On the heels of last year’s critically acclaimed table project Declaration, Let It Be Known is the Booth Brothers’ first Daywind project of new songs in over three years.  There are two things you can count on from the Booth Brothers, particularly the lineup of Michael, Ronnie, and Jim Brady: some of the tightest harmony in gospel music, and lyrics that really give you something to think about.  This album succeeds wildly on both fronts.  It seems like producer/arranger Lari Goss has been a busy man lately, and he had his hands all over this project as well.

Let’s start with my two clear favorites.  The opener, titled “First John” is an exquisite, albeit short, a cappella rendition of 1 John 3:2, with music composed by Goss.  The best part about it is that it’s straight Bible, and the arrangement is breathtaking.  I’d love to hear more of this sort of thing, especially from the Booth Brothers, whose vocal style it fits perfectly.

The disc closer “What About Now,” (Brady/Tony Wood/Barry Weeks) is a standout track in every way.  The best word to describe the lyric is a very rare one for a southern gospel lyric: challenging.  We love to hear songs about the blood, the cross, the resurrection, the second coming, and heaven, but when’s the last time you heard a lyric that was flat out convicting?  The basic message of the song is for the listener to examine the fruits of their lives for evidence of true salvation. The bridge contains six successive punches to the gut for a professing Christian:

Do you love God and others?

Are you drawn to His Word?

Do you feel convicted of sin?

Are you sharing the good news?

Forsaking what’s wrong?

Have you stood faithful and strong?

Michael delivers the lyric with evident compassion before the big final chorus.  “What About Now” has “altar call” written all over it, and the Booth Brothers should use it as such.  On the CD, the track closes with a reprise of the a cappella opener, sans lyrics.  And after what you have just heard, you need it to reflect on the fact that “we shall be like Him.” Lord knows we aren’t yet.

One mild criticism of Declaration was that nearly all the songs were big ballads, making the listening experience somewhat laborious.  On Let It Be Known, there are several uptempo numbers to break up the monotony.  Following the a cappella opener is an energetic performance of “See What a Morning,” complete with the obligatory Celtic arrangement.  I’m not a fan of that sound in general, but on this song it works, and I really enjoyed it.  “He’s So Good to Me” is the most traditional-leaning song on the album.  It may be a retread, but it’s my kind of music.  “Since Jesus Came,” a Jim Brady composition, is a true delight, with intricate, jazzy harmonies.  Finally, the track for “Bread Upon the Water” may be a little cheesy, but I like the energy and quick pace.  This version is superior to the Gaither Vocal Band’s in my book for that reason.

As always, the Booth Brothers include a few slower, country-leaning ballads.  My favorite of these is “Master’s Table,” even though the electric guitar in the intro and ending is totally out of place with the rest of the song.  Just ignore that and focus on the gorgeous melody and smooth harmony.  Rodney Griffin’s influence is obvious on a song he wrote with Brady entitled “Masterpiece of Mercy.”  It immediately reminds me of the Vocal Band’s “Picture of Grace,” but goes somewhere lyrically that I thought was fresh.  I was touched by the reference to the Master Artist beginning with a canvas that is dirty, and first having to clean it before starting the painting.  Each successive verse is accompanied by a key change, giving the feeling of a progressive work, like the “painting” of our lives.  It’s a very nice track overall.

A self-professed traditional quartet fan, the Booth Brothers have never been in my top ten-or-so southern gospel groups.  But this is my favorite recording they’ve made.  Lyrically, there are several home runs, and musically, there is a great mix of toe-tapping, spine-tingling, and ear-resting.  I would consider this a must-have for anyone with a diverse SG taste, and should merit strong consideration even from those who love the old-fashioned quartet stuff.  Everyone should at least pay a dollar to download “What About Now.”  Overall, this is an excellent offering from the Booth Brothers.

Album Rating: 4.5 stars

Song list:

1. First John (Lari Goss)
2. See What a Morning (Keith Getty/Stuart Townsend)
3. She Still Remembers Jesus’ Name (Melody Goodman)
4. He’s So Good to Me (Goss)
5. When You Bow at Jesus’ Feet (Jim Brady)
6. Since Jesus Came (Brady)
7. Masterpiece of Mercy (Brady/Rodney Griffin)
8. Let It Be Known (Brady/Barry Weeks/Sue C. Smith
9. Master’s Table (Rebecca Peck)
10. Bread Upon the Water (Bill Grein/Janny Grein)
11. What About Now (Brady/Weeks/Tony Wood)