CD Reviews

Talley Trio - “Hope for Tomorrow”

2002/Horizon Records

This has to absolutely be the best recording the Talley Trio has ever done, and will undeniably be a monumental task for them to beat. Superb vocals, awesome music tracks and neat arrangements make for a first class musical experience. One neat thing about this recording is how they integrated a B3 organ on many of the songs, and it really adds a soulful touch to the overall sound of the CD. Of course, the true magnitude of this CD cannot be measure by just music alone. Some of the strongest songs, lyrically, I have ever heard are found on this CD. Songs of salvation, healing, faith, encouragement, restoration, praise, victory, sacrifice, joy and comfort are all found here, and they are supremely wrapped in some of the coolest musical arrangements!

Starting the CD off is the jazzy, “THE HAND OF GOD.” Lauren does an exceptional job on this snazzy tune, and really sets the stage for the whole CD. Currently the single for the Lesters, the Talley Trio kind of takes it up a notch!

Phenomenal, is the only word to describe “THE HEALER.” I wonder if Gerald Crabb knew the magnitude and sheer power this song had when he wrote it. Already making it’s mark on the charts, this song will no doubt make a bigger mark on the hearts of those who put their trust in the Healer!

The soulful “SURELY GOD IS ABLE” is next and they do a super job on this song that has become a favorite from the Gaither Homecoming video, “Freedom Band.” I have an old album of the McKameys from the mid 1970’s singing this song, and believe me it sounds nothing like this!

”I LOVE THE LORD/TOTAL PRAISE” is an interesting inclusion. The song “I Love the Lord” is taken from the sound track to the Whitney Houston film, ‘The Preacher’s Wife.’ This mini-medley is far from the average Southern Gospel song, and I have grown extremely fond of this track, and find myself repeatedly hitting the repeat button. This is truly is a remarkable piece of work and I am quite impressed with it!

”THE ANSWER IS CHRIST” featuring Roger and Lauren is next and I feel this song would make an excellent choice as a single. For all the problems of life, isn’t great to know that the answer to it all is Christ?
Debra Talley lends her songwriting talents to the recording for the next song as she wrote the upbeat, “TRAVELIN’ LIGHT.” On this song, Debra gives us some good sound advice…“the weight of this world will only slow me down, I’m walking on by faith and not by sight, I’m traveling light.” Debra is also the master of singing ballads, and she turns in her usual grand performance on the song, “LOVE LET HIM GO” which was tailor made for her. Musically and lyrically this song sets the stage for the next song, “I KNOW HOW TO SAY THANK YOU,” which features Lauren. If there were ever two songs that should have been tied together, these are the songs. They make a great combination.

The very uptempo “GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE” features Roger and Lauren, and really makes for a fun song to listen to. In complete contrast, the group sings the time honored hymn, “JESUS WHAT A FRIEND FOR SINNERS.” The Talley Trio has really made a name for themselves by brushing off those old hymns and breathing new life into them, such as the case with this song.

Roger and Debra do a god job on the soothing “YOU CAN’T GO THAT FAR.” Emphasizing the truth that God’s mercy and grace can reach you exactly where you are, and that you can’t go too far for His hand of grace to get to you. Lauren then closes things out on a high energetic note with the oft recorded, “I’VE GOT JOY.” By the time this song is over, you too will be clapping and singing to the top of your lungs…“I’ve got joy, real joy!”

My only gripe with this CD, and it is really more of an observation, is the flip-flop between live orchestrations and synthesized orchestrations. I prefer live orchestrations, and realize a lot of artists/record companies cannot afford live orchestrations and I can live with that fact. But when you have one song featuring the Budapest Film Orchestra and the next song featuring the fingers of one creating an orchestra from a keyboard, it just doesn’t sound right. But in the face of that, this CD is still absolutely one of the best released for 2002 and will be one of those recordings that people are still talking about 20 years from now!

Personal Favs: THE HAND OF GOD; THE HEALER; SURELY GOD IS ABLE; I LOVE THE LORD/TOTAL PRAISE; THE ANSWER IS CHRIST; I KNOW HOW TO SAY THANK YOU

Rating:

James Hales