First of all today, I have an apology to make. I did not post the vlog about Les Miserables. I did vlog but it was more of me just talking about what I saw more than anything. I was not pleased with it at all. My deepest apologies. I regret to say that I disappointed myself as much as probably disappointed you my readers. I will make up for it as I did vlog about me meeting a certain influential person in my life. I will post that as soon as I can. Thank you and I hope you can grant me forgiveness this time...
Ordinary
Man-The Kingsmen Quartet
The Kingsmen Quartet is one of the best Southern
Gospel groups today. A few years ago I would have said differently. They have
improved on their sound and musical arrangements. If you like, old-time
Southern Gospel, you’ll like the Kingsmen. Ordinary
Man is off their Grace Says CD
which has a lot of great songs. The song starts out a tiny bit weird and has its
“random moments” and I definitely would have composed a different arrangement
but I’m not the Kingsmen. It talks about how all of us are nothing special but
God still uses us (the ordinary man (and woman)). My favorite line is “I would
never trade this peace to be a fool for lesser things. I’m rich beyond the
wealth this world can hold.” It reminds me of I’d Rather Have Jesus. Despite
the random arrangements, this song is great in lifting you up and reminding you
of God’s Love. We are not anything special just ordinary.
I’ll Be
Praying by Brian Free and
Assurance
Brian Free and Assurance are my #1 favorite
Southern Gospel Quartet (if you haven’t guessed by now). I would be considered
a groupie (if there is such a thing in Southern Gospel) as I have been to
almost every concert in or around where I live in Ohio. I’ll Be Praying for You is not my all-time favorite song but
nonetheless it is very good. The songs arrangement is very upbeat but could be
turned into a slow, reflective song. I like the upbeat tempo though as it
reflects the purpose of the song: encouragement. The first verse of the song
goes “Hello my friend is it alright, I just dropped in to talk awhile, Lately
you’ve been heavy on my heart, I know that life has been unkind and you can’t
count the times you cried, I just want you to know, you are not alone…” This
song has amazing lyrics and I would play for it anyone going through a tough
time in life. Also a superb job by the lead Bill Shivers on the verses. The
unsung hero of this song however, is the bass Jeremy Lyle. The bass harmony he
sings provides a nice contrast and helps to keep the song upbeat and fresh so
that it avoids the “getting old and annoying” stage of almost every song you
hear. Great song for those down times in life.
It’s Still
the Greatest Story Ever Told by The
Gaither Quartet
I am not a Gaither fan in the least. I do love the
harmonies and sound of the quartet but I can’t stand Bill Gaither. He’s more
about money and what sells tickets than just singing for the Lord and praising
God. That being said this song is still a good song. Mark Lowry, a very good
baritone (and comedian), takes the solo part in the 1st verse. His
voice is easy to listen to and he gives great expression in every song he
sings. This one is no exception. His voice expresses the feeling that he’s
sitting down with the Bible open in his lap reading the Christmas story to his
grandkids. The lyrics of the song explain parts of the story that all add up to
The Greatest Story Ever Told such as
the last few lines of the chorus “…Mighty God and Fragile Baby, Here a lowly
manger holds, And it’s still the greatest story ever told…” Very brilliant
writing and arrangement. The story of Jesus will always be the greatest story
of all.
Prior to a
Prayer by The Perry’s
Prior to a
Prayer was one of those songs that I always skipped on The Perry’s CD Almost Morning (which is another great
song too) because I didn’t like the first few seconds of the introduction. Note
to self and others: Don’t judge a song by the introduction! I still don’t like
the introduction because there’s a weird chord then they just start singing the
song. I would prefer a longer introduction but that’s just me. Moving past the
introduction, the song is a great reflection on the hard times in life. Its
minor key reflects the despondency of the situation the song
writer/singer/listener is facing. It reflects the sadness and hopelessness one
feels in those hard times. Then the lyrics and tempo changes to reflect on the
answer to our situation: Jesus and prayer. My favorite part is the tag: “But
when Jesus came, when I finally saw Him, no more burdens, not one little care,
It had been different, so different, just moments ago, Faith was fading, just
prior to a prayer.” It ends on an upbeat note and tempo that says you are not
alone, hope is on the way, you just had to pray. The song is a reminder that in
those hard times when you’ve lost all hope, don’t forget to pray. Amazing song
and truth!!!
So there you have it, my Top Favorite Southern Gospel songs in 2012. Look for part 3 as well as my vlog soon.
Thanks Everyone!
Keep Singing in the Rain
Be Happy Being Single
Christa
