While this recording is comprised of classic Statesmen songs, The Kingdom Heirs have brought new life to these songs of days gone by. While some will relive the past with this new recording, some people will be hearing these selections for the first time. This is a fine tribute to those that paved the way and helped make Southern Gospel what it is today.Before we get into the individual tracks, let’s talk about the musicians for a moment. This album was recorded only with a piano, upright bass, and a snare drum. Kreis French plays the upright, Dennis Murphy plays the snare drum, and Adam Harmon tickles the ivories. Stan Whitmire is the only additional musician used on the recording.
This recording starts with “Move That Mountain”. Of course, the recording starts sounding like an old record, with the hissing, and pops & cracks. The vocals sound like they are going into a single mike but quickly jump into a modern, full studio sound. The Kingdom Heirs stay true to the Statesmen sound with their rendition of this classic song.
The album continues with the ballad, “When My Master Walks With Me”. This is a smooth, mellow song with tight vocal harmonies.
The upbeat “I’ve Got Something To Shout About” is next (yes, the same song from their “Forever Changed” album). The arrangement is a little different from their version on the “Forever Changed” project, but overall, the song is basically the same.
“I Know He Heard My Prayer” is next in the lineup. This is possibly the strongest song on the entire project. The vocals by Billy Hodges (tenor) and Jeff Chapman (bass) are very full. I don’t think I’ve heard them sound any better.
Arthur Rice (lead) and Jeff Chapman belts out the vocals on “Sea Walker”. This song will get those toes tapping.
The ballad “On That Judgment Day” features Jeff Chapman on the low, bass lines throughout the song. In my opinion, this is one of the weaker songs on the project.
“Let The Lower Lights Be Burning” is next and is good, but one that I would probably skip about every time I listen to the CD.
Next up is “I Know It Was Jesus”. The song starts slow with Billy Hodges belting out the tenor vocals, but the tempo speeds up and Arthur Rice quickly grabs your attention with his amazing lead vocals. This is definitely one of the best songs on the project.
The classic “Hide Thou Me” is next featuring Billy Hodges. This song honestly sounds like every other version of the song that has been recorded.
“Nicodemus” is a fun song to listen to. That’s about it for this song…a fun, quartet song.
The album continues with another ballad, “Beyond The Gates”. Arthur Rice takes command in this classic song.
The last song on the “Off The Record” recording is “Oh What A Time”. While this is a good version of the song, it will probably be compared to the Gaither Vocal Band’s rendition of the song. After hearing David Phelps and Guy Penrod master this song, the Kingdom Heirs version of “Oh What A Time” is just average.
Overall, I would say that the Kingdom Heirs have released another great album. I was disappointed that Steve French wasn’t featured once on the album (aside from a short solo on “I Know He Heard My Prayer”), but his baritone vocals were excellent as usual. Arthur Rice’s lead vocal were top-notch, as always. As stated earlier, I don’t believe that I’ve heard Jeff Chapman or Billy Hodges sound any better. Jeff’s voice has matured into one of the best bass voices in SG today and Billy Hodges is on his way to becoming one of the better tenors in the industry.
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