Love Won by the Talleys

In the 80's and early 90's, The Talleys were very popular, having an edgy Southern Gospel sound. The group consisted of husband and wife, Roger and Debra, and Roger's brother, Kirk. They disbanded in the late 90's and Kirk went solo. A few years later, Roger and Debra hit the road with their daughter, Lauren, as the Talley Trio. Their sound has been more traditional Southern Gospel, and they quickly became one of my favorite groups.

They have done several CDs as the Talley Trio, but that has changed with this CD. Lauren married and her husband, Brian, became part of the group. Obviously now that they are four, they are no longer a trio, so they dropped the trio and are now the Talleys again. I was really looking forward to this new CD and even took advantage of a pre-buy special they had, hoping I'd get it earlier, and I did. The CD is not in stores yet and has a release date of early May. I got it last week, and am loving it. They have an even better sound, and Brian adds a lot to the group.

The songs:

1) We Want To Thank You: a very slow song, written by the new group member, Brian Alvey. Its very pleasant to listen to and reminds us  to be thankful to God.

2) Love Won: Written by Kenna Turner West, this song alone is worth the price of the CD. It starts out with just piano playing some Mozart piece. Other instruments join in for a few seconds, then it calms down and the group begins singing in unison before going to parts.... this is an awesome song, a great song about the Resurrection of Jesus.

3) Make Way For the Master: another song from the pen of Brian, and featuring him. Great song. The first verse is about the blind man Bartimaes, and the second makes it relevant to us today. Check out the video I made of the song at the end of the blog post.

4) Broken World: Not one of my favorites on the CD, though I like it well enough. The song presents some scenarios showing how we live in a broken world, but how that will change some day. Features Lauren.

5) Every Scar: This is a song I skip sometimes. It features Roger, and I'm just not that wild about the song. It sounds like it needs something, though I'm not sure what. The words are good enough.

6) Talk To The Lord About It: This song has a different sound to it, but I like it. It features Debra, and is a reminder to pray about our problems. They go into a little of the old standard, A Little Talk With Jesus.

7) Up Above: Another favorite. Features Lauren and Brian. The song talks about how bad it can be down here, but "up above" we will understand and see things clearly why we went through what we did here. Very nice song.

8) Surely: This is a fast tempo song using the words of the last verse of Psalm 23. It features Lauren, and is another great song.

9) Great Love He Gave: a slower song that also has an Easter theme to it. Features Debra and Lauren and has the chorus of Christ Arose in the song. I really enjoy this one.

10) The Church Will Overcome: This is the liveliest song on the CD, and I wasn't sure I liked it at first, but it grew on me. It features Brian and he shows his talents on this one.

11) How Deep The Father's Love For Us: This song sounded familiar to me, and as many CCM and P&W artists that have recorded it, it is likely that I did hear it before. It sounds like an old hymn, but is a very new song. I find myself humming and/or singing it constantly. Very pleasing melody and great words. One of my favorites. I also made a video for it.

12) That's Why I Love Him So: my favorite song on the CD. Co-written by Brian, and previously recorded with the quartet he was in, The Tribute Quartet. I listened to their version, and this one beats it by far. Awesome song. I love everything about it. It features Brian.

13) Love Covers All: Another slow song, but done very well. It features Lauren and reminds us that God loves, no matter what.

The song has 13 songs and comes in at 53.7 minutes, longer than the average CD. It has some top-notch songs, and I am really loving the new sound of the group. This one will be hard to top.

Make Way For The Master:



How Deep the Father's Love For Us:

Greatly Blessed by The Gaither Vocal Band

Time for a CD review. :-) Since the Gaither Vocal Band regrouped, I have been looking forward to their first offical release. They did release a CD of songs they did before, same tracks, different vocals - but this is a CD with all new songs by the new line-up: Bill Gaither - pseudo bass, David Phelps - tenor, Wes Hampton - tenor, Mark Lowry - baritone - and Michael English - lead. So what do I think? Overall, pretty good. Some songs better than others:

1) Better Day - a cool song with no Christian message, but a nice song regardless. Unfortunately, Michael English ruins the latter part of the song, as only he can ruin a song.

2) When He Blest My Soul - an older song that I never heard before. They do a good job on it. Bill isn't much of a bass, but he doesn't sound too bad. Would have been better with a real bass singer - other than that, a great cut.

3) Love Like I'm Leavin' - an "ok" song. The words are good, not overly crazy about the style of song.

4) You Are My All In All - this is the gem on the CD. This is actually a praise and worship song, written by Dennis Jernigan - awesome. They start it out with "Canon In D" being played. I find myself listening to this one more than any other on the CD.

5) Please Forgive Me - This song was done some time back by the Crabb Family. I wasn't sure if I would like it by anyone else, but the GVB do an excellent job on it. The arrangement is different and the orchestration really makes the song even better.

6) Greatly Blessed, Highly Favored - a great song with a country feel to it. I love it.

7) He's Alive - this song is typically done as a solo, and the verses are here by David Phelps, with the whole group joining on the chorus. This has got to be the best recording of this song. Ever.

8) Ain't Nobody - another "ok" song. Written coincidentally by Benjamin Gaither as the other "ok" one is. Maybe I just don't like the style of song he writes......

9) Clean - This is a slow song, very pretty. But..... I have issue with any song that makes it sound like baptism saves you. The words say "there was something in the water, there was power in the blood." - and "the preacher man took me under beneath that cleansing flood.." There is nothing in the water to save us, it is the blood of Jesus, and baptism is a sign that we have become a Christian - it does not save us. Other than my having a theological difference with the song, I do enjoy listening to it.

10) Muddy Water - I don't like it. Not even a little. And yes, another Benjamin Gaither song. I'm starting to see a trend...... (He does sing himself, but it is not Southern Gospel, perhaps that is why his songs don't sound SG)

11) That Sounds Like Home To Me - the old Goodman song, redone here in a great way. I keep listening to this one over and over also.

12) I Know How to Say Thank You - a slow, quiet song. Not one to hit replay on over and over, but I like it.

13) He Is Here - A Talley's song from the early 90's. They GVB does it differently, but with good results.

I am a bit disappointed in the CD - the song selection could have been better, but the songs that I like - I really like, and I love the group's sound. Two tenors add, not detract.

We All Came to the Cross - video added

Updated - I made a video of the song - nothing exciting video-wise, just used the album cover, but now you can listen to the song.

A new song I really like on a CD by the Southern Gospel group called "Sisters" - and yes, the three women are sisters. Unfortunately, there is no video of the song on line anywhere, but you can preview the song on the album, Healer of My Heart on their website, here.

We All Came to the Cross by Kenna West, Lee Black, and Tony Wood

Verse 1
Some came with stories
Of shame and regret
Others from places we've prayed to forget
Some from the ruins of lives that we've made
But we each had a moment when we cried out for grace

Chorus
And somehow we all found our way
A thousand winding roads
But they led to one place
So many different stories
Of life when we were lost
Yet somehow
We all came to the Cross

Verse 2
Some came from homes where His Word was read
Others from places His name wasn't said
Some bowed the first time He whispered their name
Others ran for a while
But in the end, just the same

Bridge
Some whose sins were many
Some whose sins were few
We fell down on common ground

Sisters..... Live At Oak Tree

Daywind music is doing a cool series, Live At Oak Tree, with several of their artists. They do a live, in studio recording on CD and DVD, with interviews in between some of the songs. I bought the one by the Booth Brothers, my favorite group - and Jeff and Sheri Easter. The newest one is by "Sisters."

Sisters is what used to be the Ruppes. For several years, the Ruppes consisted of Brenda Ruppe and two of her daughters, Kim Lord and Valerie Ruppe. Kim left a few years ago to help her husband form a group, Lordsong, and a third sister, Heather Day, took her place. Now the group consists of the three sisters, so they changed the group name to "Sisters." The three of them have an excellent sound, blending in a way that only siblings can.

The CD and DVD have the following songs:
1. You Made My Day
2. Mercy Leads
3. Unexpected Blessings
4. Under His Wings
5. Brothers and Sisters (guest Booth Brothers)
6. The Lord's Prayer
7. He Looked Beyond My Fault
8. I'm Sure
9. We All Came To The Cross

The DVD also has two bonus features:
Why Can't All God's Children Get Along?

Featuring Karen Peck & New River and Jeff & Sheri Easter

And - Booth Brothers - What Salvation's Done For Me

My very favorite song is Brothers and Sisters, with guest vocalists the Booth Brothers. The two groups sound great together, and it is a cool song. Plus, it has extra meaning with the 2 group names - Sisters and Booth Brothers.

Other favorites are Mercy Leads, Under His Wings, and We All Came to the Cross - awesome songs. Under His Wings was recorded several years back by the Ruppes, but this is a new arrangment, completele with an extra verse. It is not the hymn by the same name, but does feature the chorus of the hymn.

They also do a great job on the classic "He Looked Beyond My Fault".

If you like Southern Gospel, this is a group to watch - and listen to, and this CD/DVD offers a glimpse into the group and a chance to see them in a more casual setting. I am thoroughly enjoying this CD/DVD combo, and can't wait to hear more from this group.

Sisters, Live At Oak Tree is available from Daywind Music.
I was not given this CD/DVD for review, I reviewed it on my own.

More about Sisters at their website, sistersmusic.org.

Check out the video about this CD/DVD below, and also one of Sisters singing their signature song, Under His Wings.



Under His Wings

Expecting Good Things by Jeff & Sheri Easter

I got a late Christmas gift in the mail this week, Expecting Good Things by Jeff & Sheri Easter, one of my favorite groups. If I counted right, I have 20 of their CDs, and there aren't many groups I have that many CDs of.

This CD is unique in two ways: it is the first CD that they have made since their fifteen-year-old daughter, Morgan, joined them, making it a trio instead of a long-time duet. It is also the first CD they made since Sheri's battle with breast cancer, and some of the songs reflect that battle.

I think it is a great CD. It has a total of 13 songs, three more than the norm - and I love it when a group does that.

The Sun Will Shine Again starts of the album, and what a neat beginning - has a weather forecaster talking about more rain coming, then it sounds like someone changes the station and Jeff & Sheri launch into this song - great song about no matter how dark it is, better days will come.

The second song on the CD is the best cut on the CD, one that I keep listening to over and over - Born To Climb- in fact I posted the lyrics on a blog post earlier - here. The words are awesome, great tune - just an all-around awesome song.

I was a bit surprised when I looked at the writer of the third song, Time To Fly - Nicholas Jonas - yeah, THAT Nicholas Jonas. I listened to the song by the Jonas Brothers, and the version on this CD is much, much tamer. It features Morgan, and she does a great job on it, Although not necessarily a Christian song, it is one of those kind that almost sounds like one - a cool song anyway.

Love Remains is another song with some great words - If your heart falls to pieces, and everything's stripped away. When your solid ground is shaken, love remains. And if f you run out of reasons, and all your faith starts to fade, there's one thing that will not change - love remains.

Workin' On A Road is an old Lester Flatt song - a fun song. They brought in country singers Marty Stuart & Connie Smith to help them out on it, and it turned out great - a more bluegrass style song.

On every CD Jeff & Sheri has recorded, they record a love song. This one, I Know I Love You, features Sheri and names a lot of things that she doesn't know, and then delivers the line that is the title of the song. Pretty cool love song.

A second "mountain" song on the CD is Over The Mountain, one of the more lively songs on the CD, talks about not being over the mountain yet, but being able to see the other side - a great encouraging song.

High Valley, a trio of brothers whose CDs I have, recorded I Get To on their last CD. Jeff and Sheri actually do a better job on it, in my opinion. Not a strong spiritual song, it talks about how growing up we had to do certain things - go to church, help dad mow the yard - but now that we are adults we don't have to, we get to - a neat song.

Morgan is featured on her second song on the CD, I Need You More Today, a song the Bishops did way back in 1990. She does a great job on it, and the song was worth hearing again- a reminder that we need God more today than we did yeseterday.

I Don't Want to Cry is a kind of bluesy tune, and a song telling God that we don't want to be alone, but just want to hold His hand - another great song.

I keep thinking I have heard the 12th song on the CD before, but I have no idea why - In The Name of Jesus. A nice, upbeat song about what has been done - and can be done - in the name of Jesus.

The last song on the CD isn't my favorite, a bit too slow and morose, but it does have a good thought and message - Hear My Heart. It asks God to hear my heart when there are no words to pray, when life hurts so bad all we can do is sit in silence.

This is one of the best CDs Jeff & Sheri have put out in a long time. The addition of Morgan was a great thing to do and gives them an even greater sound. If you enjoy a country/bluegrass sound, and have never listened to them, give them a try.

The whole CD can be previewed on their website - the preview starts automatically when you go on their site: jeffandsherieaster.com.

Born to Climb

A new song I really like:

Born To Climb (Joel Lindsey, and Wayne Haun - recorded by Jeff & Sheri Easter)

Verse 1
Right now you feel like you'd rather be anywhere else
Than here where you are
Cause life has a way of arranging your plans
And the journey you're on is so hard

Chorus
Oh the mountain is high
And the road up the side is much steeper than you thought it'd be
You're out of breath and scared half to death
You won't have the faith to believe
But grace, sweet grace has strengthened you time after time
So don't be afraid of the mountain
Cause friend, you were born to climb

Verse 2
God has not given a spirit of fear
Or a burden that you cannot bear
And just at the moment you feel hope is fading
Behold the Lord standing right there

Bridge
You have been called to be more
Than you were before
Just set your sights
On Heavenly heights
And trust in the Lord

Canaan Revisited, A CD Review

Word Music recently revived the Canaan Music label, which for years was home to Southern Gospel artists such as the Nelons, Talleys, Goodmans, and more. This double CD contains songs all recorded in years past. There are thirty songs in all, so I am not going to mention them all, but it is a great representation of the music these artists recorded on this label over the years.

The CD contains songs by six groups: The Nelons, Talleys, Florida Boys, Inspirations, Goodmans, and the Cathedrals.

Some of the top favorites of mine on this CD are: Triumphantly, The Church Will Rise by the Talleys, Statue of Liberty by the Cathedrals, When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind by the Florida Boys, Step Into The Water by the Cathedrals.

There are many other great songs on this CD. Definitely worth listening to over and over again.

Music clips can be listened to here: http://canaanrecords.com/canaanrevisted.html

The Ride, by the Hoppers - A CD Review

The Hoppers are up at the top of my favorite mixed groups, and are most likely the best Southern Gospel family group out there. Comprised of Claude & Connie Hopper, their sons Dean & Michael, and Dean's wife, Kim, the Hoppers have perfected their sound.

This CD, The Ride, comes with thirteen songs, instead of the usual ten - and I love it when an artist gives you more songs for your money.

They start off with the bouncy and fun Freedom Band. Cool song, and a favorite.

The Dove is the second cut, and brings out a unique thought - maybe right, maybe not. It starts out talking about the dove that Noah sent out from the ark that never returned. The song puts forth the idea that the dove just kept flying through time until it lit on Jesus' shoulder at His baptism - far fetched? Maybe, but a neat idea, and a neat song.

Yahweh is next, a cool somewhat repetitive song talking about what Jesus accomplished. The Applause of Heaven tells what it might be like when we step into Heaven - a beautiful and thoughtful song.

Another two favorites are next: My Only Option gives the idea what to do when we face a mountain - our only option may be to climb it. Dean & Kim's oldest daughter debuts on God Already Knew - a song of assurance that no matter what we go through, God already knew we would go through it, and is there to help us through it. An awesome song.

Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin is a great reminder that no matter how deep the sin, God's grace is always greater - great song, and something we need reminded of.

Let The Redeemed Say So - a song the Nelons did several years ago - one of those songs with a lot of underparts - Kim gets to show her stuff on this one, and they do the song in style. A great, upbeat song.

He Erased It is a great reminder of what God did with our sin. Another awesome song from this CD.

Try A Little Kindness/Less of Me - an oldie, but a goodie. And it doesn't hurt to be reminded we need to be more kind to those we meet. A "fun song".

Haven Called Heaven - a pretty, slow song that talks about Heaven, and how it will worth getting there.

I'm Just Waiting For My Ride, the song the CD title comes from, is an upbeat, fun song that talks about being ready and waiting for Heaven - another favorite.

The CD closes with a re-recording of a popular Hoppers' song - That's Him. Though I think the original recording and version of the song is the best, this newer, shorter version is still worth adding to the CD - and a great reminder that Jesus is coming soon to take away His bride.

Sound clips available here: http://canaanrecords.com/hoppers.html

I Am Loved

One of my favorite songs........

I Am Loved (Gaither)

I said, "If You knew, You wouldn't want me
My scars are hidden by the face I wear"
He said, "My child, my scars go deeper
And it was love for you that put them there."

Forgiven - I repeat it -I'm forgiven!
Clean before my Lord I freely stand
Forgiven, I can dare forgive my brother
Forgiven, I reach out to take your hand.

I am loved, I am loved
I can risk loving you
For the One who knows me best
Loves me most
I am loved, you are loved
Won't you please take me hand
We are free to love each other
We are loved

Congratulations, Booth Brothers

Last week was the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. My favorite group, the Booth Brothers, took home eight awards. I don't think there were many more they could have gotten. Congrats, guys.

Favorite Baritone Singer - Jim Brady
Favorite Lead Singer - Ronnie Booth
Favorite Tenor - Michael Booth
Favorite Male Singer - Ronnie Booth
Favoite Album - Room For More
Favorite Trio - Booth Brothers
Song of the Year - What Salvation's Done For Me
Artist of the Year - Booth Brothers

Kim Hopper, I Just Wanted You To Know

I like Kim Hopper's singing and style better when she sings with The Hoppers, but this is a good CD, her second solo effort: I Just Wanted You To Know.

When God Sings kicks off the CD. A slow & thoughtful song, and presents the neat of idea of what it is like when God sings.

Promised Land is a bouncy, pleasing to the ear song that talks about what it will be like in Heaven. Previously recorded by The Crabb Family, Kim's version holds its own, and is a favorite.

Gospel to The World presents the Great Commission - a neat song, and another favorite.

What Will I Wear has a bluegrass song talks about what we will wear in Heaven - cool song, nice bouncy tune.

The Woman in My Little Girl's Room is the best song on the CD. Sung as a duet, Kim & Dean Hopper present a tear-jerking song that talks about how fast little girls grow up. Even though I am not a parent, I am an uncle to 3 great girls who are growing up too fast, so this song makes me get a bit misty-eyed. It sounds like something Tim McGraw & Faith Hill might sing. Awesome song.

The Devil Lost His Keys - talks about the devil losing his keys to death, hell, and the grave when Jesus rose from the dead. A neat idea for a song, but not one I am too crazy about. It is too "something."

The beautiful That Sounds Like Heaven to Me is another song talking about Heaven - Kim does a great job on the song.

Come Out Praising is a faster song that points out praising is the key to get through our troubles - great song and message.

The title song ends the CD, I Just Wanted You To Know. A slow song telling God how much we love Him.

Though a totally different sound from The Hoppers, the CD is pleasing to the ear, and has some good messages in the songs, and Kim Hopper is most likely the best soprano in Southern Gospel music.

The Hoppers, Live Across America

The Hoppers, one of my favorite groups, just did a new CD titled, "Live Across America". To my understanding, it was recorded live at several different locations, then put onto one CD. My one gripe with the CD is that it is about half old songs and half new, but the new songs make it worth buying.

The CD starts out with a song I wouldn't have picked from their many songs: "Holy Ghost Wind". It is an OK song, but I can't believe it would rank very high among audience favorites.

Next up is a new song, "Blame It On Love". A cool song, talks about what Jesus did on the cross, and the reason He did it, can be "blamed on love". The song has good lyrics, and a nice tune, a song I can see myself listening to a lot.

Third on the disc is another song the Hoppers have previously done: "Jesus Saves". This is one of those convention style songs, where everyone seems to be singing a different line on the chorus. I've always liked this bouncy little song, and am cool with it being on the CD.

"Pathway Built For Two", penned by Phil Cross, and someone who is really turning out good songs: Jim Brady of The Booth Brothers. Again, a song with a pleasing tune, and good lyrics. Talks about the narrow road we are on, but walking it with Jesus, staying on the pathway built for two.

The 5th cut on the CD is the best song on the CD. When I saw the song list, and saw it had this song listed, I found myself hoping it was the same one I have known for years, and it is: "Ten Thousand Years". I have always loved this song, ever since I first heard it as a teenager. I don't have it anywhere to listen to. I think we used to have it on a LP by someone, so to get it on CD by a great group I love, makes me ecstatic. The whole group leads off on the first verse, with Kim taking a solo on the second verse. They do a tremendous job on it, even better than I hoped. Can I say "repeat"?!

"Ready to Leave" is an old Hemphills' song - fast and upbeat, and the Hoppers do it better, I have to say.

"On My Journey Home" is another I wouldn't have picked. It is bouncy, and I like bouncy, but it is one that Claude is featured on, and face it, the guy just can't sing that great anymore........the song is a good song though.

"Mama Was Praying For Me" was recorded by Connie Hopper several years ago, but I don't think ever by the whole group. With her still singing the verses, this new recording is well done. Talks about how important it is for mothers to pray for their kids, and grand kids.

"He's Worthy" is a rousing song done back in the 90's by the Hoppers. Never was a favorite, but it is a good song and has a nice tempo. The song really shows what Kim can do with her great soprano voice.

"It Is Well", one of my favorite hymns, and is performed very well here.

The CD ends with "Jerusalem". I liked this song the first time I heard it, done not too many years ago on a CD in the 2000's. It has a very unique tempo and accompanying music, but is a neat song.

Overall, a great CD. I would have selected a few different songs, but hey, they didn't ask me. :-)

Nothin' But Good

In addition to my book reviews, I will be reviewing a few CDs in the next couple of weeks. First up, Nothin' But Good by the Mike Lefevre Quartet.

Mike Lefevre was the baritone for Gold City Quartet in the late 80's-early 90's, when they were at their best, in my humble opinion. Iknew he had started his own quartet, but had never heard them. I must say I am impressed.

The CD kicks off with an old Southern Gospel/quartet number, Let Me Tell You About Jesus, and there are a few other traditional Southern Gospel songs on the CD: It's Time To Sing - awesome song, Didn't It Rain (ok), & Big Mighty God.

There were a few surprises for me on the CD. The last song on the CD, Jesus Saves, is not Southern Gospel at all. It was written and recorded by Praise & Worship leader, Travis Cottrell, but these guys do an awesome job, and it is my favorite song on the project.

Another great cut, and not having much SG sound, is Take My Life - great song.

The slow and thought-provoking He Thought of Us reminds us we were on Jesus' mind throughout His ordeal at Calvary.

You're Never Too Far Away is a great song of hope and assurance that we are never too far away for God to hear us, even if we stray.

Glorious is another song that doesn't have a lot of SG flavor, and simply talks about how great God is. Another favorite cut.

Last One Worthy talks about our unworthiness, and how thankful we need to be.

I don't feel this is the typical Southern Gospel quartet sound, but overall it is a great-sounding CD. If you like Southern Gospel, you will definitely enjoy it. Check this group out.

Need I Say More?

If you could see
What I once was
If you could go with me
Back to where I started from
Then, I know you would see
A miracle of Love that took me
In it's sweet embrace
And made me what I am today
Just an old sinner
Saved by grace


How could I boast of anything
I've ever seen or done
How could I dare to claim as mine
The victories God has won
Where would I be
Had God not brought me
Gently to this place
I'm here to say I'm nothing but
A sinner
Saved by grace

Im just a sinner
Saved by grace
When I stood
Condemned to death
He took my place
Now I live and breathe in freedom
With each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgivin
Back with the living
I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace

(Words & music by Bill & Gloria Gaither)

How Big Is God

A song that has been blessing me a lot lately. I made one of my amateur videos so I could share it.

How Big Is God (Stuart Hamblin)

Though men may strive to go beyond the reach of space
To crawl beyond the distant shining stars
This world's a room so small within my Master's house --
The open sky but a portion of his yard.

How big is God, how big and wide His vast domain?
To try to tell these lips can only start
He's big enough to rule this mighty universe
Yet small enough to live within my heart.

As winter's chill may cause the tiny seed to fall…
To lie asleep till waked by summer's rain
The heart grown cold will warm and throb with life anew
The Master's touch will bring the glow again.

How big is God, how big and wide His vast domain?
To try to tell these lips can only start
He's big enough to rule this mighty universe
Yet small enough to live within my heart

Talley Trio...Songs You Know By Heart

The Talley Trio has gotten their listeners involved in their last two recordings, a neat idea. This one, Songs You Know By Heart, is the most recent. Several months back, they announced that they were doing a CD of classic Gospel songs, and asked for suggestions, and they got a lot. They also had a deal on this CD. If you pre-purchased it, you could download the album before the CD even came out, and still get the actual CD. Since I actually had money back then, I took advantage of that, and now have the CD downloaded. The release of the CD is next month some time, I believe.

There is a pretty good song selection on this album. They kick it off with Amazing Grace. They attempted, and succeeded in a different and pleasing arrangement of this favorite hymn. Then there is The Promise, a newer Gospel song - good choice for the CD. Following that, the old song Just A Little Talk With Jesus. out to a different tune and arrangement - I prefer the classic tune, but still a good track.

I am far from being a fan of a capella music - bring on the pianos, guitars, drums, etc, but there are two a capella numbers. Pass Me Not, nice arrangement if you like no instruments. After it, is a song He's So Good to Me, a toe-tapper. I wasn't familiar with the song, but I sure like it, and they do an excellent job on it.

Hold On is the next song. It sounds vaguely familiar, and is a great song reminding us to hold on, for Jesus will be there. Another uptempo song that I never heard is It's Jesus. Great song and message.

The eighth song is the best on the album. An old Gospel classic, How Big Is God. Debra Talley really shines on this song. They do an awesome job on it, and the arrangement is fantastic. I have listened to this song twenty-two times since Sunday morning. How big is God. How big and vast, His vast domain. To try to tell, these lips can only start. He's big enough to rule this mighty universe, yet small enough to live within my heart. We used to sing the chorus in church when I was growing up. I miss singing it.

The other a capella song is next, He's A Personal Savior. I know I am biased against a capella, but I think it was a bad choice to do a capella. I think they could have pulled it off well with music.

Oh, What a Reason is a great song the Talleys did on their third CD. Not sure I would have recorded it again, but it is worth hearing, and doesn't detract from the album. Another song recorded again, is If It Had Not Been. Originally recorded when the Talley Trio was the Talleys, back in 1985, the new recording of the song is top-notch. Good choice.

Ending the 12-song CD is the classic He's Alive. I've always viewed this as a "guy song" - it is supposed to be Simon Peter singing it, but Lauren does a fantastic job on it. Move over, Dolly Parton, she beats you on it. Great arrangement, and overall, a great CD.

Talley Trio, Life Goes On

(I had started another blog to review books and CDs on, and have never done much with it. I am transporting those to here, so the most of the posts posted today have are old. I want to close the other blog, but wanted to keep the posts.)

This review is of the Talley Trio's new CD, Life Goes On. To be honest, they are one group I have gone off and on with interest over the years, but their last few CDs have been really top-notch, so I have had renewed interest in them. This CD especially was of interest to me. They started a new site especially to include people on the making of the project. They posted rough drafts of the songs as they worked on them via youtube videos, got CD name ideas from people, and even opinions on the groups' photos. I chipped in a few suggestions for the CD title, but mine weren't taken, but they did pick a good one. :-)

The CD starts out with an anthem type song, Realms of Glory Bright featuring Lauren. It is well done, and worth listening to over and over.

I've Never Been Loved Like You features Debra and Lauren, and is a beautiful ballad type, talking about God's love, and how we have never been loved like He loves.

Winds of This World is a bouncy song sung in Lauren's "soul" style. I like this song, and it talks about God's protection from Satan, even when the winds are blowing strong.

Calvary and Amazing Grace is #4 on the disc, and is my favorite cut. The song could be better titled "Thanks For Calvary and Amazing Grace". This is a slow song featuring Debra, has great lyrics, a tune that is pleasant on the ears, and is usually the first song I listen to from the CD. Guess it should have been the first track. :-)

I Will Sing Of My Redeemer starts out with an acappella version of the hymn by the same title, and also is featured later in the song. This is another favorite. It is basically another way of saying what the hymn says, but is still a great song with a nice bouncy tune.

My Hope Is In The Lord, track #6, features Roger, who though he isn't featured as much, does a great job when he is. This song starts out talking about Job, and all he had going wrong, but Job still said that his hope was in the Lord. The second verse comes up to modern times talking about a young man who just got bad news about his cancer, and his reply is the same as Job's, that his hope is in the Lord. Another slow song, and done very well, with a great reminder of where our hope is.

Comfort Me is a slow song. It has a good message asking God to comfort when all is going well. This song hasn't made a great impression on me yet, but it does have good lyrics.


Jesus You Are is another one I rank among the best on the CD. It is a fast & bouncy song that simply lists several things Jesus is: our King, our hiding place, etc. This pretty much features the whole group.

Hallelujah, Praise The Lamb is a remake of a song the Talleys did way back when Kirk was in the group instead of Lauren. I don't want to be too negative about the song, for it is well done, but compared to the original recording, it pales in comparison. The orginal had a choir and better arrangement. Lauren does OK on it, but they should have picked a different Talleys' song to remake in my humble opinion.

Life Goes On ends the CD, and is another I have to call a favorite. The song talks about how rough life can be, and how hopeless things can look, but..........."Life goes on, there is never an end, what was dead lives again, Jesus promised that life goes on for the ones who believe wil live eternally, so don't fear the great unknown, remember that life goes on". Awesome song, great album.

Jim Brady, Solo

(I had started another blog to review books and CDs on, and have never done much with it. I am transporting those to here, so the most of the posts posted today have are old. I want to close the other blog, but wanted to keep the posts.)

The CD I have been waiting for finally is out. Jim Brady, solo. The other 2 members of the Booth Brothers, Ronnie & Michael Booth, came out with their solo CDs early this year, and I was hoping, and even sent an email to the Booth Brothers saying so -that Jim Brady would also do a solo CD. I am sure I had nothing to do with the idea, and that it was probably already in the works.

The CD comes with printed lyrics and Jim's notes on the songs, and a DVD of the making of the CD. It also has 12 songs - I love it when an artist does more than the normal quota of 10 songs. All 12 were written or co-written by Jim.

The CD kicks off with the fast tempo song "The Sun Will Shine Again". The song has a great message of hope for those who are going through a dark time, reminding them things will get better.

"Never A Doubt" was written about Jim's growing up years, how God always provided, that there was never a doubt that He would. Even though the song is personal from his standpoint, it could be about a lot of families that stayed true to God in spite of life and what it throws at families.

"Just As I Am" is a great duet with Michael English. Not the well known hymn often used in altar calls, the song points out that God takes each of us "Just As I Am" and forgives us. We don't have to be someone else, or be anything for Him to save us, and that He loves me too much to leave me "just as I am".

Next up is a cool song, "It Takes Faith". The song spends most of the time pointing out how everything in life takes faith, from driving a car, to not believing that there is anything beyond this life, but says at the end of all this that you gotta have faith in the right thing.

"Never Let You Go" is a nice song for couples, and is one he wrote for his wife.

"On My Way" is another fast tempo song that talks about what is in store for us some day when faith becomes a reality, that I am not there yet, but I am "on my way"

"Don't Ever Miss The Chance" is a song that will make you appreciate the people in your life you are closest to, and reminds us to never miss a chance to tell them "I love you", for we don't always get to tell people good-bye. Life is so uncertain, we don't know when we part ways from someone what could happen to them, or to us, after we part. Not necessarily a religious-sounding song, but makes a good point.

"River In The Rain" is another great song, starts off fast, and keeps that tempo the whole song. Gives the simple idea that after a dry spell, our hearts are dying for water, and when the rain comes, how refreshing it is to come out of that dry spell.

The 9th track, "My Sister", was written by Jim Brady for his sisters, 5 of them, to say what they mean to him. He had no intention of it being on this CD, but was urged to include it. I am glad he did. I never had a brother, and wanted one badly, but am thankful for my 2 sisters. The song is a nice tribute to any sister.

My favorite song on the CD is "Good to Be Free". The style sounds like Rascal Flatts or Keith Urban, bouncy country feel to it. Awesome song. Talks about what it is like to be free after being locked up in chains, which is what we all were before Christ came along.

"To Know You More" is a slow song that really puts me under conviction. I need to do what the song says, make my utmost longing to know God more. None of us know Him as well or deeply as we could, and I could really use work in that area.

The CD ends with the "bonus track", a song written by Jim and recorded by Gold City and the Talley Trio, "Truth Is Marching On". This song is awesome. I first heard it by the Talley Trio, and they do a great job on it. I wasn't sure how a soloist would pull it off, even the guy who wrote it, but he does an excellent job, helped by his back-up vocalists, who added a lot to the CD. No studio vocalists here: Marshall Hall of the Gaither Vocal Band, Terry Franklin, formerly of the GVB, Melissa Brady, 2 of the Martins.

In my opinion, Jim Brady is one of the greatest singers and song writers in Southern Gospel Music today. He rounds out the Booth Brothers and blends with them to make an awesome trio, sounds great with his wife, and sounds great here on his first solo CD. Great job, Jim.

Jim & Melissa Brady..Hymns & Spiritual Songs

(I had started another blog to review books and CDs on, and have never done much with it. I am transporting those to here, so the most of the posts posted today have are old. I want to close the other blog, but wanted to keep the posts.)

I would say Jim & Melissa Brady have been busy lately. It wasn't all that long ago that there was a new Booth Brothers CD, then Jim's solo CD and this CD just came out this month. Appropriately titled, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, the CD has 5 songs I would classify as hymns, and 6 that would fall into the spiritual songs category. The song selection is great for this CD, most of them being favorites of mine, and Jim & Melissa do a tremendous job on the songs. All back-up vocals are done by them, and the end result is a CD of mostly famliar songs that is worth listening to.

"Wondferful Words of Life" starts out. Melissa takes the lead on this hymn. The arrangement is beautiful and simple, and a great way to start out the CD.

The Andrae Crouch song "My Tribute (To God Be The Glory" seems a little slower than I remember, but they pull it off well. I don't think I have this song anywhere on a CD, so it was a nice addition to my music library.

Jim takes the lead on "I'll Fly Away", and they really get up and go with it, especially on the last verse. Lots of guitars on this, and a very rousing version of a great Gospel song.

"The Greatest Wonder" is one of the two new songs on the CD, and is from the pen of Jim & Melissa. This slow song, done without any drums, is a beautiful song that talks about the greatest wonder is a sinner being redeemed.

One of my favorite hymns that I rarely hear - I don't think it is in our church hymnal, is "In The Sweet By & By". This recording has a nice "bouncy" feel to it. The Bradys blend well on the first verse, leaving Jim to solo the second. Possibly the best I have ever heard this song done.

Among my top all time favorite songs is "He Looked Beyond My Fault", most likely Dottie Rambo's best song she penned. Melissa takes the lead and shows how capable of a singer she is. They do an awesome job on this great classic.

Next up they pick up another Andrae Crouch song, "Soon and Very Soon", and really take off on it. You could almost imagine a black choir singing along. With their own back-up, the song takes on quite that soulful sound. They include on of the verses which is not heard very often. I really like how they did the song, but it isn't something you'd want to try in a very conservative church. :-)

"Cast All Your Care" is a simple and slow song written and sung by Melissa. The song is simply about casting all our cares on Jesus. Pretty song.

Melissa takes the lead on "Leaning On the Everlasting Arms", another favorite of mine. The song has the bouncy feel it should, and they sing it great.

"At the Cross" is sung a little slower than I like, but they still do well on this great hymn of the church.

I normally don't care to hear songs done with just the piano. I like a lot of instrumentation, but they close the CD off with Jim doing a solo on one of the greatest hymns ever written: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" done mostly with just the piano for accompaniment, and an acoustic guitar filling in some chords here and there for the second and third verses. He sings it simply, and well. Even with just the 2 instruments, it is one of the best done songs on the CD.

Only The First Time..lyrics and video

I put a video I made of family pictures on here yesterday, but this is actually my first attempt at making one. I wanted to make a video for one of my favorite songs, "It's Only The First Time." I ran out of pictures that I wanted, so I threw in some of my personal pictures of the ocean and lighthouses. Check it out if you have time - it really is a great song, though the video is pretty amatuer.

It's Only The First Time Lyrics

There’s a secret sin that you live with
And it’s tearing you apart
You’ve prayed and prayed, but now you’re ashamed
To ask God to cleanse your heart
But even though you’ve fallen again
When you kneel before Him

Chorus:
It’s only the first time
He’s forgotten the last time
The moment you pray, His grace takes away
The stain of your sin
Just know that in God’s eyes
It’s only the first time
He’s already there to hear your prayer
And forgive you again.

If the Savior says we must forgive
Time and time again
Then how much more will our Lord
Forgive us when we sin
His love is so strong, so wide and so deep
He longs for you to believe