Ronnie Milsap's career is one that's envied by many, spanning several decades and charting up 40 #1 country hits (he is currently third in line, behind George Strait and Conway Twitty, for the most number ones by any artist). To say the least, expectations are high.
That being said, expectations weren't quite reached with "Then Sings My Soul," a two-disc set of mostly gospel standards with some new songs sprinkled in for good measure. Make no mistake, there is some good material here, but more often than not, I find myself hitting the "skip" button.
The biggest problem is that, with 24 songs, it's easy to fall into a "phone it in" attitude. Very few songs really showcase Ronnie's vocal abilities; in fact, he almost sounds bored singing "Have Thine Own Way" or "In The Garden." Not only that, but the vocals are so oversaturated with digital editing that in some cases, it becomes a distraction.
That's not to say that the entire project is a throw-away. "Swing Down Chariot" is a peppy, fun song backed by a traditional quartet of background vocalists, and "People Get Ready" is a soulful spiritual (and one of my favorites). His cover of the blues hit, "Stand By Me," is also well-done, as is a new rendition of his 70's classic, "What A Difference You've Made In My Life."
When I first heard that this CD was coming out, I was anticipating a project full of powerful and soulful vocals, simliar to hits like "Stranger In My House" or "No Gettin' Over Me." What we get, instead, is a reserved performance, which works for those who enjoy a more subdued recording, but for fans of Milsap's hits from the mid-80's, you may be surprised.
Author: Kyle Boreing
| Author's Website: http://www.kyleboreing.com
Written: 04/03/2009
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 5
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I love Romnnies voice.
I've been a huge fan since I was 15 years old. I am now 53. The man has perfect pitch and is one of the most colorful vocalists of all time, in any genre. I love the gospel album, but now I would like to hear a contemporary gospel album where he can show his vocal skills to the gospel world. Keep 'em comin' Ronnie!
Hey Ronnie check out this site....
http://www.barbara-anne1.com You should do a duet with her....
Barbara Anne
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me
I am regularily un-biased with regards to the various album reviews posted on Sogospelnews website. However, this time around I am simply appauled by this recent review of Ronnie Milsaps latest release of his "first-ever" gospel album! When you allude to the fact that Ronnie's work to date has been envied by many, you are most definitely correct. Without any doubt Ronnie Milsap is a most serious voice and can easily hold his own with the best of the best anywhere on this planet! Then when you think of his early beginnings, being born blind, abanded by his Mom, such humble beginnings, and so on, one could only surmise that his life-time accomplishments to date are nothing short of miraculous! Yet your review about his gospel album practically makes me think we might be talking about a completely different person? Have we somehow lost our focus of what gospel music is really all about? Without predjudice, I believe that Ronnie's vocals are entirely "up-to-speed" and that the magnitude of his vocal ability is perfectly displayed as I'm certain he has desired to come across as genuine and sincere, rather than to "show off" his extrordinary vocal abilities. I truly believe we should be jumping for joy and praising the Lord that a famed country music legend such as he, has it in his heart to attempt to cross-over to the gospel side. Not only has Ronnie made the cross-over with his music, but from all various articles I have been reading, Ronnie is really and truly making a stand while he celebrates his joy of serving the Lord wholeheartidly. For Ronnie, a man of 66 years of age, what in the world does he have to prove to anyone following such a lustrious global career in the music business? I thank the Lord for Ronnie and for the personal example of what he currently stands for. To me, there will only be one Ronnie Milsap, and I am so glad that he is singing for the Lord.
I say a large and loud "AMEN to the comments by Tim Bell. Ronnie Milsap does not need to be critized by the Gospel Music Rags. We have driven more people in music away from our Good News music by this kind of action then we ever attract. Kudos to Ronnie for not being a Show Boat with music that does not need hyped up smoke belching, colored lights stages of people making love to their instruments and trying to be like the world. Ronnie has had all of that. Ronnie has been through all of that and probably is sick of all the hype> I for one applaud Ronnie for letting his light finally shine in a very dark world.
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