Producer: Wayne Haun/Roger Talley/Jason Webb
Label: Crossroads Music
Website: http://www.thecollingsworthfamily.com
I will admit, that this is basically my true introduction to this family and their music. While I have been aware of their music over the last couple of years, and have heard a song or two of theirs from time to time, this recording is my first time to really listen to what they had to say, and boy did I get an ear full! Now I know what all the hoopla is over.these guys are great! They're like a modern day Speer Family with mom and dad (Phil and Kim) Collingsworth and their 4 children (Brooklyn, Courtney, Phillip and Olivia). One thing that impresses me with this family is that there are no real "stars." Everyone plays an equal roll in their sound and not one singer overrides or overpowers the others. Vocally, these guys seem to work as a team, and it works very well for them.
The anthem "THE BLOOD OF JESUS", which features and was written by Kim Collingsworth, gets the recording started before things pick up for the title song and first single release, "WE STILL BELIEVE", which was written by Ronnie Hinson. Featuring an excellent performance by the kids, this is Southern Gospel to the core and should do quite well for the family.
A light and airy feel accents the lush sounds of "WHEN GOD WHISPERS" which features Kim and the oldest two daughters, Brooklyn and Courtney, and the song really showcases some excellent harmony by this ladies trio.
Phil and Kim are musicians who are at the top of their field and two excellent examples of their stellar musicianship are "TRUMPET MEDLEY" (which features "Come Into His Presence", "Shout to the Lord" and "The Trees of the Field") and "IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL."
Dianne Wilkinson and Joseph Smith penned "HE ALREADY SEES", which reminds us that "God sees the storm from the other side, He knows the lessons learned, and just beyond the clouds He sees clear skies, He speaks peace to the raging storm, when peace could not be found, He already sees the rainbow, when we see only clouds."
"NOT THE SAME" is a snappy tune that will stick with you long after the music stops and you'll definitely keep singing it all day long, while the Gerald Crabb penned, "I CAN TRUST JESUS" is a message in song that you can hide in your heart that "I can trust Jesus.He is my strong tower, the strength in my darkest hour, I can trust Jesus, He takes cares of me." "WHAT NOAH KNEW" picks the pace back up a bit with a bit of Martins flare to it.
The classic Neil Enloe tune, "HE'S MORE THAN JUST A SWEAR WORD" gets a fresh arrangement and really is one of the best songs on the recording and the kids do a great job singing this classic 70s tune before the family turns in their rendition of "IN AWE" which has previously been recorded by Mercy's Mark.
Phil and Kim are both featured on the medium tempo, "GOD CAN DO ANYTHING", while their youngest daughter, Olivia, is featured on the cute and rather humorous rendition of the classic tune, "MY FAVORITE THINGS". The recording closes stylistically like it began with an anthem type number, "BLESSED BE THE LAMB".
Simply put. I'm impressed. There's not a lot of show with these people, but what you get is some of the best, most solid singing you'll hear on just about any recording out there on the Southern Gospel market. The tracks are superb and the arrangements fit them like a glove. Though nothing totally blew me away, this is still definitely an exceptional piece of work and I couldn't be happier having this recording in my collection, as it will be one I will listen to over and over again.
Song titles:
1 - The Blood of Jesus
2 - We Still Believe
3 - When God Whispers
4 - Trumpet Medley
5 - He Already Sees
6 - Not the Same
7 - I Can Trust Jesus
8 - What Noah Knew
9 - It is Well with my Soul
10-More than Just a Swear Word
11-In Awe
12-God Can Do Anything
13-My Favorite Things
14-Blessed Be the Lamb
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 07/01/2007
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 2
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Shine on, I love you guys.
Hey, James. Great review, but I wish you guys who review projects would always list your personal favorites of the CD. It kind of lets the fans know and the group itself know what you particularly liked as a reviewer.
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