Oct 25

Top 100: #54 Live…in Atlanta (Cathedrals)

Release Year: 1983

Album Rank for Group: #7 of 13

Here’s a blurb: What some believe to be the gold standard of live albums, Live…in Atlanta finds the Cathedral Quartet in their element.  The Cathedrals made great studio albums, of course, but to really experience them was to see them live: George poking fun at the old man, Glen getting excited and shaking poor Mark trying to play bass, Roger’s subtle and delightful improvisations.  This album contains all that, and it also happens to contain some great songs, including the signature Glen Payne showstopper, “We Shall See Jesus.”

Knock my socks off: We Shall See Jesus, We Are So Blessed

Don’t skip that one: Everywhere I Go, Movin’ Up to Gloryland, You Can Walk on the Water, It’s So Peaceful

I could honestly do without: I’m Gonna Live Forever

Oct 24

Top 100: #55 You Can Have a Song (Greater Vision)

Release Year: 1991

Album Rank for Group: #9 of 13

Here’s a blurb: This is my favorite “table project” in the countdown, and along with On a Journey, was the debut of Greater Vision.  Gerald Wolfe, Mark Trammell, and Chris Allman had, in my opinion, the greatest trio blend in the history of southern gospel.  That was already evident on this early project.  There are only two songs that really stand out for me, but they stand out in a big way, and there aren’t any really weak songs.  I just wish I was more patient a while back and didn’t buy that cassette copy on e-Bay, only to have Greater Vision re-release it on CD soon after.

Knock my socks off: Sailing Away, Redemption Draweth Nigh

Don’t skip that one: God Will Make a Way, Treasures Unseen, Make Me a Blessing

I could honestly do without: None

Oct 20

Top 100: #56 Goin’ Home (Gold City)

Release Year: 1989

Album Rank for Group: #13 of 15

Here’s a blurb: The Free/Parker/LeFevre/Riley lineup of Gold City was on top of southern gospel music by 1989, with a highly-polished, country-leaning sound.   Goin’ Home is a solid collection of songs, although not quite as good as either of the album preceding or following it.  The enduring hit is the Tim Riley signature, “Under Control.”

Knock my socks off: Under Control

Don’t skip that one: What a Glad Day, Only One Ship of Zion, Look Around, Gettin’ Ready to Leave This World, Love Went Deeper, Forgetfulness Sea

I could honestly do without: That’s What I Am

Oct 18

Top 100: #57 High and Lifted Up (Cathedrals)

Release Year: 1993

Album Rank for Group: #8 of 13

Here’s a blurb: The song selection is tremendous on High and Lifted Up, the highest-ranked studio album from the last Cathedrals lineup.  This was the last project for the legendary quartet that had a few big power ballads.  Afterward, they would stick primarily to lighter, quicker fare.  The title track and last of these power ballads has something in common with the song that may have kick-started the Cathedrals’ power era, “We Shall See Jesus”: they were both written by Dianne Wilkinson.

Knock my socks off: High and Lifted Up, Jesus Saves

Don’t skip that one: I Thirst, Every Day Every Hour, Death Has Died, A Comfort to Know

I could honestly do without: I’d Like to Say It Again

Oct 17

Top 100: #58 Beside Still Waters (Mark Trammell Trio)

Release Year: 2004

Album Rank for Group: #5 of 8

Here’s a blurb: The Mark Trammell Trio was not yet at their pinnacle with this recording, but it was another step in that direction.  This was their first album that was composed primarily of new songs.  While the vocals are top notch and the project is enjoyable overall, the song quality still had room to improve, and it would.

Knock my socks off: According to the Scriptures, Stand and Praise the Lord

Don’t skip that one: I Am Free, Willing, When I Stand in the Presence, Every Time I Call Your Name

I could honestly do without: I’d Do It All Over Again

Oct 14

Top 100: #59 Quartets (Greater Vision)

Release Year: 2003

Album Rank for Group: #10 of 13

Here’s a blurb: Simply a genius idea, Quartets matched Greater Vision with fifteen different bass singers, some active, and some (thanks to a little technology) already gone on to glory.  I generally enjoy the newer songs on this one more than the “voice-overs”.  While compelling, there is something just a little bit creepy about hearing Greater Vision singing with J.D. Sumner, Brock Speer, Rex Nelon, and George Younce.  Bring on Quartets 2!

Knock my socks off: He Is to Me (w/Glenn Dustin), Just Ask (w/Tim Duncan)

Don’t skip that one: City That’s Coming Down (w/Brock Speer), The Longer I Serve Him (w/Ed O’Neal), He Loves Me (w/Eric Bennett), I Didn’t Know (w/Tim Riley)

I could honestly do without: Who Can Do Anything (w/George Younce)

Oct 13

Top 100: #60 Touring the City (Inspirations)

Release Year: 1973

Album Rank for Group: #2 of 6

Here’s a blurb: Touring the City is my personal favorite of the classic Canaan years of the Inspirations.  The title track became one of their signature songs.  The quartet sounds as smooth as ever on a great selection of old-fashioned convention songs.  If you love quartet music, you gotta love the stuff these boys were putting out in this time period.

Knock my socks off: Touring That City, When I Walk on Streets of Gold

Don’t skip that one: The Fa Sol La Song, Living on Higher Ground, After the Sunrise, Matthew 24

I could honestly do without: Only One Door