Producer: Crabb Family & Tre' Corley
Record Label: Daywind Records
Website: http://www.thecrabbfamily.com
There is no denying the influence the Crabb Family has had on not only Southern Gospel, but also inspirational, Christian pop, Black Gospel, and Christian Country. This family was dubbed as being "genre-busting" - and not since The Martins broke past Southern Gospel barriers several years ago had another group found as many loyal listeners in so many different genres of Christian music like the Crabb Family.
In 2006, the group announced their decision to retire. Each member of this award winning family felt God's calling in other areas - such as evangelism (Aaron & Amanda Crabb), solo ministries (Jason Crabb), joining forces with other ministries (Mike & Kelly Bowling), and even sticking together to try out new sounds and ideas (Crabb Revival). Letting Go is the popular family's final studio album together.
The group has never been one to rest on their laurels, and that is thoroughly showcased on this album. Letting Go is another step towards their own sound. There's not much remotely Southern about this album. For instance, "The Cafe'" is pure pop, while "Give You Praise" is reminiscent of early 90's r&b and soul. "Give It All to Him" - while it has a nice melody and strong vocal arrangement - sounds a bit dated in its instrumental arrangement.
"You Saved Me" is a fun Latin-infused number (not unlike something you'd hear in Black Gospel circles) that probably would have translated especially well live. The album continues to jump styles as "Don't Wait" features a more traditional country arrangement. "Holy One" is another slightly dated sounding praise & worship number - though the vocals are performed flawlessly.
"Outspoken" returns to a more decided pop-country feel led by Kelly before the album closes with the seven minute instrumental jam - "Holy Ghost Stomp." "Redeemer (Remix)" is included at the end of the album. This version of their remake is very odd, even for an album as musically diverse as this one.
There are some extremely nice moments - such as the urban flavored "Brothers & Friends" by Jason, Aaron & Adam. The inspirational ballad "Letting Go" recalls the time when Michael English ruled Christian music airwaves with Jason's amazing vocals. The album highlight is the one true Southern Gospel song - "Child of the King".
Overall, fans of the Crabb Family's more traditional sounding days need not even bother with this album. The group was going out with a bang and wanted to create and album that was their own. Letting Go may not be the finest record released this year, but it is fun to see this family finding out exactly who they are after all these years.
Track listing:
The Cafe'
Give You Praise
Letting Go
Give It All to Him
You Saved Me
Don't Wait
Child of the King
Holy One
Brothers & Friends
Outspoken
Holy Ghost Stomp
Redeemer (Remix)
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 12/15/2007
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 3
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I want to thank Jason, Adam and Aaron for doing a fine job on the song "Brothers and Friends". I'm honored and touched by this fine, powerful performance...I couldn't be more pleased as a songwriter and publisher.
This is my all-time least favorite Crabb Family album.
First of all I would like to say that this family has touched lives in a way that few Gospel groups have. I wish them the best as they follow different ministry paths. This album was a great way of showing how diverse of a following they have gained over the years. It was Great!!
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