CD: "Back Home Again"
Artist: Oak Ridge Boys
Release Date: June 2012
Label: Gaither Music
Southern gospel music has always been a root of country music. Most artists back from the early days to those making their way in today's ever changing face of country still credit gospel music as an influence in their own music. Artists from Jamey Johnson to Carrie Underwood choose to perform gospel greats at their shows. No one does country music or gospel better than Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Richard Sterban and William Lee Golden, the Oak Ridge Boys.
Their voices are familiar and recognized throughout the gospel and country music worlds. Their harmonies are heavenly as though sent straight down to our ears by the hand of God. Their music serves a purpose, it's more than just good times and something to get your feet tapping. They personally and thoughtfully choose each song that goes on an Oak Ridge Boys cd, they choose songs with meaning, songs with a message. When it comes to their gospel music, they take an even bigger step by making sure each song takes you back to a place we all remember: sitting in a church, singing with the choir and grandma pinching you telling you to be quiet during the sermon. I loved those days and listening to this brand new cd, aptly titled "Back Home Again", takes me right back to that place and I feel "home again".
The cd brings back fond memories of the original Oak Ridge Quartet, back when Joe Bonsall was still singing into a broom handle in his kitchen and before the group we know today came together as the Oak Ridge Boys. In today's time when it seems that gospel has long been forgotten, the Oak Ridge Boys strive to keep it in the forefront and keep it memorable. The cd includes some of southern gospels favorites such as the 1974 Oak Ridge Boys song, "Why Me". The original version showcased Duane Allen on lead vocals, however they changed it up a little and made it fresh by placing Richard Sterban on the lead mic. Another great one classic on the cd is "The River of Jordan". William Lee lends his voice to this one and makes you understand why it's so well loved. One of our favorites on the cd, although short in length, running about 2 minutes, is "Standing in the Need of Prayer". This song sung by Joe Bonsall tells the story that features all of us as the main character, standing before God asking for His help. We've all been there and we've all needed that help. It's a song that every one of us can relate to and that's what is so wonderful about the Oak Ridge Boys, they are relateable and real. They don't sing about getting drunk, chasing women and cheating on their spouses. They sing about the good stuff, the real stuff, that stuff that matters and that's what this cd is. I guess there's a reason you classify these guys as legendary. When it comes to giving it their best, this is where the buck stops. This is one of the best Oaks cds to be released in a long time. Gospel fans, country fans and ORB fans will love it.
You can purchase the cd on iTunes and Amazon now!
To find out more about the Oak Ridge Boys, go to www.oakridgeboys.com
