don’t really like the song itself.

I’ve Been Here Before - The intro here leads you to think that a fast number is coming (the piano takes off at a pretty fast pace).  But once we get a little ways into the introduction, that assumption proves to be wrong.  It’s actually more of a bluesy medium-tempo song, rather than a toe-tapping, barn burner.

You Are Welcome Here - This is by far the best ballad on Here We Are Again, and probably the best song altogether.  The verses speak of a man, addicted and defeated, and a girl who’s been rejected by her friends and family (they couldn’t bear the choices she had made).  The song doesn’t elaborate on the bad choices made by the two, but I think we could hazard some pretty good guesses.  The chorus says:

You are welcome here; you are precious in His sight
Whatever you’ve done wrong, His love can make it right
So leave behind your troubled past, your guilt, and all your fear
My child, you are welcome here

Love Carried the Cross - From reading other reviews of Here We Are Again, this seems to be the favorite ballad for most people.  It is a good song, but I like “You Are Welcome Here” better, perhaps since it’s a story song.  This is the biggest power number on the album.

Stand By Me - I liked the soundtrack that Signature Sound in their first version of this song better.  The chorus for this soundtrack has a great beat, but other than that, it isn’t outstanding.  It’s more traditional than most of the other fast songs.

Everytime - Ernie is like a Chihuahua on espresso during this foot-stomping, hand-clapping, head-swinger!   It’s too hyper-active for me.  Also I don’t usually like talking and screaming in songs, especially on recorded studio versions.  This song belongs more on a VeggieTales CD or DVD rather than on a Southern Gospel quartet album.  It did have some cool sound effects, like a car alarm-sounding bit, and (geese?).

Sometimes I Wonder - This medium-paced song is distinct from the others, in that it sounds very acoustic.  As I listen to it, I think of songs like “Knowing You’ll Be There” (Gaither Vocal Band) and “If You Only Knew.” (Inspirations)  The subject-matter deals with deceased friends, though the songs rarely elaborate on who the person is, whether they were a family member, spouse, ect.  This song deserves a second listen.

Thankful - The tune to this song reminds me so much of the song “We Are So Blessed” (sung by the Cathedrals and Greater Vision).  It will probably get overlooked, as it’s not a particularly outstanding song, but it is very good nonetheless.

Any Other Man - This is without argument the most progressive song that I have ever heard Signature Sound sing.  Some might argue that “Get Away Jordan” or “Singing In the Midnight Hour” would be more progressive than this one, but those are more fast and energetic than contemporary.

Comments:
It’s been over three years since Signature Sound released an album with all-new songs.  That’s not to say that haven’t had a strong album in that same number of years.  On the contrary, A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet was very good and stayed true to the Southern Gospel style.  The last project, George Younce With EH&SS, was a disappointment though.  The group needed some strong material, especially being as popular as they are.

I am rather disappointed with Here We Are Again.  It definitely has some good songs, but the track list is rather hit and miss.  The group still needs some solid up-tempo numbers, and perhaps even a couple of more outstanding ballads.

I have to admit, there’s something for nearly everyone on this CD.  Southern Gospel fans may enjoy “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” (I use the word “may” because as a fan of the style, I didn’t think the song was quite as “mainstream” as most quartet songs) and will like the ballads.  Contemporary and progressive fans will like “Any Other Man,” and “Singing In the Midnight Hour.”  Young fans and children should enjoy “Everytime.”

I personally have enjoyed other Signature Sound projects more, but I’ve also listened to CDs that rated about the same or worse.

If you haven't ordered the album yet, you can hear previews here to help you make up your mind.

Album Rating: 2.5-3 stars
Favorite Songs: “You Are Welcome Here,” “Thankful,” “Love Carried the Cross”
Main Styles: There are many different styles utilized during the album including Blues, Southern Gospel, Ballad, and Contemporary.  Traditional Southern Gospel fans will probably come away from the album feeling that it had a largely progressive feel.

Review copy provided by StowTown Records