CD Reviews

The Dotsons - He Is The Reason Why We Sing

Produced by: Eddie Crook and John Dotson
Label: Eddie Crook/Morning Star Signature
Website: http://www.dotsons.com

The fifth project from the Dotsons is packed full of John Dotson's original music. If you've liked what you've heard from this group in the past then you're sure to enjoy this album thoroughly.

This was my first experiance hearing the Dotsons, and I must say I was a little surprised. The familiar looking faces in the small family picture that graces the front of their CD makes you think you're looking at one of your own family photos. You almost don't expect the quality of music you hear within the first bars.

I was more than pleased with John's songwriting abilities. Some of my favorite songs were "Holy Armor," "I Am He," and their current single "He's The Reason I Sing." John's strong smooth vocals add to the album's appeal, and the vocal feature of their 14 year old son Seth on "Angel's Step Back" is a nice touch. The Hinson's influence upon this family is evident, and appreciated. After eight years in ministry you can tell there is real experience behind the words they sing. Overall it's a pretty mellow album, but never the less enjoyable.

"Piece Of Your Heart," the last song on the project caught my attention as well. It has a great hook, and I have a feeling I'll be singing this in my head for days to come. "When The Curse Is Gone" and "Piece Of The Puzzle" remind me of much of the music that I grew up on. It's not that it's a familiar song, but it's a familiar feel. The feeling that comes over you when you listen to gospel greats like The Nelons, The Hinsons, The Happy Goodmans and The Gaithers overcomes you when the Dotsons sing.

The blue grass tinged "Think Of Me" is a perfect backdrop for the close family harmonies, and an encouragement after the unexpected losses SG has had in the last few months. The other songs on the album, "Ten Commandments", "I'm Gonna Run For Home" and "Just A Young Man" performed by
Christopher Dotson round out the cd. I admire the Dotsons for including their children in what they do and giving them a chance to grow in their gifts and talents as well. I have no doubt that their children will add to the ministry impact of the family from Silver Lake, IN. After listening to this record for just a short time it becomes very obvious that HE is the reason why the Dotsons sing.