Producer: Kevin Stokes
Label: Daywind Music Group
Website: www.karenharding.com
I don't know much about Karen Harding, except the fact that this lady can evermore put a shine on a song! She is such a communicator and can ultimately captivate you with a song. She has a big sound, with a distinctive soul quality about her voice. Karen winning the Exalting Him talent contest last year really pushed her into the spotlight and this recording will no doubt continue to push her voice to the masses.
The responsive “THE FIRST TIME I CAME TO GRACE” starts the CD off and leads perfectly into the wonderful ballad, “HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH”. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it sung a few years ago. What a joy to see this song sung by such an artist like Karen as she has taken this song and made it her own!
The very soulful, “YESTERDAY'S BREAD” is a song penned by Joel Lindsey and Gerald Crabb and features Mark Lowry, Mike Bowling and Kevin Stokes as background vocalists and it is this type of song that Karen excels on. This is and will be her signature sound.
Strap yourself in for the soaring vocals of “BECAUSE OF WHOSE I AM”. Featuring a stellar performance with Reba Rambo-McGuire, this is the highlight of the recording and will leave the listener absolutely spellbound. In contrast musically, “IT WON'T RAIN ANYMORE” showcases Karen with a bluegrass-tinged song. Though Karen has that strong soulful voice, she still sounds right at home with this song.
Karen then moves on to a reflective tune with “A MOMENT SUCH AS THIS” and continues on with the cool retro-big band sounds of “ONE WORD” .
The worshipful “ENTER INTO HIS PRESENCE” and “WHEN I TELL THIS WORLD GOODBYE” showcase another aspect of Karen's artistry as she penned both tunes and are both very well written and performed. Could Karen be the next Dottie Rambo? The latter song sounds very reminiscent of some of Dottie's older songs.
“HE WON'T GIVE UP EASY” rounds out the recording with a duet with Mike Bowling and is the only song on here that really just doesn't work for me. It's a great song, just doesn't move me like some of the others on here.
Karen's voice has the brass and boldness of Joyce Martin, the delivery of Angie Hoskins or Sandra Payne and the emotion and raspy sound of Sheri Easter. This is really a superb effort on all parts. As I said earlier, you can't help but be captivated as she sings and just be taken in by the sheer power of her delivery. I look forward to hearing a lot more music from this lady!
Personal Favs: THE FIRST TIME I CAME TO GRACE; HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH; YESTERDAY'S BREAD; BECAUSE OF WHOSE I AM; WHEN I TELL THIS WORLD GOODBYE
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 08/01/2004
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 20
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Nice review James....I love this cd. I keep it in my car! Karen Harding is so amazing! My favorite song is "Yesterday's Bread!" WOW My hats off to my friend Kevin Stokes for producing an incredible project!
WOW James!! What a great review. THANK YOU. I hope the ministry of music God gave me continues to bless people around the world. It is my joy to sing for Him. I'm glad you like the CD and took the time to review it! Every song came straight from my heart. Keep me in your prayers. Blessings, Karen Harding
Y'all should hear Karen sing a bit of "I Just Want To Know That You Still Love Me" on the Downings Reunion video from 1993....that's where I first learned of Karen. She sang with the Downings back in the 80's. What a POWERFUL voice!!!! I'm looking forward to hearing more from her!
Thanks, James, for the kind review. Karen Harding is the genuine article. She loves the Lord and communicates the Gospel so powerfully with that enormous voice. I hope this record opens many doors for her ministry.
Great Review James. Karen is the minister of music at the church that I attend. I have had the opportunity to work with Karen on a number of events. To quote James, "you can't help but be captivated as she sings and just be taken in by the sheer power of her delivery". I believe that is true. That is because Karen not only sings her songs, she lives them. It is an honor to work with her and to see God pour blessings out on her life. I know that this is just an open door for others to be touched by her ministry.
What a great singer and to hear the great Reba Rambo again makes this a truly ejoyable recording. Where has Reba been over the few years?
Great job Karen! We are proud of you.
I heard Karen sing at the Worship Services during Crabbfest this year, and was absolutely blown away. This woman is so annointed of God. "Yesterday's Bread" and "A Moment Such As This" are my favorites on the CD.
I will have to listen again. My 1st impression to the cd was not very good. I felt like once again, a major record company was placing an artist in a different music style, just to sell more cds. Too many times this has happened, to "branch out" and makes a cd very dissapointing for some. This has happened many times this year.
I remember Karen with the Downings, and more Southern Gospel Pentecostal Campmeeting - early Lanny Wolfe trio/Mc Grudders/Terry Harper trio sounds. Watch the Downings reunion dvd on the end of Ann Downings new release.
Again, I will relisten to the cd, because of the comments of others.
Karen, keep singing for Jesus... I pray for God to open more doors for you then ever before
Al Thomas
http://www.radiogcim.com
Al, I totally understand what you're trying to say, but I disagree. The record company was totally supportive of my song selection (I chose along with my producer Kevin Stokes) and styling. I wrote several cuts on the album. They would have let me sing Polka if I chose to. This music is who I am, what I sing every week at my church. I do hope it reaches a variety of people, and believe that the Word is in these songs, and will not return void. I have to trust God has placed me exactly where He wants me to be, and put the right people in my path. Never once during the recording did anyone say "we should do it 'this way' so we'll sell more records." I felt nothing but unconditional support from Daywind and could not be happier with the end result.
Thank you so much, I value your reply. Yes I will relisten, and use on the radio what I feel will be a blessing to others..
I am glad that we can be co-ministers together
Philips 1/ 3 & 6
Al Thomas
I am so glad this artist is getting these, much deserved, positive comments. I started airing HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH back when it was singled to radio a few months ago.. Too bad most programmers just didn't get it. I think the song and KAREN'S cut,.. are remarkable! This is the kind of worshipful experience that is rare in SG radio singles.. I would love to see DAYWIND re-release the single (HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH).. and give it a "real" push.
Chuck
listen to great SG music now http://www.sglive365.com RADIO
When it comes to record sales, have you noticed what "style" the public is buying? Mt trips to local Christian book stores have discovered that contemporary and praise and worship have two to three tines the units on the shelf. Often, I have to special order southern gospel selections. Gratefully, a couple of big stores in Texarkana to a great job.
As for artist style, I am a "purist" for "Southern Gospel", but as a Gospel DJ must take my middle age blinders off and give airplay to new groups and differant styles. Of course acceptance is easier with a label like Daywind, Springhill, or Crossroads Marketing behind the artist does not hurt. I see a modifying style emerging led by groups like the Talleys, The Martins, Karen Peck, etc. These folks are turning out annointed music.
Karen, keep your eys and heart open to the Lord, and he will use you in a mighty way. Some of us have a hard time changing our programming to match the "sound", but it is not like you are way out there. Daywind radio disc #52 is in the player now, and you're coming up next, right after Mike Bowling......
Karen Harding's voice is so Pure, and Anointed I don't care if she rapped I'd buy the CD. My favorite cut is the duet with Reba Rambo-McGuire, just for it's musicality.
Lyrically "Enter Into His Presence" is the highlight of the CD in my opinion.
I was not raised a big Southern Gospel Fan, but, The Martins, Crabb Family, and Karen Peck did make their way into my CD collections of course along with every Gaither Vocal Band CD ever released...But, this CD is by far the best Southern Gospel CD ever recorded.
Karen I pray GOD keeps you in his plan and in the public's eye, you can reach so many people with your Heart and Voice.
Stay Blessed
PS if you haven't bought this project do yourself a favor, GET it, you will be touched.
James Roberts
Concord, CA
There has never been a time I have not been touched by Karen Hardings music. I have had the privlidge of knowing her for the last 13 years and I have never heard her sing a song that wasn't annointed by God. God is blessing her. I have had every song she has had published and have worn out many of them. I've never been touched or blessed as much as I have been by any other singer or artist. Karen, keep up the good work as God is going to take you higher than your dreams could ever imagin. We Love You.
I have many of Karen's Cds and this one happens to be my favorite! I have seen her sing live, and I know that she has an anointing on her that many people would love to have. Her songs are Inspirational, and have always drawn me closer to God. Karen can sing a variety of styles...from black to southern gospel, and sounds amazing. You go girl! Keep Singing for Jesus! Karen, as God opens more doors in your life keep stepping through!!!
I think the good Lord has giving you a great talent. When I first heard "Holding onto Faith" it blessed me so much. I had to get the CD but I still call it in to be played on the radio. God is so awesome & it shows when you sing. Keep it up.
go with GOD
dar
Darlene,
I have to agree with you. You can see how awesome God is when Karen sings. It doesnt matter if you are listening to her CD or hearing her sing live she ushers in the presence of God. She is a blessing to all who hear her. God Bless you.
Marlana
Karen blew everyone, including Bill Gaither, away when she performed at Homecoming in Sacramento (way too long ago!). I, too, have worn out her CDs and hunger for more recorded music and in person concerts. When, Karen?????????? Thank you for blessing us with your music! Suzanne
I'd first like to say Karen Harding is a REAL singer. she's such an inspiration. i've had the honor of working under her leadership through the years. God's anointing just overflows when she sings. Yal,the CD is incredible!! it's like a complete church service in one package.
it's a must have!!
I'm so proud of you Sis. Harding!!!
Dre
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