CD Reviews

RATING:

Kingsmen – Missing People

Producer: Jeff Collins
Label: Horizon Records
Website: http://www.kingsmenquartet.com

This is the best recording the Kingsmen have released in quite some time. While their last few recordings have been highly acclaimed from many other sources, I was never quite sold on them. Being one who cut their teeth on the music of the Kingsmen, I have very high standards for them and am so happy that they have finally met those standards again.

The recording starts out with the title song, “Missing People”, which makes me think of “Wish You Were Here”, which the Kingsmen introduced back in 1991. The song is different for the Kingsmen, but yet it will no doubt, strike a chord with the listener. “Someday” follows and fits the Kingsmen like a glove and you’ll soon be singing and clapping along. Other songs that fit this tried and true Kingsmen sound are “When It’s All Said and Done” and the classic “Cheer the Weary Traveler”. The progressive sounding “He Picks up a Beggar on the Way” makes me think of the Randy Miller days of the Kingsmen. I’m sure many will agree.

The Kingsmen have always done exceptionally well with the old style quartet sound, and “They Went to Pray” and “He is the Only One” fits the bill perfectly. Of course, no Southern Gospel recording would be complete without power ballads, and “Mountain of Grace” (my personal favorite from the recording) and “God Saw a Cross” are both extremely well done. Another slower song is the poignant, country-style ballad “God Knows”, which I think would be an excellent radio song.

The Kingsmen has undergone huge changes since Jim Hamill retired; I always felt that he was the mainstay in the group. Since then, their sound has evolved into a “new” type of Kingsmen. In some ways, that’s sad to me because I miss their old sound. In other ways though, that’s great because they’re solidifying themselves for the future. In doing this they’ve managed to churn out some great music over the last few years, though they’ve not been as consistent as they used to be. But I think this latest recording ranks as one of the finest efforts, ever. They’re molding themselves into a force to be reckoned with once again; a force that has always been part of the Kingsmen aura. It’s so good to see and hear that again.

Song List:

(stars denote personal favorites)
1 – Missing People
2 – Someday*
3 – They Went to Pray
4 – Mountain of Grace*
5 – When It’s All Said and Done*
6 – Cheer the Weary Traveler*
7 – God Saw a Cross*
8 – He Picks up a Beggar on the Way
9 – God Knows*
10-He is the Only One*
11-Someday (reprise)