Label: Spring Hill Music Group
Producer: Phil Naish
Executive Producer: Phil Johnson
The Martins have always been one of the most underrated groups in the industry. The group started in Southern Gospel, but quickly crossed over into the land of Inspirational with their release Dream Big. Since that album, the group has consistently released albums that walk the fine line between country/Southern Gospel and light adult contemporary. It’s not been easy for the group, as it consistently sees mislabeling and stereotyping from both genres, despite the group’s desire to not even be labeled anything specific. Last year, Jonathan Martin left the group in order to spend more time with his family, as The Martins are one of the busiest groups in Gospel music today. Joyce and Judy then enlisted the help of Paul Lancaster, formerly with Mullins & Co., Sunday Drive, and The Nelons. Above It All is the first release that features Paul with the girls, and it appears that this talented group hasn’t missed a beat. The album kicks off with a couple up tempo inspirational radio friendly tunes and quickly takes a turn into serious issues. The Martins have never shyed away from attempting new things with their music or the message they try to send to their fans. “Above It All” finds the group diving into blues oriented sounds, while “I Can’t Help Myself” and “The Promise” reak of mainstream country radio. “As Far As Faith Will Take Me”, penned by Scott Krippayne and Kyle Matthews, features Paul on lead and sounds eerily similar to James Taylor, yet “Glory Days” and “What Mercy Means” features familiar pop hooks made popular by Phillips, Craig and Dean or 4HIM. While musically The Martins cover a lot of ground, lyrically, the group keeps it’s focus. “For the Love” speaks of Christ’s death on the cross, while “Dear God” is a praise song to God. Tear jerkers abound the disc as “In the Arms of Someone Who Loves You” relates heavenly relationships with that of the Father’s relationship with his children, and “Sing Me Home” speaks of a loved one on their death bed. The highlight of the disc, “The Promise” is probably one of the best written lyrics this year. Joyce sings the song with such poignancy and heart that one can’t not be moved. Overall, The Martins have created one of the best records this year that clearly has the potential to continue crossing genre borders. The Martins just make good music. No wonder they have so many fans.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 09/30/2003
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 50
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The Promise truly is moving and yet so simple. It repeats what we hear in the Bible, that life on this earth will not be easy, so "don't make your home here". Great song.
Awesome awesome cd! I LOVE it!!! "The Promise" is of course my favorite. That ranks right up there with all my fav. songs of all time lol But I also love "In The Arms Of Someone Who Loves You," "I Just Can't Help Myself," "Above It All," Somebody Give Me A Stone," and I really can say that I love the whole cd because I could go on and I WANT to go on and list every song on there lol Paul is a perfect fit with the girls! They sound better than ever!
This CD is absolutely awesome, I can't say much more. I love it, and it hasn't left my CD player since I got it. Paul has a great voice. One thing I missed though was some brass in the intrumentation, like they did on "Great is the Lord" and most of the upbeat songs from the "Windows" project. Maybe I'm a little baised, being a trombone player lol, but I missed that sound. But that's basicly no problem at all because I loved the whole CD.
perfect review. kudos to chris.
The new Martins cd is GREAT!! :thumbsup: I love the Martins, and Paul sounds great with them. Keep up the great work Martins!!!!!!!!
I got this C.D. the first day it came out and it hasn't left my player yet. I LOVE this c.d. I give it two thumbs up. Great review!! :thumbsup:
I just bought this CD this afternoon...all I have listened to is "The Promise." WOW! What an awesome song. As I was driving down the road, I almost had to pull over for crying. What a profound statement and reminder, that God's promises are true!
I LOVE this CD - best SG/Contemp CD I've bought all year - but I'm curious - why only 4 1/2 stars? I think it's well beyond 5 stars. They are the original..they set the pace for everyone else. Plus - the album is STUPENDOUS!!!!! I cant' quit listening to it!!!!!
On why I didn't give it five stars:
I just didn't feel it was a MASTERPEICE of an album. "Somebody Give Me a Stone" was a huge misstep IMHO, and "Dear God", while a nice praise song, really lacks any kind of hook. However, I think it is the finest album they have recorded to date. "The Promise" should be worth the price of the CD alone.
:thumbsup:
I LOVE, LOVE THE NEW CD, SUCH GREAT BLENDING OF VOICES, SOUNDS, ANOINTED WORDS AND MUSIC. I AM MOST POSITIVILITY A MARTIN FAN. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND YOUR MINISTRY. WELCOME PAUL, HE SOUND GREAT WITH JOYCE AND JUDY.
YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL GROUP OF PEOPLE AND AN EXCELLENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JESUS AND THE GOSPEL. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. SAY HI TO JONATHAN, HE IS MISSED AND WE WISH HIM AND HIS FAMILY THE BEST. GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK ON THIS NEW CD.
Thanks for the great comments on the Martins. We have enjoyed representing them. They have raised the bar with this new album.If you havent grabbed a copy- Please dont miss out-
God Bless-
Rick Hendrix
I only listened to the CD a couple of times at work, going in and out of the room at times, so it's not really fair for me give them an exact star rating . . . sounded like it was in the 4 to 5 star range.
I did think "Somebody Give Me A Stone" was a cute little number, though, borderline novelty lyrics. I can't agree with Chris on that point, but his overall rating is close to what I'd have given this CD.
IMO, they set the bar for ALL other groups. I love to watch them, they are CLASS!!! They seem very genuine and kind and real.
Ok, chris - thanks for the response. I guess I look at them more from a "whole perspective"..they continually "remake" their sound..they are way beyone everyone else...what they do this album, other will be trying on their next album..and by then, the Martin's will be doing something different. They continually do new vocal styles..not the same ole' same ole'..so I guess that I why I asked about 4 1/2 starts vs.5. But, I guess someday, when I have my own southern gospel web site, I can give them whatever rating I want, huh? - only kidding, Chris. You all do a great job!
I think this is a great CD, but not as good as some of the others such as Dream Big or Windows. I do think that Paul has done a great job stepping in. I like all the songs but "What Mercy Means" really sticks out to me because I relate so well to it. I've never been dissapointed by a Martins song or CD. They are my favorite group.
I've been a Martins fan since their humble beginning. I am a little disappointed in this cd...it's just not as inspiring as some others. I think Paul sounds great with them. I just wish they'd go back to their SG roots on at least ONE song per project.
:thumbsup: I really like the new project but I don't think it is as good as Glorify Edify Testify! But when the albums are as good as these are it is hard to make a choice!
:thumbsup: WOW!!!! That's about all I can say. WOW!!!!!
:thumbsup: I am a HUGE Martins fan, I have loved them since the beginning, but this cd is AWESOME!!! I love "The Promise",it is an awesome song but "In The Arms of Someone Who Loves You", it gets me everytime, that song touches me and tears swell up in my eyes everytime I hear it!! I love Joyce, Judy, and Paul, keep it up guys!!!
The Martins have succeeded once again with "Above it All," easily the best album of their career, and the year! As usual, Joyce, Paul, and Judy make "Martins Music" easily described with one word...PERFECTION! Thanks...love you guys! :thumbsup:
THE MARTINS ARE AWSOME! I LOVE THEM AND I COULD LISTEN TO THEM ALL DAY! THEY NEED TO KEEP UP THEIR GOOD WORK! THIS IS THE BEST CD EVER! :thumbsup: YOU 3 ARE THE BAST EVER! I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN APRIL!
I just picked up the new Martin's CD Friday night at, can you believe this, WAL-MART (that's another story). Anyway.... I like the CD very much. I think the only song going to SG radio though will be "Glory Days". I this Glorify Edify Testify was a better project than this, but I still enjoy listening to their wonderful harmonies! Paul was a good replacement for Jon.
"The Promise" is their first SG single, and it is already sitting pretty at #3 on SoGospelNews' weekly chart.
Yes, I can believe it. Getting our CDs into WalMart is great news for any genre of Gospel Music.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
I LOVE this album-I cant stop playing it.Anyone know if they are coming around Dickson,Tn???
Lynette Collins they r going to be in Conroe, TX First United Methodist Church 6:00pm 936.441.8660 on 10/26/03, that all til next year! BY THE WAY I AGREE, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT MY FRIEND AND I GOT OUR CD (ABOVE IT ALL) AT WAL*MART! THATS GRRRRR-8! A HUGE MARTINS FAN!
DUSTIN
I have been a Martins's fan since the early days of their career and have all of their recordings. This is by far one of the best, only competing with Glorify, Edify, Testify. "The Promise" is an awesome. inspiring song that never gets old no matter how many times you listen to it, and I've listened to it A LOT 
The best part is that I have met the Martins and have heard them in concert and know that everything they sing comes from deep in their hearts, which makes the message in each song all the more inspiring. Keep up the great work Judy, Joyce and Paul! :thumbsup:
Wait - did I read that someone said "Dear God" didn't have a hook? What????? I'm not trying to be critical of the critiquer here (is that a word?) but CHRIS -- you're missing the point of the song. DEAR GOD is the hook. THAT'S THE HOOK. "Dear God - I'm so amazed that I can come to you like this...." It's not the standard verse, chorus, verse, chorus kind of song. WASN'T MEANT TO BE. "The Lord's Prayer" didn't have a "hook" either but doesn't make it any less of an incredible song. Off base on that critique in my humble opinion.
In terms of hook, i mean it's a song that doesn't seem to stick in your head, repeating and repeating. Hook as in no real melody line that continually grabs the listener. I dont' think it's a bad song, and the lyrics truly are spectactular. Just musically, I have found that it doesn't connect as well as something like "The Promise", "In the Arms of Someone Who Loves You" or "What Mercy Means".
BTW, Pam, my review doesn't say that. When did I say that publically? Was it on the message boards?
Hate to say it, Chris, but look at your comments above dated October 3rd.
You're right Tony. I knew I had said it, just couldn't remember when. LOL!
:whistle:
DAVID CANT BELIEVE 
WHAT YOU WERE SAYING ON OCT 3 OR 4! SOMEBODY GIVE ME A STONE ID A GRRRR-8 SONG! IT IS A NICE SONG FOR A SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS! I THINK THAT SINCE YOU KEEP GOING IN AND OUT OF YOUR OFFICE THROUGHOUT THE DAY YOU NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO LISTEN TO THE WORDS! DO THEN THEN GET BACK WITH ME!
Hey Chris - you said it on this comment board. Scroll up. It says... "On why I didn't give it five stars: I just didn't feel it was a MASTERPEICE of an album. "Somebody Give Me a Stone" was a huge misstep IMHO, and "Dear God", while a nice praise song, really lacks any kind of hook. " I just disagree with you on the hook.
Um . . . Numerical Person, I said I liked that song. Gee whiz.
Hey, I wonder if the number person is anything like 7 of 9 ? A borg or something? (my geek-ness showing through)
"Somebody Give Me A Stone" is great! My kids LOVE it. "The Promise" is my personal favorite, but I'm glad the Martins reach the younger audiences with songs like"..Stone."
:thumbsup: I am a big fan of the Martins. You guys are gr8! This CD is sensational and very inspired. You can't please everyone, so overlook the grouches. Just remember that as long as you please God and give Him the glory, you have done a wonderful thing. Keep up the good work. and stay "above it all"
GUESS WHAT? THE MARTINS ARE NOT GOING ON TOUR AT ALL IN 2004! WHY I DONT KNWO BUT I AM VERY SAD BECASUE I ALREADY HAD TICKETS BOUGHT TO SEE THEM! IF ANYONE KNOWS ABOUT THIS PLEASE E-MAIL ME at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Thanks!
Dustin
I heard they weren't touring aswell but just for the first six months
:thumbsup: My sister and I LOVE the MARTINS newest cd. To my knowledge there are no other trios out there. I would listen to the MARTINS sing little brown jug for hours because of the harmony, the interaction between the members, the light that shows not only throught their music but you can see Gods light in their eyes which after all are the windows to the soul. These young people are kind and loving people. They will sit and talk and pray with the fans. They take time for those who support them. They ARE the best in the field of gospel music and have unbelievable souls and talent. They showed my sister rhonda a kindness and that cemented my loyality forever in all of their endeavors. My only complaint would be that they do not put out more cds and videos. They are the greatest. This latest cd is as great as all of the others. WE LOVE THE MARTINS!!! :angel:
Does anyone know what the Martins are planning for 2004? I cannot find a touring schedule on their website. Just curious.
Yes ino, they arent going on tour at all in 2004, i had tickets bought already for next year and they canceld, why they did i dont know! soory
let me know if anyone knows y!
thanks
As their promoter-let me say a lot of speculation is going around.They are simply on a sabbatical for next year. Joyce will have a solo project out.Judy may do some womens retreats.But, they are just on a sabbatical and they will not let their fans down.They just had their first number one song in Singing News magazine this past week-with "The Promise"It will be for the Feb 2004 month.Thanks for enjoying their ministry.
Rick Hendrix
Hello good people how are ya keep up the good work.hope you get this
LOUIE
I know that they are getting great radio play on "The Promise" without Jonathan. But, I miss him and the sound that truly made them what they are today. "Martin Music" can not be replaced by anyone. It takes Joyce, Jonathan and Judy. No offense Paul but, I believe God created them as a family to sing together and I hope that they will do that soon. God's Blessings.
Martins Music is about genre, how the Martins don't fit within the parameters of any one genre. It has nothing to do with the personnell. I, personally, like Paul better in the group, as he gives the group a little bit more of an AC leaning sound, whereas Jonathan was more country.
Keep up the good work Martins!
Jonathan can sound many ways and that is great that you enjoy that style of music better with Paul, but it really is about family and family harmony not who else can sound good with Joyce and Judy. They hit the right notes and have another type of sound with Paul. I think that Paul was temporarily filling in for Jonathan. I think that I have heard that this was Paul's dream to be able to sing with some of the Martins and God blessed him with that coming true. Happy New Year and as long as the Word of God is being lifted up it doesn't matter who is singing it. I can respect all's opinions. I did find that Jonathan has a website at [url=http://www.jonathanmartin.org]http://www.jonathanmartin.org[/url]
:thumbsup: Just a note from your limey Music Manager cousin on United Christian Broadcasters (UK based, but broadcasting all over the world on the Web: check out [url=http://www.ucb.co.uk]http://www.ucb.co.uk)[/url] The Martins are BIG BIG BIG on UCB. 'Settle On My Soul' made Number 1 on our AC chart last year, and 'For The Love' has just been added to our inspirational playlist. Also, lots of their acappella stuff gets played, so we Brits DO know a good thing when they hear it! Happy New Year!!
Are The Martins still performing? I can find no schedule for them; and their website reveals nothing.
Thank you.
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