For several years, Rejoice! was making a pretty big impact on the Southern Gospel community - making mainstage appearances at the National Quartet Convention, scoring big hits at radio, and creating large amounts of buzz as the industry's next "it" female trio, following in the footsteps of acts like The Ruppes and Perry Sisters.
The group seemed to go through a bit of a lull for a few years - not because of a lack of quality - but because a lack of promotion from a major record label or big name booking agent. The group resurfaced a couple of years ago with a renewed vision and energy to take on the Southern Gospel market once again. The group's last mainline release - Let It Rain - was a progressive darling that featured much of what made this group so popular. The group is again creating some buzz as Sheri Vestal's son - Tyler - has now joined the group full-time as a bass singer - making the group a bonafide mixed quartet.
Songs You Know By Heart (not to be confused with the Talley Trio's latest release) finds the newly reorganized group (this recording also features Rachel Sellars who took Maria Atkins' place during her recent sabbatical) taking on popular songs from the church and Southern Gospel's rich history.
The album opens with the triumphant a cappella version of "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" that will have even the industry's biggest a cappella heavyweights blushing (yes, I'm looking at you The Martins, LordSong, and Hope's Call). "Keep On the Firing Line/Goodbye World Goodbye" features a very traditional arrangement - as well as a fun piano solo by Tyler Vestal.
Those expecting the varied sounds of Rejoice!'s previous efforts might be a bit disappointed - as Songs You Know By Heart stays firmly in the more traditional sounds of the church. "Heaven Medley" is probably the most progressive tune on the record - and even it doesn't get too far out there.
"When God Dips His Love In My Heart" features a slight bluesy arrangement that the group pulls off flawlessly. "Jesus Hold My Hand" showcases a nice country feel, and "Glory Be to the Father (Gloria Patri)" is another fantastic a cappella arrangement. "Where the Roses Never Fade" features a nice mellow track that recalls the likes of the Gaither Vocal Band on cuts like "I Heard It First On the Radio" and "Yes I Know."
Overall, Songs You Know By Heart is another great release from one of Southern Gospel's best artists. If you aren't listening to Rejoice! - you're truly missing out one some of the finest singers in this industry (especially soprano Melissa Harding). Songs You Know By Heart may not be the most original release from the group, but it's still a fine collection of songs that fans of traditional Southern Gospel will surely enjoy!
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 03/01/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 3
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I love to hear this group they are just awesome and anointed,I have known Sherri for longer than we want to admit,not only can she sing but also tear a piano up,anything rejoice records is fantastic and worthy of purchase and listening to over and over again.
Chris! We are so honored by your nice words! I just found this review today when I was looking for something else in Google! We are thankful for God's touch on our ministry and pray for great things to come this year! Thanks again for your review and for all the work you all do for southern gospel music.
wanted to get back in touch with Melissa. found her song "Never alone" this morning and wanted to find out if she had recorded it yet?
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