Producer: Jeff Silvey
Label: Scarlett Song Music
Website: www.anndowning.com
Co-writing with various songwriters like Dwight Liles, Jeff Pearson, Daryl Williams, Woody Wright, Toni Clay, Patti Hawkins and Kyla Rowland, Ann has assembled a wonderful array of songs to comfort, delight, move and captivate the listener. Ann had a hand in writing all but two songs on this recording. I continue to be amazed at the talent she has in songwriting, which has only really come out in the last few years or so.
From the delightfully jazzy title song, “GOD LOOKING IN” to the reflective “ABOVE ALL ELSE”, Ann weaves her magic as she moves from the moving, emotional numbers to the fun, enjoyable tunes. This is Ann, as we've always known her to be as a singer, a warm personality whose heart shows through on each tune. This is by far, the best solo recording she has ever done.
The medium tempo “COME OUT OF THE DARKNESS” is a wonderful compelling song to “come out of the darkness, and into the Light” , before things slow down for the song, “HE ALREADY KNEW ME”. This song fits Ann like a glove as she makes you believe what she is singing about. Another song that flows very similar with this one is “STAY CLOSE TO ME”. Both songs are sung in Ann's inimitable down home style.
The bluesy “EARTH HAS NO SORROW” (which features Ann in a duet with Russ Taff) is a highlight of the recording, as is the highly enjoyable “HE'S WORKING THROUGH MY CIRCUMSTANCES”, which features a brief feature of Marsh Hall of the Gaither Vocal Band.
Previously recorded by Sondra Burnett, Ann turns in her own rendition of her song, “LOVE GROWS HERE” written with Jeff Pearson and Woody Wright.
A real treat on this recording is a resurrection of sorts, of Paul Downing. Recorded back in the very early 1970's by the Downings on their “Happiness Is…” album, by way of modern technology, we are treated with a duet with Ann and her late husband on the song, “ARE YOU TIRED?” before moving on to the song, “BRING ME BACK”.
Ann turns in her finest performance to date on her signature song, “I MUST TELL JESUS” . Starting with just Ann and the piano, the song builds quite effectively as Ann projects great dynamics in the song before she gets to the big ending …”I must tell Jesus, Jesus alone!”
It's great seeing Ann, after all these years, still making great music. This recording is a fine piece of work and displays the true musical artist that she is.
Personal Favs: GOD LOOKING IN; HE ALREADY KNEW ME; EARTH HAS NO SORROW; STAY CLOSE TO ME; ARE YOU TIRED?; I MUST TELL JESUS
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 01/31/2005
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Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 19
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Enjoyed the review. Ann possesses not only one of the all-time greatest Southern Gospel voices, it is one of the best in any field. She is more than a singer. She is a song stylist. She can make a song a life-changing sermon.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Ann on "He's Workin' Through My Circumstances", and very excited she chose to include it on "God Looking In". She is fun, she loves the music, and it shows. I am proud to have collaborated with her.
I HAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOY THE REVIEW, AND ENJOY HER C.D, I LOVE THE SONGS, ALL ABOVE ELSE, HE ALREADY KNEW ME, COMES OUT OF THE DARKNESS, AND HE'S WORKING THROUGH MY CIRCUMSTANCES...SHE IS A GREAT SINGER, AND SHE IS A FUN PERSON TO BE AROUND AND SHE LOVES THE GOSPEL MUSIC.
Thanks for the great review on
what a great review and thanks so much for honoring a talented artist...i truely have enjoyed this project and i am anxiously awaiting her next project!!! keep up the great work ann downing and thanks again thanks again for this write-up about her new project!! WAY TO GO ANN!!!
Wow, this is just the best review!!!!
Thanks so much for this wonderful review of Ms Ann's newest project. Have really enjoyed this album and my prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless Ann Downing and her ministry.
I believe this to be one of the best projects Ann has recorded. Each selection chosen has a message of encouragement and faith we all need to hear.
Wow! What an awesome review of "God Looking In." It couldn't have said better. The first time you listen to this project you know beyond a doubt that God has initiated and blessed every song. Thanks for the fabulous review. May God continue to bless Ann Downing and ADM.
James...what a wonderful review you have done on Ann Downing's newest CD.....God Looking In. Listening to this project of Ann's is great, however, attending any of her concerts and listening to and watching her perform these songs is truly a blessing.
James....Wow, what a great review of Ann's new project!!! I don't think I have ever heard an album where you enjoy every one of the songs like "God Looking In"!! I certainly agree with Alice--you just gotta be at one of Ann's concerts to see her perform these new songs. Yes James, after all these years--I love that "growl" on the ending of "I Must Tell Jesus"!!!LOL Thanks again for the fine review.
Thanks so much for the great review. I must agree with all the comments as Ann truly is a woman of God. If you like her cd and her concerts, ladies, go to MTWR and spend a glorious week-end with her. Details is on her web site. Thanks again for the wonderful review.
Hey James, thanks for such a great review of Ann's latest project! I'm kinda partial, but I do believe it's her best yet. The tracks are solid and her vocal performance is the best I've heard.
Great review! Ann has been blessed with such a talent and we have been blessed to experience her magnificent voice and song writing skills. I am proud to be a fANNtastic. . . (Ann Downing supporter)!
Thank you for this super review of Ann Downing's new project. Ann has such an awesome voice, and you can tell that she sings from the heart.
Great review. I had the priviledge of meeting Ann in person last fall and heard many songs from this project and now have the cd. It was such a blessing to me and it's wonderful to see how the Lord uses her. If you don't have this cd, go get it, it's a must have!
This is definately Ann's best album yet! She just keeps getting better with each one. Thank you for giving such a great review. She certainly deserves it.
Wow what a great review on Ann's new project. Ann has such a wonderful voice. Each song on this cd
I TOO AGREE.....
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