CD Reviews

The Comptons - “Can’t Stay Here”

2002/Cross & Crown Music

Out of the hills of West Virginia come the refreshing sounds of the Comptons. I remember the first time I ever heard this group in concert. I was spellbound at how they can hold an audience in the palm of their hand by just simply singing their songs. I know why that happens…it is the anointing. I don’t use that word loosely, as I try to be very careful at whom I say is anointed. It is not a word I just like to throw around, but just to sit and watch God move as this group sings is a wonderful experience. It has happened every time I have seen them in person, and it spills over into their recordings as well.

Chuck Compton, Greg Toppins and Krista Brown, collectively known as The Comptons, are becoming known for their sincere vocals coupled with a strong country sound. “Can’t Stay Here” follows suit with the style they are known for and with the help of producer Eddie Crook, they have created a recording that their current fan base will thoroughly enjoy, and will most likely win a few new fans along the way!

The group’s first single “ALL THAT I NEED” is a spunky song that will certainly do well for the group, while “IN THE MORNING” answers the question to when will we enjoy all that Heaven holds? As the song reminds us, “we’ll do it all in the morning!”

Krista even contributes a song as she wrote the soothing, “I’LL GO WITH YOU.” As some may know her testimony, Krista has lived this song. A very heartfelt performance by Krista is given on this song of comfort, listen as she sings…“I’ll go with you, even in the valley, hold my hand, I’ll lead you to the mountaintop…together all the way, you and I.”

Chuck does a great job singing “OUTCAST” and “YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO HOME.” Both of these songs are right up his alley musically and vocally.

I was excited to see one of my all time favorite songs “GOD KNOWS ALL ABOUT ME” on the list of songs. A former hit song for another West Virginia group called the Pattons in the mid 1980s; it is great seeing this song brought back to life. I have always loved the message in this song, “God knows all about me, yes God understands.”

A neat combination of Goodman classics, “I DON’T REGRET A MILE/THE EASTERN GATE” makes this the highlight of the recording! If I were picking singles, this would be my choice to release next. Featuring Chuck and Krista, they do a fantastic job on this mini-medley of classics.

The oft recorded “I CAN’T STOP TIL I REACH CANAAN’S LAND” is next, and pretty much follows suit with all the other versions of the song, but it still makes for a good uptempo song. Also included is the oldie goldie “THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT” which features Chuck.

The only song that really doesn’t work for me is the Squire Parsons penned tune, “I GET A LITTLE TOUCH OF HEAVEN.” Recorded by the Kingsmen in 1974, the style of the song just does not match the style of the Comptons. It’s a good song; I just don’t think it fits the Comptons.

The Comptons have a very simple, country sound and their message is very simple…Jesus saves, delivers and heals and they offer encouragement to the saints through their music as well. Their style is kind of a cross between the Bishops in their very early days and the Spencers, and obviously it has worked well for them. If you ever get the chance to see the Comptons in person, do yourself a favor and go. And too, if you get the chance to get this CD, do yourself a favor and buy it!

Personal Favs: ALL THAT I NEED; IN THE MORNING; I’LL GO WITH YOU; GOD KNOWS ALL ABOUT ME; I DON’T REGRET A MILE/THE EASTERN GATE

Rating:

James Hales