McMillan & Life have a lot of experience on the road for being a new artist. Formed a couple years ago by Jimmy McMillan (Toney Brothers, The Wilburns) and wife Liz (The Lesters, New Speer Revival) - McMillan & Life have steadily been building a following on the road and at radio. No Storm Wasted is the group's latest release and features a great mix of progressive and traditional inspired tunes.
Vocals were produced by Donna Beauvais and Liz McMillan, and right off the bat you can tell this isn't your typical four-men-and-a-piano style CD. "Tears of Surrender" has a nice light pop feel, similar in style to Everyday Driven or Beyond the Ashes. "These Are the Days" is an upbeat country tune a la The Martins that features the strong vocal prowess of Liz. "Praise the Lord" is a progressive praise number that features a catchy horn arrangement.
The album slows down on track four for the first major ballad "Gethsemane" - a touching tribute to Christ's suffering in the garden that relates it to our own lives. (Also, major kudos to Jimmy McMillan and Ricky Atkinson for penning such a fine tune.) The country-tinged "I Have" (originally recorded by Joyce Martin on her solo debut) is another album highlight. The lyrics for this tune touch on a spot in the human condition that is rarely seen in Southern Gospel music. McMillan & Life are to be commended for recording such a transparent tune.
"I'm Going to Reach Heaven" is a barn-burner that fans of traditional Southern Gospel (particularly The Wilburns) will love. (Jimmy really gives a fine vocal turn on this cut.) The group closes the album with three ballads. "With My Own Eyes" is a touching ballad about heaven penned by Donna Beavuais, and "This Storm" - the tour de force of the CD - which features some of Liz McMillan's finest vocals to date. The album closes with Phillips, Craig & Dean inspired "My Hope." This song in particular features some very nice vocal arranging.
Overall, No Storm Wasted was a major surprise to this reviewer. You won't find better arrangements or stronger written tunes than what is found on this disc. McMillan & Life have definitely recorded their breakthrough recording with No Storm Wasted.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 12/01/2009
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 11
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I agree, this album is simply great and God honoring.
me too.... Jimmie Mac and Liz are both great singers and great people
No doubt Jim & Liz have great vocals it is good to read such a review on there project! Congrats Friends!
Could you send the lyrics to, "I'm going to Reach Heaven"? If you can't can you tell me where to find them?
can i get the lyrics to THIS STORM
The song, This Storm, has been very special to me. But I have searched everywhere for the lyrics and can't seem to find them. Could you send the lyrics to me?
i would love to have the sound track or accompiment tapes to This Storm and i'm Gonna Reach Heaven. if you could let me know
The lyrics are posted on the McMillan and Life Facebook page. The tracks can be ordered from the McMillan and Life website. http://www.mcmillanandlife.com/
Link to M&L facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/McMillan-Life/84694533603?ref=nf
Thank you all so much for the blessing you gave us at Hopewell Baptist Church here in Tipton, In. We love you and will be praying for you. God Bless.
You guys are just too Awesome!!! Had a great time at Calvary today not saying that it's not always great but today was Awesome hearing your words of encouragement & your songs!
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