Producers: Jason Crabb, Adam Crabb, Kelly Bowling, and Jerry Yoder
Recorded: The Dark Horse Studio and The Sound Kitchen
Label: Daywind Music
I am always amazed at new Crabb Family recordings. I think I know what to expect, but they always seem to come up with something new and something great. This CD is no exception. There is literally something for everyone on this album. You will hear some Country Gospel, Southern Gospel, Inspirational, and some Black Gospel. This is an album with a lot of variety. It is an interesting concept, because the Crabb Family is trying to broaden their fan base by reaching a more diverse audience with the Gospel of Christ. If this CD is any indication, then they are accomplishing their goal.
The CD opens with “Promised Land”, a country sounding tune featuring Kelly. You'll even hear a touch of a mandolin in the track. It's a song of hope and encouragement. “The Shepherd's Call” is a nice ballad featuring Jason. It gives a new reflection of the ninety and nine sheep that were safe and how the Shepherd left them to find that one lost soul.
“Sacrifice Of Praise” would fit into any modern Praise and Worship service. This is one song that shows the diversity of Gerald Crabb's song writing. Adam does a nice job interpreting this song. Aaron is featured on one of my favorite songs on the CD, “My Keeper,” a thought provoking song making you think about all the times that God has saved you from perilous situations. This one has a great message. For those of you looking for some of that traditional Southern Gospel sound, “Good Day," "Walk Away” and “Rahab” will suit your fancy. “Rahab” was co-written by Gerald Crabb and Jason Crabb. You had better have a box full of Kleenex ready when Jason sings “Forever”. This one is a tie for my favorite song on the CD. Dads and daughters will both be sobbing at the end of this song, but it's a good one. This song deals with saying goodbye in a couple of different ways. “You Can't Imagine”, co-written by Gerald Crabb and Sue Smith is a beautiful ballad of thanksgiving. “He Came Looking For Me” has a real catchy swing to it. You may just catch yourself swaying as you listen to this one. Wrapping up the CD is a remake of “Through The Fire,” however when they added guest soloist Donnie McClurkin, it added even a little more fire if possible.
This CD is just what any Crabb Family fan could want and it is enough to make fans out of someone who has never heard the Crabb Family. This CD is must have and you may even want two or three to keep from fighting over who gets to listen to it.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/30/2004
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 43
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I just listened to this CD. It didn't really catch me like their last CD "The Walk", which to me, jumped out with a bang. I'm sure I'll grow to like this one after listening to it a few times. The songs are good and they do show even more versatility. My son made an interesting comment. He said that even though some of their music is contemporary and a little black gospel too, their voices are still country. I like the new version of "Through the Fire" with Donnie McClurkin.
I agree with you Deon,this CD is outstanding ! I love all the songs and I feel it is one of their best ! Listening to this CD is an emotional roller coaster,you want to cry everytime Forever comes on (beautiful,sweet song) and then you feel you should jump up and leap tall buildings when Chapter 2 comes on,LOL Anything the Crabb Family does is always great but this one is EXCEPTIONAL !!!!!! Gerald Crabb is an amazing,talented man of God and it shows through the songs he writes ! God Bless,
Sabrina
Wow... Awesome... Thats about all there is to say! The Crabbs did it again. "Forever" and "My Keeper" have to be my favorites, but all the songs are great! Keep it up Crabbs, I'm lovin' it!
Great CD.. So far my favorites are: "He Came Looking For Me" and "Sacrifice Of Praise". I think "Good Day", "You Can't Imagine" and "He Came Looking" would be good SG radio singles. I probably only buy one or two SG CDs a year for my personal use.. this one was a must have for me.
I have been a fan of the Crabb Family long before most folks ever gave them the time of day. I remember the first time I ever saw them. It was January 1996 at a little Baptist church here in NC. The group consisted of Gerald and Kathy, Jason and Kellie, and that was it. They had a guy also playing drums for them at the time. They were very good then. “Ghost Stories” was their current single at the time.
I have followed them closely and have watched and listened to the evolution of their sound as they progress into what they are becoming. Each album is a step into a new direction and this new album is no different.
I still haven’t decided if I like this album or love it. I think “The Walk” was the best they had ever done. Not quite sure yet what to think of this one, but I will say it is growing on me. It takes a turn towards a more country sound, which has always been the basis for their sound, and leans a bit away from (for the most part) from the soulful turn that was abundant on “The Walk.” I was saddened to not hear any big power ballads like that were found on “The Walk.” There is no “The Cross” or “Wounded Soldier” on here.
I applaud them for trying new avenues musically. There are several songs I love to listen to over again…”Walk Away” is my personal fav, and I love to listen to “Chapter 2” which I think is a pretty cool song. I also enjoy “My Keeper”, “You Can’t Imagine”, “A Soldier on His Knees” and “The Shepherds Call.” Haven’t quite been able to ‘get into’ the song “Good Day.” But that’s just me.
As far as the cover goes, (and I can’t believe I am going here after the Booth Brothers fiasco last year! LOL!) I wish they’d have left the cowboy hat off! LOL! I know they are thinking outside the box, in which I applaud them for, but I just wish they’d have left the cowboy hat off.
I reviewed “The Walk” and gave it a 5 star rating. I would have given this one 4 ½ or 5 stars. Maybe after I live with the CD awhile, I may give a more confident 5 stars.
I LOVE the Cowboy hat!
Hats off.. to "the hat"!
My thoughts on the CD: GREAT. Although I still don't think they've captured their live performance in the studio. I think their live performances are 100 times better than their CDs. However, just coming out of the studio, I understand that it is hard to capture the energy of a live setting in the studio. I hope that they can soon find that energy. However, the CD did not leave me disappointed. I have been and will always be a Crabb Family fan.
I have to agree with the comments on not being blown away by the first listen of this CD. When I first heard "The Walk" I was amazed at how much the group had progressed. "Driven" has not had that impact on me yet...maybe it'll grow on me in time.
Chris...I think the CD that best shows the energy of a live Crabb Family performace is their "Crabb Collection" CD. I think even when I reviewed that CD I commented on that.
I haven't gotten a copy of the new CD yet but I have to say the cover art is amazing. I think it is the best cover art that they have ever had. Great photo shoot and concept.
My one and only complaint about this CD is that there are no lyrics included with the CD. Instead, you're referred to their website. Otherwise, the packaging, production quality, song selection and vocal delivery are great. I like the way they offer a variety of styles, yet maintain a similar vocal sound on most songs to give it a unifying characteristic. That's the mark of a great artist . . . flexible, yet always identifiable.
One or two of these songs ("Sacrifice Of Praise") I would call "pop," but most of the styles come from genres that I'd label as "first cousins" to SG . . . there's black gospel, country, bluegrass, and even a Third Day type Southern rock sound on the song "Chapter 2." I got a pre-release copy of "Chapter 2" a few weeks ago that had some orchestral strings which just sounded out of place, IMO. I was pleased to note that for the final mix they removed most of those strings and went with more of a pure Southern rock sound instead.
IMO, the highlight for previous Crabb Family fans will be the new black gospel version of their previous hit "Through The Fire."
As much as it pains me, I have to agree with Deon's rating of five stars. (It happens once in a while!) ;o)
Purist SG fans may bemoan the diversity of styles that the Crabb Family has developed, but there's no denying the high quality level of craft that went into making _Driven_.
“Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more.”—-Mark Twain
I agree with you David in that the common practice anymore is for CDs to refer to the artist's website for lyrics. I hate that. I MUCH prefer the lyrics to be included with the CD. I hate having to go to website for lyrics, especially if I am listening somewhere that I can't get to a computer. I hope record companies get away from that practice very soon.
Dang...I just listened to my new copy of the Crabbs CD...they DID take the strings out on "Chapter 2". I thought the strings were so cool on there. I hate they took them out.
Well, to me the strings diluted the underlying rock nature of "Chapter 2" . . . almost like an apology or an attempt to make it sound smoother than it was really meant ot be. I thought the strings were very distracting. I wish they'd inserted some additional guitar riffs to fit the character of the song more.
I noticed that the orchestra still gets credit for playing on that song, though! They should have reprised it at the end of the CD with the strings mix. Remember "hidden tracks?" That would have been a good one. :o)
On the lyrics . . . I can understand leaving them out if the budget for packaging is a bit tight, but that's clearly not the case with this CD. It has a fold out poster on fancy paper with a cool design, and large photos of the group members. Also, the songs are all written by Gerald Crabb, so there should have been no major issue of getting permission to print the lyrics either . . . so why not just include them conveniently for fans and make some OTHER compelling case for them visiting the website?
“Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more.”—-Mark Twain
i love it when the crabb family come out with a new cd
As a long time fan of The Crabb Family..... I too go way back to when Ghost Stories was the single... I LOVE this recording.
I didn't care for "The Walk" very much as I felt their voices sounded "out of place" for lack of a better term.
I'm glad their voices are "back in place" for this project. I LOVE the Country look.
James... think about it.... They have become regulars on The Grand Old Opry. The cowboy had absolutely fits the part, as does their new "modern country" look when they are on stage.
As always, I'm in the minority still. Being that I do not like the "Through The Fire" version and feel like they should have left well enough alone with that one.
But..... I LOVE the project!
I absolutely would have given this project 5 Stars! Deon is right on!
Karen \o/
http://www.yielded-ministries.com
“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”
When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.
I love Driven! Love the sytles, love the music, the songs, the vocals...love the hat! They are growing up, and it shows.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think of the new CD. It's grown on me though. I'm not too crazy about "Sacrifice of Praise" and "Chapter 2," but I love the rest of it. I, like someone else here, think "Through The Fire" should have been left alone. My favorites are "Good Day," "You Can't Imagine," "He Came Looking For Me," "Rahab," and "Walk Away." I think that "My Keeper" is also a nice song.
Well......I got it.........and I LOVE it!!! I LOVE the new version of "Through The Fire!" Each of the Crabbs has improved vocally I believe. . . .although it's hard to believe that was possible. They all did awesome! I'm so proud of them! My favorites are "Through The Fire" (of course), Sacrifice of Praise, Chapter Two, My Keeper, Good Day, and The Shepherds Call. . . . .but I truly love the whole cd.
I Love it I think the Crabbs new sound is great. I love the song "Sacrifice Of Praise" and I also love the (Thrid Day) south rock kind of song "Chapter 2" althought Jason dose not sound like Third Days lead singer Mac Powell (LoL) My dad use to preach revivels with Gerald Crabb a long time back( long before they started singing as a Family) So I have always been a big fan.
I LOVE this Cd. It is there greatest yet, but I say that about every cd the Crabbs make, lol. The vocals were awesome, My favorites are Sacrifice of Praise, Through the fire, You can't imagine, Walk away, Chapter 2, and THe Shepherds Call. Great Job Guys!!!
There is a box called Southern Gospel and the Crabb family keeps pushing on the sides of this box. With each new release from the Crabb family you have to wonder will the box break or will the box just stretch to accomodate them. This project shows the box really straining to contain the multitalented Crabb Family. Take a song like "Sacrifice of Praise", and it is an awesome song, but it can hardly be called Southern Gospel or can it? Did the box stretch or did it break? Time will tell.
I love this cd i like the song forever it my favorite and i like
I love the cd
I don't think its fair that if the Crabbs do contemporary stuff then its ok. But you let some of the not so popular groups do it and they are out of God's Will to most people.
I dont think its fair that if the Crabbs do edgy stuff then its ok. But if some other not as known group do it then they are out of God's Will.
I think this is one of their best CD's yet! :o)
I haven't bought the CD yet . . . I've heard "He Came Looking For Me" on the radio and I like it. I hope the Crabb family hasn't gone over the edge as far as their sound goes - "The Walk" CD is by far the best ever. I'll let you know my opinion once I buy the CD and listen to all of the songs.
I haven't heard a song yet that the Crabb family has out that isn't inspiring, uplifting and I love to hear them as frequently as I get a chance.
I agree with Mike. Sometimes you have to think, "Do I see Jesus through this CD?" Sadly, I have to say, no I do not. I rarley tend to see that, not judging their spiritual standings, I believe they are Godly people, but just looking at their cover, and the songs, it seems showy to me. Also, you can have a bit upbeat style and newer style than old hymns and still be blessed, but to me most their music is just noise, not music. And why is it people rave on them, and then down the Martins or the Ruppes if they have a song "outside the box," yet its ok for the Crabb Family. Is it b/c their women?
Addition to that, don't think I don't like them, b/c I do. I am just stating what I have seen with my own eyes, and heard with my own ears. I like them fine, its just the comments of people and then the insults to others I have heard and don't understand.
David,
Considering the fan base (including me) that the Crabb Family has and the soul's saved through their ministry, I think it is safe to say that they are just where God wants them to be, singing just what God wants them to sing. I would never pose for a picture in my curlers and housecoat,why should they ? I love the cover ! All of their songs send a powerful message,it's okay to not agree,put another CD in, but don't critize them,they don't deserve that! Sabrina
I agree with Sabrina: everyone is free to their own opinion, but no one should put down anyone that is doing the work of the Lord. The Crabb Family along with many other groups have touched many lives and have put forth the gospel to lead many to Christ. If someone doesn't enjoy a group's style, listen to someone you do enjoy. But please don't discourage anyone that is working hard for the Lord. Instead we should encourage and lift up everyone to the Lord in prayer. Remember, we are all suppose to be working toward the same goal! Jackie
Say what you want, but if there had been this type of gospel music out there when I was a teenager, I would have listened and loved it. I could have been hearing the word of God and might have given my heart to The Lord a lot sooner. The songs are annointed and have a great sound that people with various tastes can enjoy.
This CD has grown on me so much the longer I listened to it! Though I still like the older version of "Through The Fire" better and just think "Forever" is a sweet song that could be for a funeral (stepdad's idea there...), the rest is great. For a person who was a bit leary of "Sacrifice of Praise" and "Chapter Two," I now sing those two songs as much as any of the others. Maybe the Crabb Family did stretch the box, but it certainly hasn't broken. I've gotten as much out of this CD as any of their others.
I love the Crabbs and their music is wonderful. I have gotten to know them a bit and they all, including Mike Bowling, live what they sing about. They are down to earth folks that treat everyone the same way..."GOOD". I think that Driven is just fine. Bro. Gerald is a top notch writer and the kids get the message across just fine. I do agree with an earlier comment about capturing the engergy of one of their live performances. When you see them do "I've Never Been This Homesich Before" it will set you back a notch or two. The Crabbs are hooked up like a bucket of neck bones!!! God bless em'.
I agree that the Crabb Family as well as Mike Bowling are very down to earth people who live what they sing.I had the pleasure of attending this year's Crabbfest for the first time and actually got to hear most of the "Driven" material live before I got to hear the studio project.This project is growing on me,like some who have made their comments,I'll agree so far that I like "The WalK" a little better.I do like Sacrifice of Praise and Chapter Two,though and I like the new version of Through The Fire with Donnie McClurkin,although I wish Jason would have put as much "soul" into as he did the original,I guess he thought that was Donnie's job,though.There is still room in the "box" though as far as I'm concerned.Keep writing the great material,Bro. Gerald and kids keep singing the great material and fanning the flames,Amen.
The crabb family's music has all was been an insperatin to me and my family. When we here the song "He never prmised" we yell at my mom t turn up the radio be cause that song and many others they have written and sung have such a gd meaning and feeling that it feels like they are not just writing songs but the songs they do sing and write come from their heart and soul. God truly has great things in store for the crabb family.
I love this c.d.! You Can't Imagine is awesome! I really like The Shepherds Call and The Promised Land
TOTALLY AWESOME!!
I LOVE this CD, I've almost worn it out!! I admire them for the versatility of a different variety of songs, sure to appeal to all ages. You can't sit still when you hear " Sacrifice of Praise", and whether you're a new Christian or an experienced believer, "Shepard's Call" and "My Keeper" will remind you just how precious and loving our Savior is! These kids are on fire and should be lifted up in the work they are doing to carry out the gospel. It will be sad to see them part and go their separate ways, but God be with each of them as they continue on in their perspective ministries. They are a blessing and inspiration to me and I thank God for each and every one of them!
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