Producer: Michael Sykes/Phil Johnson
Spring Hill Music Group
If there was an award for “Fun Album of the Year”, this would win it hands down. In recent months, there has not been a recording I have enjoyed listening to as much as this one. Joyce Martin-McCollough, Karen Peck and Sheri Easter bring to the table their combined talents and sheer ‘diva-hood’ to bring us a fresh and exciting new CD.
Joyce kicks things off singing the vivacious “CHANGE FOR THE BETTER” then Karen steps up and dives into the bold “CHAINS GONE, SET FREE.” Things then slow down as Sheri delivers a heartfelt performance on the worshipful “YOU GIVE.”
All three of these ladies proudly proclaim…“I‘M A MOM” and how they are the “ring master of a three ring circus” they fondly call home. This fun song alone is worth the price to buy this CD. This song should get quite a bit of airplay around Mothers Day! These ladies lead us into worship with a couple of excellent modern worship songs, “GOD OF ALL” and “EVEN GREATER.”
One of my favorite songs on this recording is “IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU” featuring Karen. With its ever so slight Jamaican beat, this is a highly enjoyable song to listen to and has a solid message as well. Sheri’s soulful vocals prevail on “IT’S IN THE ATTITUDE” and this song has attitude! This will definitely be a listener favorite and the message will really hit home.
Joyce shows off her wares vocally, on the brassy sounding “FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY BRAND NEW HEART” and Karen gives her all on the easy flowing “HIGH ROAD.”
Sheri has become the master of singing tender ballads, and she delivers one of her finest performances to date on the emotional ballad, “IF SHE COULD.” Portraying the story of an elderly lady suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, this song will no doubt bring a tear to your eyes. “I’LL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON” brings the CD to a nice and reflective close and leaves you with a warm feeling.
Call it Progressive, Middle of the Road, Country, Inspirational, Contemporary, Southern Gospel or just call it Southern Gospel with attitude! The whole recording is very upbeat and positive. The only problem I have is there isn’t a lot of meat in some of the songs. This recording is fun, progressive and highly enjoyable, and though some of the songs offer some great messages geared towards every day life, in this reviewer’s eyes, overall the recording doesn’t offer a lot to sink your spiritual teeth into. Of course, this may be totally on purpose. Like I said, this is really a great recording, but if you are looking for meat and potatoes, this ain’t it…this is desert! So men, buy a copy for your significant other in your life and get in touch with your feminine side and buy one for yourself! After all, “Best of Friends” isn’t just for women!
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Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/15/2003
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 13
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I can't wait to get this cd!!! I listened to the clips on SolidGospel.com and it sounds AWESOME!!! I was amazed at the sound the three of them have together!!! Course I'm glad they are staying with their original groups though! lol But can't wait to hear it all and more in the future! Way to go Karen, Sheri, and Joyce!!!
I listened to this CD today while I was at work. It's a good concept that fans should enjoy. As James said in his review, it's a fun project. Four stars sounds about right.
I love this project. Karen Peck Gooch has really pushed the envelope on this one with a total new vocal sound. (for her) She is one of my favorite singers and I'm not sure I would have even recognized her on some of these songs. There is so much more punch and she's not always up in that "high" (yet beautiful) voice we are use too.
Karen, I'm just curious. Why is it wonderful for Karen Peck (whom I absolutely adore) to push the envelope, but The Crabb Family was ridiculed for doing it?
Ouch!
I LOVE this CD!!! I am also glad that the ladies are staying with their original groups, but WOW! They sound soooo incredible together!! I gave it a 5 star rating! But then again as it was stated before, with those three, how could it BE anything but awesome?! You go girls!!!
Ooh good point Amy Marie!
Amy,
Karen,
You are right, I'm not much of a "Martins" fan. Which is why I didn't make many comments about Joyce's part in the CD. I'm not really that familiar with her voice.
I liked the new sound Karen used with her vocals just as well as what I was use to hearing from her. Tell the truth now Karen. Did the crabb project leave you feeling a little "crabby"? LOL! You girls need to get together one day and come to Caraway and check us out. (And Karen, if these boards didn't have someone like you on them they just wouldn't be fun at all!)
I, for one, did not think that "the girls" could have done any better. ONLY because I think that the CD on a scale of 1-10, is a 20!!! I do not have one complaint as far as the project goes! However some might say I am biased, as The Martins are, in my opinion, hands down the best group out there! In any venue. And Karen and Sheri are the best female vocalists EVER! (outside of Joyce and Judy of course lol.
) :cool: They sound great together. My favorite song is "its in the attitude" it just has a great beat and awesome lyrics.
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