I really love that there is a platform for Gospel music and churches to get their messages out and teach n the Gospel of Jesus. But I'm disappoint ed in the content I'm hearing on Totally Gospel radi. O station today.
I understand the frustratio ns of people not giving to their churches but what I just heard was a bunch of grown people whining. 'If you don't want to give, don't come' 'you just sat there and sucked all the gas and electric'. TEACH the importance and the reason behind giving.
You need to teach your congregati on every Sunday so that they are maturing, growing and understand ing their contributi on to the body of Christ.
I readily recall the first time I saw the Collingsworth Family in concert. It was 10 years ago in October 2005 at a church in South Carolina.
The group has grown into a fuller sound & a wider variety of sounds. Since they signed with StowTown Records in 2010, the group has delivered 3 albums prior to their newest, ‘That Day Is Coming’. How does this measure up to previous recordings? Will this broaden the scope of their affect on Southern Gospel history? Let’s find out Three Highs: “Gotta Get to Jesus” Courtney Collingsworth Metz has readily proven to be one of the most effective singers in the Southern Gospel business. Courtney readily delivers an emotional punch that adds to the desperation of the infirmed woman in the Gospels.
The tune’s sweet spot is the proper mix of harmonies & orchestration. The ladies carry the song with effectiveness – keeping full focus on the central theme – “I’ve gotta get to Jesus!”.
“When He Carries Me Away” Although highly recognized for her piano artistry, Kim Collingsworth delivers what I consider to be among her top 5 performances in the Collingsworth clan’s recording history. The emotional punch and the memorable hook proves strong throughout the entire song. This should be an effective concert closer. “You’re About to Climb” Coincidentally, all three of the ‘Highs’ are co-written by Rachel McCutcheon, a prominent songwriter for the Collingsworth Family. This tune captures the encouraging aspect of faith from a fellow believer’s perspective. The call to action isn’t harsh or overly commanding, but it draws a clear image of what’s expected when we have faith. This song rises out of worry into the “I can do this” mentality.
Everyone identifies with the lyrics which makes the message all the more effective. Two Lows: “What the Bible Says” As the first radio single, this is one of the weakest uptempo tunes I’ve heard the family record. The hook isn’t quite memorable since it goes through a list of “I believes” to the concept of “that’s what the Bible says.” Not quite a strong answer for belief. Also, the melody at the end of the chorus sounds eerily similar to the chord progressions in Karen Peck & New River’s “Ephesians Chapter One” (random, but true). Orchestra, Orchestra, and Orchestra The Collingsworth Family has a heavy sound that benefits from being a double trio. This doesn’t call for a double orchestra.
Command and conquer tiberian sun mods. On ‘That Day Is Coming’, the orchestra arrangements are overwhelming. Since the arrangements sounds so similar, I couldn’t find one song that appeared head and shoulders above the rest. Less is more welcome to the averaged ear. This also will leave a more memorable impact. OVERALL THOUGHTS: After consuming ‘That Day Is Coming’, I believe the album has massive dreams weighted with heavy orchestra & double trio affects. The group has grand aspirations for a landmark recording or some type of orchestral remembrance, but the orchestra on ‘That Day Is Coming’ is just too much.
Take the pace of the album (3 uptempo numbers among 13 songs), and you’ve got a recipe for similarity. What could’ve been a memorable song or melody becomes just another transition into the next song.
While the song selection is certainly stronger than the group’s 2013 release, ‘The Lord Is Good’, ‘That Day Is Coming’ doesn’t quite match the caliber of the group’s 2011 album, ‘Part of the Family.’ Hopefully, the group will take a step back for full production for their next album — to give us a memorable look at the lyrics, melody, and harmonies that make up the Collingsworth brand. So, here’s just another blog. No, not really.
Southern Gospel music, much like any other form of entertainment, has its various skeptics & critics. A couple of years back, I hosted a blog called Southern Gospel Review. To be completely honest, I didn’t have the time or energy to devote to making a substantial blog. Posts were scattered here and there, and I didn’t share why they were. BUT, here starts a fresh chapter in my blogging experience. While I can’t promise a post each day of the week, I promise to work closer to that goal.
I work a full-time job like many others, so this is extra. I’d love to get paid to do this (any takers out there can contact!!), but I’m content to offer my thoughts on the side. If you get nothing more out of this blog, just take it as an outlet for me to share criticisms and other commentary about what makes & keeps Southern Gospel – Totally Gospel! As I shared with Southern Gospel Review, I have several plans for album reviews of any format (LP, cassette, and/or CD), ‘Hits of the Past’, and a new feature called, “Fast Five Favorites”. Don’t look for a typical format of just words & scrolling. I want to know what works best and how to make this thing better as I go along. In the meantime, enjoy some posts from the Southern Gospel Review days as well as a couple of new topics & comments.
Thank you for reading and keeping Southern Gospel – Totally Gospel! – Be looking for some reviews of new music by the Collingsworth Family, Wilburn & Wilburn, the Hopper Bros.
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2.0, Whisnants, etc. Also, on the schedule, are some looks at the ‘Kings’ & ‘Queens’ of Gospel Music.
Plenty of great things coming, so stay tuned!