Produced by: Dottie Leonard Miller & Bubba Smith
Label: Daywind Records
Website: http://www.Karenpeckandnewriver.com
Journey of Joy gets your attention right away with a hand clappin’ country banjo and an energetic “Hey” from Karen Peck and New River. A happy tune that just screams radio, it wets your appetite for the listening experience that follows. KPNR waste no time introducing you to what will likely be the next “Four Days Late” success for them, entitled “Last Night.” The Spanish flavored track is something very different for them, but the powerful lyrics are old hat for the award winning group. Title cut, “Journey of Joy” features Susan Peck Jackson, who also penned the song with friend Rebecca J. Peck whom by the way is of NO relation. Though Karen and male vocalist Devin McGlamery would probably be considered the strongest vocalists of the group, hearing Susan blend with sister, Karen leaves you understanding just what an important part of the group’s signature sound Susan is. I don’t want to leave the impression that her voice is just average. In comparison to the bulk of what I review, I would say it’s great.
“Round The Kitchen Table” is a Ronny Hinson song, but Karen and the group really make it their own. “Then He Moved” features Devin on a beautiful lyric. His smooth, soul tinged vocals leave you wanting more. One of my favorite cuts, “When the Stone Rolled Away,” is next. I love the lyrics, the instrumentation and the fun BGV’s. Another great choice for radio! In fact probably most everything on this record would do well on radio. “Whispered Prayers,” is a moving song with a special encore filled with sounds of whispered intercession provided by friends and family that is simply powerful. “Behind the Line of Grace,” features Susan once again and is one of the most memorable tunes of the record. Though Karen’s name is out front, she not afraid to share the spotlight, giving Susan and Devin more than just the token verse or one song feature. With Susan leading, Karen sings an amazing high harmony that you don’t want to miss.
“Faith,” is another one of my favorites and talks about believing in what you know rather than what you see. “Hold On,” lead by Devin has kind of a black gospel/soul feel that fits Devin’s voice perfectly. Karen finishes the record with a story song called “Where the Dirt Road Stops.” She has an innate sense of selecting songs that people can really connect with and she emotionally OWNS the lyrics she sings. If I hadn’t glanced at the credits on the inside of this CD, I would assume by the conviction and sincerity in her voice that she had written every word she sang. Every cut was of the highest quality. This project showed growth on the group’s part, which is something hard to do when you’ve been making hit records as long as they have. Journey of Joy proved that Karen Peck and New River still have a few tricks up their sleeves, and we can look forward to many years of great music from them. It’s a home run in my book!
Song List
Hey
Last Night
Journey of Joy
‘Round the Kitchen Table
Then He Moved
When the Stone Rolled Away
Whispered Prayers
Faith
Behind the Line of Grace
Hold On
Where the Dirt Road Stops
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/01/2007
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 4
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I agree with your review Leah. This is by far my favorite KPNR CD. This album is chock full of #1 hits. Susan sounds AMAZING on this record. Of course Karen always sounds fantastic, and Devin continues to be one of my favorite singers.
I do want to mention the amazing production work that Bubba Smith did on this record. He is bringing such a great, fresh sound to this industry (Austins Bridge, last McRaes release, now this one).
My favorite cuts are "Last Night", "Hey", "Behind the Line of Grace" (could this be Susan's big radio hit?), "Whispered Prayers", and my personal favorite "When the Stone Rolled Away."
This is a great CD. I agree with Chris, it may be the best she has ever done. "When The Stone Rolled Away" has #1 written all over it. Devin shows that he has one terrific voice. Its a clear cut 5 star album.
I think this is Karen's best recording since "Triumph" (though "Good to Be Free" came pretty close!). My favs inclue "Hey", "Last Night", "Then He Moved", "Whispered Prayers" and "Behind the Line of Grace."
Am I the only one that thought Billy Graham's prayer on "Whispered Prayers" didn't seem to fit the theme of the song? You're locked in to listening to the whispered prayers at the end of the song and then you get this booming prayer from Billy Graham. It just seemed to stick out and not fit the theme of the song, just my opinion.
This is by far one of the best cds out there today.
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