Producer -- Kevin McManus
Label -- Mercy Records
Twin brothers, Mitch and Michael Gardner, joined by Mitchell's wife, Regina, make up the latest version of the Gardners. This is a family group whose roots go all the way back to the mid-01960s originally started by Dad, Malcolm Gardner, a Pentecostal minister. They make their home on Huntland, TN.
In 2006, the USAGEM named the Gardners Group of the Year. It's easy to understand why when you listen to this self titled project. Mitchell has written some very good songs on this project. The album starts with a bluesy number, "Great Big God" that features Regina. This song has a great beat and some nice orchestration. "Hid Behind The Cross" is a more traditional Southern Gospel song and would make a nice radio release.
The third track on the album, "I've Had Enough" really drives with some hot guitar licks from Kelly Back. Regina does a nice job on the vocals on this one. A song co-written by Mitchell and Michael, "If I Was Worthy", follows and shows off some nice harmonies in the chorus. "No Other Name" takes us south of the border with a Latin beat. Then it's back to that Nashville sound with a nice mid-tempo, Country Gospel song, "You're Alright In My Book". "I've Got Peace" is a slower song, but has a good sown beat. They follow it up with another fine singing job by Regina on "More Than Anything Else".
"Ready And Willing" would make a great opening song in a church setting, and sets the tone for a good worship service. This song would also make a good radio single consideration. "Oh What A City" is done with a Waltz beat and is a more traditional song. The album ends with a power ballad, "Light Up America", a song that challenges us to bring America back to God.
The Gardners have some good harmony on this album with some strong, ministering lyrics. I personally would like to have heard at least a couple of barn burners though. The CD moved a little slow, with most of the songs mid-tempo or slow. With all that said, The Gardners have produced a very good project and it would be well worth your while to check it out on their website.
Author: Gary O'Neal
| Author's Website: http://wandamountainboys.com
Written: 03/01/2007
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 1
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This is one of the most annointed groups I have heard in a long time.Their songs are fresh and new and very well performed.I would travel to hear them.
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