Produced by: Adrian Payne/ Quint Shepherd
Dove Music
Hailing from the state of Georgia and consisting of Rev. Quint and Debra Shepherd along with their son Jonathan Shepherd, Sheri Haynes and Wallace Smith, the Shepherds are basically a family group who at the core of their music lies Debra Shepherd who is the resident songwriter of the group. With songs recorded by the Hoskins Family, the Kingsmen, the McKameys as well as other artists to her credit, it is a wonder why more people haven’t heard of the group. But nonetheless, with it’s marked country sound and excellent songwriting by Debra, this is a group that with the right elements can really make a major mark on the industry.
Featuring several songs written by Debra, she has some of her best work to date, I believe, on this recording. Such songs as “HE MAKES A WAY”, “I’M GLAD YOU LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO”, “A FRIEND OF GOD” (which is their latest single and a really great song), and “OH YES HE IS” all have excellent lyrics and are some of the best songs on this recording. Other songs written by Debra include “I NEED A MIRACLE”, “THERE’S GOT TO BE A GOD SOMEWHERE”, “A GREAT BIG GOD” and “LORD, I WANT TO BE A WITNESS”; with the latter two songs featuring Debra and Quint’s twin daughters Haley and Hope along with Sheri’s daughter Chloe.
There are a few songs that Debra did not write and those include the early 70s Hinson classic “AIN’T THAT WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT”, the heartfelt “I CAN SEE HEAVEN FROM HERE” and “THERE’S SOMEBODY OUT THERE” (which ironically is my favorite song from the recording and features a fine performance by Debra Shepherd).
The group has a good, solid sound and obviously a good, solid songwriter, which, as I stated earlier, makes me wonder why they continue to remain somewhat in obscurity. I think with the right producer and a solid record company behind them, they can get the jump they need to become a household name.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 09/30/2003
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 63
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As a Southern GA native, I sit here as I read your review regarding The Shepard's there are many thoughts that come to my mind. First I do respect your review and opinions of the Southern Gospel Industry, another thought comes to mind. Do you really know The Shepard's? As a person who reviews albums, I would first think that one of your responsiblities is to promote and enlighten others to the talent. Let's continute to keep in mind that it is GOSPEL music (3.5 stars, come on!) Do you remember the song "Miracle in the Making"? Well I do and it fell in the top 10 in the mid-90's. Wonderful Talent once again brought to life by Debra. Debra has put her heart and soul into the work of Gospel Music and thanks to the opinions like yours she still seems to be under-rated. Again I read the Southern Gospel CD reviews often and wonder how one person's opinion can alter that of thousands. Maybe you should consider that your positive opinion may put them into the daily household light that you speak of. And to further point out that are distributed by New Day Music, not a fly by nighter. I look forward to more positive review as I am sure do The Shepard's.
Did you read the same review that I did? James made some great comments about this CD. He said: " with it's marked country sound and excellent songwriting by Debra, this is a group that with the right elements can really make a major mark on the industry." And he commented, " I think with the right producer and a solid record company behind them, they can get the jump they need to become a household name." These are great positive comments and nothing to sneeze at. Combine those comments with the rating of 3 1/2 stars= A good solid project, I think that he gave a fair review and a good review at that.
A review of the reviewer.mmmmm :shutup:
When will sg fans realize that not every project is a 5 star project?? I thought the review was positive and fair and it would not keep me from purchasing the project.
It really is a good, solid CD. I am very much aware of some of Debra's best known songs. She is a super songwriter (as I stated in my review). I just felt that they haven't had a solid top 40 song in a few years and thought maybe with the right producer and record company, they can make some headway in that area.
I did not review their spirituality at all. If you read into that, it was not my intent.
By the way, "Where He Leads"...thanks for the review of the review! I appreciate it! 
In defense of James, I didn't perceive any spirituality bashing on his part. To James, however, I would say that some folks have no interest in being considered part of the "industry" and in many cases, the "right" producer and/or record label will only serve to change what makes a ministry viable in the first place. There are tons of music ministries enjoying success without the trappings and expense of major labels. Excuse me now, for I must go put on my flame retardant suit.
Tim, I agree and I ALMOST made that statement in my comment above yours.
I have received an email from someone who felt I slammed the group and was unfair and made them appear to be a local group and not a national group. That was not my intent, but when you put them against groups like the Hoppers, McKameys, Gold City, Perrys, etc. yes, they do slightly remain in obscurity. And when I question if someone knows the Shepherds, and I get a questioning "WHO?" yes, they are somewhat in obscurity.
I love the Shepherds and their music. I have enjoyed their music since "Miracle in the Making" was released. But I would like to see them a little more visable. If they choose to remain on their own label, that's cool! It's their call. Sometimes, that IS the best option.
But my review was in no way slamming the group or their spirituality or their definite contributions to the industry (as in my review I DID point out!)
Boy! Talk about being hung in the middle here.
I think it's time for a reality check. This is a very good and solid CD, however Fans and family members tend to think that their favorite groups should always get 5 stars. We at SoGospelNEWS.com have made the committment to give honest reveiws, and sometimes honesty is not what fans and family members are wanting to see. They are wanting to see sugarcoated reveiws, and they are not going to get that here. James' reveiw was right on target. Three and a half stars is a very good review. We are reviewing CDs, not spirituality, or morals, or personality. Some of the greatest people in the world have made some terrible CDs, while some of the real "stinkers" have put out absolutely tremendous recordings. Remember, it's the quality of the CD we are rating, not the quality of the people. Once again, good job James.
I just want to make sure that I am not misunderstood. I AM very realistic. My comments were NOT about the rating of 3 1/2 Stars, or on the actual comments made on the review of the CD itself. But rather, The comments on the GROUP itself. The comments on the "group" in the last paragraph, makes it sound like they need a good producer and record label in order to be successful. They ARE successful. They ARE a national group and have been for years.
Karen, see my comments after Tim's...I think I thoroughly explained myself. :cool:
I did see them and I agree you explained yourself. And you have a right to your opinion, (as we all do). But I think that more needed to be added as to who The Shepherds are and that they are national artists and have had several songs on the charts. None of that was explained. What you explained was your intent and why you wrote it the way you did. It did not help anyone see The Shepherds and their accomplishments as a National group any better.
Well, I already commended James on this review, but I have to say one thing..
Great! That is what these reviews are for. Even what some perseive as bad publicity will make people go out and buy a CD just to hear it.
By all means, check them out on the web @ http://www.theshepherdsministries.com
WhereHeLeads, Are you telling me you never heard "There's A Miracle In The making"???? :ohmy: I agree with James though, any kind of publicity that makes people go buy the CD has been successful.
I disagree with the purpose of a review being to describe the artist's past success. It's fine if that's done, sure, but I wouldn't think of it as a requirement. If a group is really popular and at a nationally recognized level, there's really no need to point it out. On the other hand, if they're not as popular as other groups, mentioning things like their national artist status and quoting their past chart success might make readers think of you as a personal promotor of the group rather than an objective writer of a review.
I didn't see where anyone said the "purpose" of a review was to describe the artist's past success. I'm not sure where this came from.
And we can't all be right like me! :angel: :ha:
:oops: Sorry James you made a mistake.
In response to the question, No, I never heard "Miracle In the Making." I have never heard of the Shepherds before this review. Having read this review, however, it has certainly piqued my curiosity.
:cool: That's Interesting that you never heard that song. How long have you been listening to Southern Gospel Music?
Karen, just because you've heard of them, doesn't mean everyone has! :ohmy:
:rolleyes: James@ I was referring to the SONG "There's A Miracle In the Making"
True...but if you came into SGM after the early 90s, chances are you may not have. That was a hit in the late 80s, if I am not mistaken.
And you've not heard it sung by any groups or in any church services since then????
To be honest, the only group I remember hearing it other than the Shepherds is your old group The Winstons.
If the Shepherds had not appeared near here back those years ago, I probably would not have been all that familiar with their music.
Wow. I hear it in soooo many church services, alter calls, ect....
That doesn't mean "Where He Leads" would have heard it from any of those groups. I never heard of FHH until a couple months ago. And the Stilleys were only a regional group.
Anyway, he hasn't heard of the song, and this review made him want to become familiar with their music.
At the risk of this becoming a two way conversation between Karen and I, I'm going to hush. :shutup:
Well, I've never heard the song or even heard of the Shepherds. Sorry to break it to ya Karen, but I don't think the Shepherds are a nationally known group anymore.
Ok, I'll bite who is Four Part Harmony and The Stilleys. I never heard of John Stilley either before Down East Boys. I don't think you are proving your point Karen.
I don't think ya'll are understanding my point. I'm sure you haven't heard of those groups. My point was that the SONG is well known, not the groups I mentioned. Many groups (even if they are local), have recorded that song so it's not "unknown".
blush
Just cause I listen to CCM more than SG doesn't mean that I don't know anything about SG artists. My knowledge of SG is probably far more vast than you suspect.
I wasn't implying that you don't know anything about SG artists. I'm sure in fact, that you do, being the family you belong to. Only I don't consider you to be and "average" fan of SGM. (again "my" opinion)
I've never heard of the Shepherds. As far as I know, I haven't heard that song either...but I may have. Mentioning a past hit isn't what makes a cd good. It would just serve to add a little familiarity of the group to the reader...but it won't help that cd review out one bit. The group may be national. But, I'd have to take your word for it...and I do. But, they are far from a "household name" which is what James H. said that they could be with a little more marketing. Where's the negative? That's a GREAT compliment! He basically said they have the "stuff" talent-wise to be one of the top groups.
Exactly! Thank you James S.
Karen, we all know that I have been listening to SGM for many, many, many years, and I have never heard "There's A Miracle In The Making". I believe that I used the Shepherds as one of my "sleeper of the week" radio pics, meaning that they are a quality group that is not nationally known. As I gaze through my CD collection, I have one CD by the Shepherds, and that's one that you helped me get back when I was on radio. You don't go into most book stores and find their product.
The good thing is that the Shepherds have gotten a ton of exposure from what they may have thought was an error in their review. I guarantee that more people today know who the Shepherds are than did yesterday.
James gave them a very good compliment with his reveiw and to not take it that way would be a shame.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
WOW, LOOK WHAT HAS HAPPEN.. I NEVER THOUGHT MY 1 COMMENT WOULD SPARK A FIRE :rolleyes: !
I love the song "There's a Miracle in The Making," but I must admit I didn't know it was the Shepherds who originally recorded it. There are some truly uplifting lyrics in that song. Way to go Debra! Thanks for writing something that has touched me.
Ok, new day, New Bi-Polar mood! :hehe: :laugh: :oops:
Get over it already, it was a fair review and I personally feel it was dead on target with 3 1/2 stars.
I've never heard the song Miracle In the Making, either. I gave this CD a sound check at a Christian bookstore, and I personally feel that 3 1/2 stars is liberal. I'm thinking 1 1/2 or 2 stars at best. Sorry.
Well, It seem we have gotten off topic here. I, too, Know the Shepherds persosnally. They are a very very dedicated group of people whose only goal in life is to lift up Jesus. Not hit records, top 40 charts,and the only name they want recognized is Jesus Christ! They are a very solid group of people who are in the ministry, Not the publicity business. If we are going to review the cd, lets be fruit inspectors of their cd and not their position in the industry. That is part of the problem in SGM naow is that to many groups are in the industry and not the ministry! That is one list the Shepherds will never be on!
Wow...James, you just have to cause trouble don't you? just kidding! In James' defense, I agree with the review. It was very fair. The review was based upon the project...not their spirituality or even their past success or lack thereof. I mean, really...the review was pretty clear. Reviews on a current project should be just that...CURRENT PROJECTS. A group might have 1 hit song but it doesn't mean that everything after that is going to be the same. There are a lot of groups in the same situation. I am sure the Shepherds are good people and are walking in the right path, but that does not have anything to do with the review of this album.
I am going to have to agree with the review!!!! The Production on this album leaves much to be desired! That doesn't mean that there is no talent! There are a lot of groups that with $35,000 and a GOOD producer could have a #1 selling album! That is the Key Good songs which they have!!! GOOD production Good Tracks and that would have the makings of a 5 Star Album That is what it takes!
There are a lot of groups that, if they spent $35,000 on a recording, they'd go bankrupt or at least, hungry.
Quote "The Production on this album leaves much to be desired! "
you guys are funny!
Keep up the good work Shepherds!
very good guys.....and gals! Keep it up!
do you still have soundtrack for
I need to aquire sheet music for gospel songs., can you help? E-mail me asap Thanks much
how can i find " a cd sound track of the shepard"s
I have been trying to find some sheet music to the song " In His Hands " I have searched every where I know. Could you help!
We would like to get some of your CDs. Let us know how we can go about this. Thank you and may God use you.Dick & Jane Scaife.
Hi..
I would appreciate it if you would send me info on how I can get some of your CDs. We hope to hear from you. Thank you & God Bless your ministry. Richard Scaife l668 Walton St. Philipsburg. Pa 16866 E-mail address .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Hi..
I have the soundtrack to "God Has Not Forgotten You" but have lost the words. I ordered it directly from the Shepherds several years ago and was wondering how to get the lyrics. Please help me so I can begin singing this song in church again. Thanks.
quit all the controversy about debra shepherd.she is a fine young lady.ya'll don't hear her harping negatives about ya'll.just let the music minister to ya'll.and i would like to say...kaolin church of god has an awesome pastor's wife,debra shepherd!!!
I have been trying to find the music to "There's a Miracle in the Making". I have called every Christian Bookstore and searched the internet all over. Could you help me get a copy iof this? I would be glad to pay for it, but cannot find it. It would be such a blessing to our ministry!!
Hi Family, I would like to know how to get in contact with you to book you all for a Sunday preaching & singing. Sing and Preach Sunday morning and Sing Sunday night. Please e-mail me and let me know. Do you all come on a LOVE offering or do you have a set rate. We are a small church but love good bible beliving preaching and gospel singing.
I LOVE YOUR SONG MOUNTAIN GO MOUNTAIN, BUT I CANT FIND IT ON CD. CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE I CAN GET ONE PLEASE.
I am looking for your CD soundtrack It will be hard not to cry. Where can I find it?
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