Label: New Haven Records
Website: www.newhavenrecords.com
What perfect timing for the release of this new “Best of” recording of the Cathedrals. With the recent passing of the legendary George Younce, many people will want this new release to add to their collection. How appropriate that George Younce is featured on the lead off song, “WEDDING MUSIC” and his essence lives on with the following song, “HE MADE A CHANGE”.
I was very disappointed in the version of “WE SHALL SEE JESUS” used on this compilation. I was hoping the original version would be used from back in 1983, but instead they used the version from “Alive-Deep in the Heart of Texas” done in the late 1990's where the audio quality is atrocious as it sounds like they are singing in a barrel.
The version from the Cathedrals “Reunion” recording is used for “CHAMPION OF LOVE”. Preferably, I would have rather had the original, but I do like this version. “SOMEBODY TOUCHED ME” and “HIDE THOU ME” were also pulled from the same recording. Again, I would have much preferred the original versions.
It's always exciting to hear the Cathedrals break into “BOUNDLESS LOVE” and this song, recorded live in Winston Salem, North Carolina back in July of 1986, is a classic concert moment in Southern Gospel Music.
“THEN CAME THE MORNING” recorded back in 1982 on their “Something Special” album, was an interesting inclusion. Though I will confess to it being one of my personal favorite songs by the Cathedrals, I never would have considered it as one of their classic songs. But the liner notes state that Glen Payne said the song was “One of my personal favorites of all the songs I've sung in my career”, hence the probable reason for including it. Also included from that same record is the classic, “STEP INTO THE WATER”. Glad to see the original version included. The original versions were also used for the songs “HE LOVES ME” (which I consider to be one of the most simple, yet profound songs ever written) and “SUNSHINE AND ROSES”. Also, former #1 hit songs, “I CAN SEE THE HAND” and “CAN HE, COULD HE, WOULD HE” were used on this compilation as well.
I know it seems I harp on using the original versions, but I really feel that “Best of” and “Greatest Hits” recording should always use the original versions that made them hits. But that's just my preference. These types of releases are always subjective as to what songs should be included and which versions should be used. One thing I appreciated with this release was the inclusion of liner notes for each song providing a little history and personal thoughts for each song. For the most part, I don't have any issues with the songs chosen for this release, just some of the versions of those songs used.
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