Producers: Michael Sykes & Phil Johnson
Executive Producer: Phil Johnson
Label: Spring Hill Music Group
Website: http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com
I'm happy in knowing that Karen Peck & New River waits a year and half to two years before releasing new studio projects. I take this kind of attitude mainly due to the fact that my anticipation for new music is always peaking when the new album releases and that she always meets those expectations – or in the case of Good to Be Free (her latest Spring Hill Music Group recording) – totally exceeds those expectations.
Producers Michael Sykes and Phil Johnson take the listener on a musical ride through many variations of Southern Gospel and country. Good to Be Free kicks off with “Feels Good to Be Free”, an inspirational upbeat based number that showcases the harmonies that this group is known for. The group remakes the popular Cristy Lane song “One Day at a Time” with a new musical background (arranged by popular studio musician Gordon Mote ). One could be skeptical of remaking such a popular song, but the group interprets it masterfully.
“My Lord and I” is a musical stretch for Karen Peck & New River – leaning on celtic/world music influences and praise & worship-like melody lines. “Just One Touch” is your typical Karen Peck ballad which is performed wonderfully with Karen's unique and heartfelt vocal delivery. That song is a #1 hit waiting to happen.
“ River of Peace ” is a nice country-based tune, featuring an acoustic musical track. “Saved” features a unique 6/8 meter, something not typically used in Southern Gospel songs. The song features Susan Peck Jackson in one of her best moments. “Pocket Full of Seeds” is a real lyrical gem (penned by praise and worship artist Carl Cartee ). While it isn't the highlight of the album musically, it's sure to touch hearts with its message of a Christian's responsibility for planting seeds while “there's a famine in the land.”
“I'm Gonna Get Up” features new vocalist Devin McGlamery in a different musical form. It's got a bluesy-country sound that he pulls off flawlessly. It's a different kind of style than when he was with the Dixie Melody Boys , but it works very well. (This is the only time that Devin is featured on this album.)
“Who Touched Me” and “I Know Where There's Water” are two ballads back to back. The Gerald Crabb penned “Hold Me While I Cry” is another lyrical highlight, showcasing the Christian's need for a God who listens while they hurt.
The highlight of the album comes in the form of the Rebecca J. Peck & Dava Anderson number – “Give It To Jesus”. It's an upbeat, piano based number – placing the group in a very progressive style. Karen's vocals in particular shine on this number, and one can only imagine the crowd response that this song receives each night.
Other songwriters featured on the album include incredible people like Twila McBride-LaBar , Gina Bean , Chaz Bosarge , Dianne Wilkinson , Aaron Wilburn , and John Darin Rowsey , as well as the sisters Karen Peck-Gooch & Susan Peck-Jackson .
Only a few small complaints accompany the album. One is that we only get one song from the talented Devin McGlamery. “I'm Gonna Get Up” proves that he is more than capable of holding a song on his own. Perhaps the next album we can hear from him more. (While I was a big fan of former member Jason Jackson , Devin blends much better with the sisters and just seems to “fit” more.)
My last complaint is that I'm not a fan of the green tint that the album cover has. However, I'm not reviewing album packaging here – so aside from that, Good to Be Free will surely fall as one of Karen Peck & New River's finest albums to date.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 04/30/2005
| 
Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 9
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If the content of this CD had any relation to the font size on the cover, "Karen Peck" would be at least five times larger than "New River."
i think this is a wonderful cd. and anything karen goes can not be bad, after all it is her group!
DBM,
I really feel this just may be the best recording Karen Peck & New River has ever done. I am still VERY partial to “Triumph” from a couple of years ago, but this new one is awesome.
The title song is pretty cool, as is the new rendition of “One Day at a Time.” I’ve never liked the song, until now! “My Lord and I” is really different, and I like it. “Saved” is one of my personal favorites, though musically it reminds me a lot of the Hoppers hit, “But for the Blood”. I love the message in “Pocket Full of Seeds” and while I don’t think it will ever hit radio, it’s a song that does not need to be missed. It almost makes me think of the old Lanny Wolfe song, “My House is Full.”
Devin does a cool job on “I’m Gonna Get Up”. I just wish he had been featured a bit more on the recording. Surprisingly, he fits very well with the groups sound.
I wasn’t impressed with “I Know Where There’s Water.” This song has never been one of my favorites. I agree with David, they could have found a better song to go here. It’s not a bad song, just kind of boring to me.
“Give it to Jesus” is a rockin’ tune. I love this song and I can’t get enough of it.
“Hold me While I Cry” has the sounds of a good country ballad, but with gospel lyrics. I like this one as well.
All in all, I agree with Chris’ rating of 4 ½ stars…Excellent recording and several rungs better than their last. After “Triumph”, I felt the group’s last mainline recording, “For His Glory” (for the most part) was a nosedive for the group and this new one brings them right back on top of their game.
With regard to the ratio, they had a chance with this recording to attract some DMB fans who might pick it up only because Devin is now with the group. However, they didn't go out of their way to capitalize on that opportunity. I was basically just expanding on (and completely agreeing with) your first "small complaint" in your review.
I havent heard the recording but I'm sure any recording by KPNR would be awesome. I would like to comment on the CD cover. I really like it!! I dont mind the green tint and I really like the loose tie that Devin is wearing. It's really "hip". Thats just my two cents!
I listened to clips of this CD on KPNR's website, but it's been a good while, so I don't really remember much about it, except "One Day At A Time" was AWESOME. I've NEVER liked that song at all until the KPNR version... REALLY COOL...IT ROCKS...I LOVE IT!!!!!!
At first, I was disappointed with this album. However, after subsequent spins, I've really grown to like it. My personal favorites are "Good To Be Free", "My Lord and I" and "Give It To Jesus". Perhaps my favorite of all is "Saved". Susan does a great job on lead. I would like to hear more from both her and Devin, but Karen leading this great group is alright with me.
I loved Triumph, then For His Glory was released, Loved it!!!! Now Good To Be Free and I have to say I absolutely love it aswell. I agree that there are one or two songs that seem like filler songs but its not like KPNR are the only artists who have a filler or two. ALL cd's have a couple songs that aren't as appealing. I think Devin is a much better fit than Jason Jackson. Jason was talented but Devin has a much better blend with them. I can't say enough good about this album. Who Touched Me, One Day At A Time, Just One Touch, River of Peace and Give It To Jesus are my faves so far.
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