I was introduced to the music of 2nd Generation about 2 years ago. I was impressed with the first recording and have been anxious to hear what sisters, Elaine and Brenda, along with newest member, Jimmy Hoskins have in store for us next. While this new recording doesn't really offer any huge surprises, they stay true to who they are and give us a solid recording with lots of familiar tunes, adding their own spin to many of them.
Featuring mostly cover tunes, the recording starts off with the Gerald Crabb penned title song, "I SEE A CITY". Previously recorded by the Hoskins Family, the group does a good job putting their own mark on this infectious tune before moving on to another Crabb penned tune, "I'LL NOT FEAR THE CROSSING", which was recorded some time back by the Crabb Family. The group also renders their own version of another song recorded by the Crabb Family (though not penned by Gerald) entitled, "SINGING AND REJOICING", which showcases a bit of Goodman flare.
Turning in back to back renditions of songs recorded by the Dunaways, 2nd Generation does a fine job rendering, "I FEEL THE JOY" (I really like how they took this song to a new level) and "TRIAL BY FIRE". The group also does a splendid job with the former Greenes hit song from several years ago called, "THE BLOOD COVERED IT ALL". While it doesn't sway much from the Greenes version, its power ballad feel fits the group like a glove and it is on this song that they shine the brightest.
"SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING" is one of two songs on this recording that I was unfamiliar with. Featuring the soulful vocals of Jimmy Hoskins, the song has a contagious energy to it that just reels you in. The other song I wasn't familiar with is an uptempo Gerald Crabb penned tune entitled, "WHERE I'M STANDING".
Rounding out the list of songs is "DUST ON THE ALTAR" (formerly recorded by the McGruders) and a current Hoppers favorite, "MY ONLY OPTION", penned by Larry Petree. Though not as slick sounding as the Hoppers rendition, the group pulls it off well and manages to make it their own.
While I would have liked to have seen them tackle more new songs, they did a nice job with this recording. The tracks are outstanding, and the vocals are good. These guys just open up and let'r fly, and they do it very well. Though their vocal sound shifted a bit with the addition of Hoskins, they still have a very strong country-campmeeting feel to their music; but now it comes with a bit of soul thrown in (courtesy of Hoskins). While the recording didn't exactly reach the expectations I had set, this is still a solid effort and it keeps me wanting more.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/15/2008
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 1
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I had the privilege of working with this group on the Magnify Ministry cruie in January. They have a great sound and their new singer adds a great deal to an already great group.
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