Producer: Jeff Collins & Chris White
Website: jodybrownfamily.com
Wow. It's amazing what just a little time logged on the road can do to a group. Just last year, the Jody Brown Indian Family (now affectionately known as JBIF) wowed me with their impressive album God Writes Our Story which was a nice mix of pop-country and bluegrass laced Southern Gospel music. Now, with Come Ride With Me, JBIF has solidified the group as artistic leaders in the genre we know as Southern Gospel.
Come Ride With Me takes what worked extremely well on God Writes Our Story and builds on it and takes the group to a whole new level. Utilizing the amazing expertise of Eddie & Jessica Harrison (of popular vocal trio Hope's Call), JBIF took their vocals to a whole new level on this new album. Stephanie Brown sounds like a totally different vocalist, one who has been weathering the road for only a few years now sounds like a veteran. Jeremy Brown has developed into a fine group singer, while his wife, Ashley, could be known as the glue that holds the group together. Her vocal work has been extremely underappreciated in past years, but Come Ride With Me proves that her voice really provides a nice edge to the group. (She especially shines on the Nichole Nordeman cover of "Legacy".)
Penning all but two songs on the new project, Stephanie Brown has developed into one of the best songwriters in this industry. "God Is Great" is a fun country based number of praise to the father, while "Come Ride With Me" has the makings of a pop hit, especially with Stephanie's stretched vocals on the cut. (This song wouldn't be at all out of place on the current FFH album). "Are You Going to Stand" is a beautiful ballad written from the Father's perspective about standing for Him when times are at their hardest. "Of Calvary Love" has to be Stephanie's strongest lyric to date - which was inspired by the writings of Amy Carmichael. The song's an amazing look into the heart of a struggling Christian. (It should also be noted that Donna Brown gives one of her most memorable performances to date on this song.) Though lyrically the album is strong, Stephanie really shines on her original melodies. She has the uncanny ability to take a song where you didn't think it could go - as the songs aren't your typical SG radio cut. They've got layers of pop, bluegrass, country, and Southern Gospel influences laced throughout each song. Her strongest melody on the album is easily found on "Come Ride With Me", but she also turns out some fine song craftsmanship on "Look Where God Brought Me From." "Welcome to Love" is beautiful ballad that Stephanie & Ashley perform masterfully together.
The bottom line with this album is that it's easily going to be a watermark recording for this group. There's not one filler song on the album as they are all excellently performed and written. Ashley Brown in particular shines on this recording - proving that she's one of the best young vocalists in the industry today (listen to the beautiful "Welcome to Love" and "Legacy" if you have any doubts.) Come Ride With Me is easily JBIF's strongest album to date, and it makes me anxious to see what they have up their sleeves for their next album.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 01/01/2006
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 5
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Finally....someone sees the rich God-given talent
It was a joy to work with JBIF on this project. Jody, Donna, Stephanie, Jeremy and Ashley are extremely talented people and true veterans in ministry. While always seen on the front lines of ministry, their talent is often overlooked or understated. My prayer is that this recording will shed some light on what some of us have already been blessed to discover; Not only the impacting ministry of the JBIF but their undeniable talent!
Well done job for the JBIF!I bought the cd when i went to see them at a sing about a month after the cd came out!I've listened to every song a million times, and every one has blessed me in some way!Great job JBIF, and keep up the great work!I'm amazed to see a group that has such an interest in reaching out to the youth!I'm only 15, and for me, it's a whole new era in SG music!Great job!
I love the song "Are You Going To Stand"
For me this CD is just a little bit wild. I like the Old Southern Gosple Way. It has a good ring to it. You do have to admit that these people do have a great bit of talent.
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