Sep 02

Top 100: #77 How Great It Is (Inspirations)

Release Year: 2008

Album Rank for Group: #5 of 6

Here’s a blurb: The Inspirations’ last album with the legendary Archie Watkins at tenor and long-time lead Matt Dibler is memorable for those reasons.  But, at its release in 2008, I also think it was the strongest collection of songs the quartet had released in many years.  The title track is one of my favorite Inspirations songs, regardless of era, and there is, as usual, a refreshing mix of traditional quartet music and heart-touching ballads that are easy to listen to.

Knock my socks off: How Great It Is, The Rose

Don’t skip that one: I Know What Lies Ahead, He Sought Me Again, Another Chance for God to Move, I’m Safe

I could honestly do without: Come Spring, Amazing Grace

Sep 01

Top 100: #78 Especially for You (Cathedrals)

Release Year: 1985

Album Rank for Group: #11 of 13

Here’s a blurb: The Funderburk era of the Cathedral Quartet is in full swing with Especially for You.  There’s not much in the way of new songs, but the covers are all dynamite, and in most cases, are my favorite renditions of those songs.  And how about those sweaters!

Knock my socks off: He Didn’t Come Down, Statue of Liberty

Don’t skip that one: He’s My Lighthouse, His Tomb Is Empty, What a Meeting, Because He Lives

I could honestly do without: If I Could Just Hold Out

Aug 31

Top 100: #79 Anchored (Kingdom Heirs)

Release Year: 1997

Album Rank for Group: #10 of 10

Here’s a blurb: Anchored was the first Kingdom Heirs recording with Arthur Rice at lead that wasn’t simply a collection of southern gospel standards, and is their earliest album to make the Top 100.  You definitely hear the Kingsmen influence (Squire Parsons is all over the project), but you can also sense the establishment of the familiar sound the quartet carried until the group’s overhaul in 2002.

Knock my socks off: He Did Not Fail

Don’t skip that one: Singing in the Heavenly Choir, Anchored in the Rock, I Wanta Go There, When I Thank Him, Ever Since That Wonderful Day

I could honestly do without: Thank You for Praying, Invincible Faith

Aug 30

Top 100: #80 In God’s Time (Barry Scott & Second Wind)

Release Year: 2008

Album Rank for Group: #1 of 1

Here’s a blurb: In 2007, long-time Quicksilver tenor Barry Scott became one of many graduates of Doyle Lawson’s “school of bluegrass” to venture out as a band frontman.  Second Wind’s debut recording was an outstanding effort, and garnered a surprise Grammy nomination.  Scott wrote half of the 14 tracks, and the Quicksilver influence is obvious, only with the fresh sound of four young, up and coming vocalists.  Unfortunately, the band couldn’t capitalize on its early success, and no longer exists, with former members scattered across the bluegrass landscape.

Knock my socks off: Glorified Body (a cappella), In God’s Time

Don’t skip that one: Take a Moment and Live, Oh What a Day, Plan of Salvation, When He Comes Down

I could honestly do without: Living Daddy’s Dream

Aug 29

Top 100: #81 Just Over in Heaven (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver)

Release Year: 2000

Album Rank for Group: #6 of 7

Here’s a blurb: After #84 Winding Through Life, Just Over in Heaven is the second album recorded by Lawson’s finest vocal lineup (Both were Grammy-nominated).  Six of the 14 tracks were written by group members, including the counterpoint-laden title cut (Lawson/Jamie Dailey).  Speaking of counterpoint, the convention style is prevalent throughout this project, all performed with Quicksilver’s trademark vocal precision.

Knock my socks off: We Need the Light (a cappella)

Don’t skip that one: Just Over in Heaven, Heaven’s Not so Far Away, I’ll Keep on Sailing, The Right Hand of Fellowship, Listen to the Bells (a cappella)

I could honestly do without: The Man Upstairs, Great White Angel

Aug 26

Top 100: #82 Movin’ Up (Gold City)

Release Year: 1987

Album Rank for Group: #14 of 15

Here’s a blurb: Gold City’s first major studio album with the powerhouse lineup of Riley, Free, Parker, and LeFevre contains their signature song, “Midnight Cry”.  The rest of the album, however, doesn’t thrill me as much as the other recordings from this era.

Knock my socks off: Midnight Cry, Movin’ Up

Don’t skip that one: You Gotta Live It, Holy Anointing, Help Is on the Way, The Search Is Over

I could honestly do without: New Jerusalem, Wind Rain and Fire

Aug 25

Top 100: #83 Joy in the Camp (Gaither Homecoming Friends)

Release Year: 1997

Album Rank for Group: #1 of 2

Here’s a blurb: Great song selection and some classic, touching moments make this my favorite Gaither Homecoming project.  Like most of the early homecomings, there is a lot of singing by the choir, which is always my favorite.  There are moments to make you laugh, and some that might make you cry.  It’s what these homecoming projects are all about.

Knock my socks off: The Night Before Easter (Donnie Sumner), Go Ask (Gaither Trio), Haven of Rest (Glen Payne and Guy Penrod)

Don’t skip that one: Sinner Saved by Grace (Glen Payne and George Younce), Joy in the Camp, I Know (Ivan Parker), Thank God I’m Free, The Fourth Man (Tim Lovelace)

I could honestly do without: Medley (Karen Wheaton)