Producer: Michael Sykes/Duane Allen
Label: SpringHill Music Group
Website: www.oakridgeboys.com
Over the last few years, the Oak Ridge Boys seem to have been doing a lot of returning to their roots in doing a lot more gospel music in their recordings. This latest effort by the group is all gospel and it features what I think is the Oaks at their best. You could almost call this recording, “Yesterday, Today and Forever.” I say that because this recording features 3 re-makes of their classic songs from their gospel days along with several favorite hymns (Yesterday), then the group included 2 songs from their last recording (Today) and not willing to rest on their laurels, they recorded 2 brand new songs (Forever).
The recording barrels out the gate with an Oak's classic from their gospel days, “JESUS IS COMING SOON”, and the group sounds absolutely superb. Resurrecting one of Duane Allen's old compositions “HE DID IT ALL FOR ME”, the group turns in a more subdued rendition from the original, but still a very solid performance to say the least. The group then revives yet another one of their classic hit songs, “I KNOW”. Many fans of the group's glory years as a gospel quartet will definitely enjoy these songs immensely.
As mentioned earlier, included on this recording are a couple of songs that were lifted from their last effort “The Journey”, and they fit right in on this recording. Those songs, “THE JOURNEY” and “YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO HOME” are worth repeating and go right along with the overall theme.
The recording also features a few time-honored hymns like “HOW GREAT THOU ART”, “AMAZING GRACE” (I love the twin fiddles) , “GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU” (probably my least favorite performance) and some really kickin' renditions of “THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE” and “I SAW THE LIGHT”.
The 2 new songs included on this recording are “YOU CAN'T FIX IT” (a really great song!) and a tender country gospel ballad written by Duane Allen's wife Norah Lee, entitled, “KEEP OUR WORLD SAFE”.
The new versions of their classic hit songs just whets my appetite for a full-length recording filled with them. I am still waiting for the Oaks to come out with new recordings of their classic gospel songs like “When He Set Me Free”, “Less of Me”, “The Joy of Knowing Jesus”, “Though it All”, “King Jesus”, “What a Time We Will Have Over There” and the like. But until that day comes, this will do. The Oaks have a solid sound and though time takes it toll on people, the Oaks could not have sounded any better. This is one recording that needs to be in your music collection.
Personal Favs: JESUS IS COMING SOON; HE DID IT ALL FOR ME; I KNOW; THE JOURNEY; THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE; I SAW THE LIGHT; KEEP OUR WORLD SAFE
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 05/16/2005
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Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 10
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This recording doesn't quite measure up to _Colors_ or _From The Heart_, IMO. It's still a very solid effort from the Oaks, though.
David, I tend to agree with you. I believe though that it's the song selection that is making the difference. This CD is a remake of a lot of their older songs, while "Colors" or "From The Heart" had more new material on them. 4 stars would have been a fair rating.
I was taking this recording in the theme in which it was presented. This recording was a "returning to their roots" recording, therefore it was meant to feature the older songs...while at the same time focusing on today and the future, hence the inclusion of two recently recorded songs and 2 brand new songs. I thought it was a solid effort and worthy of 4 1/2 stars.
Its wonderful to know The Oaks have returned to the music that is truly a gift from GOD...I have always loved their music. The Keeper of the Keys, brings it all home again.
James, Thank you so much for the positive review of Common Ground. Since I've been an ORB fan for over 30 years and still own the original LP's, I was delighted to hear the old songs re-done. The Boys are like fine wine, they definitely improve with age, theirs and mine. Even my 21 yr. old caregiver loves this CD(she listens to hard rock and country)especially This Little Light Of Mine. I was also very elated to hear their versions of I Saw The Light, How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. Of course, I being their no. 1 fan of all time would have given the CD five full solid-gold stars. Thanks again and God Bless, Carol MacPherson
There's no one like 'em and never will be! THese guys are the real deal and KUDOS to Spring Hill and the ORB for yet another wonderful gift to thier fans! I am proud and honored to call them friends. Joe, Duane, William and Richard, thank you for your heart for the music you sing and the God you serve. I love you guys!
So good to see the Oaks appear to be getting deeper in gospel again. An ultra talented quartet. I've loved their singing since the late 60s-to-early-70s, a long time.
I thought this was an overall excellent CD. I have listened to it over and over in my car driving to and from work. It's great for me to warm up with going to choir practice.
Yes, the mighty Oaks! I have been a fan since I was a kid. I don't have this CD but I am planning to get it. It is good to see them so active and going back to more gospel.
The Mighty Oaks are still # 1 !
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