CD Reviews

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2002/SpringHill Music Group

When the advertising for this CD said, “Expect something different”, they weren’t kidding!  From the very first notes of ”FAITH IS THE ONLY PROOF”, you know you are in for a different ride!  You still have all you come to expect with the Ruppes; soaring harmonies, precision singing and strong, solid messages, but with “Free”, you get a little something extra, musically.  I don’t want to go so far as to say that this CD will alienate some longtime Ruppes fans, but I will say it definitely should win some new ones!  Southern Gospel purists will probably not like this CD.  But give it a chance; there is still a whole lot to like about it.

I have already mentioned the first song, ”FAITH IS THE ONLY PROOF” and it certainly is different!  The next song though, ”YOU ARE HERE,” is a moving song that says no matter where we are, if we call upon the Name of Jesus, He is there…"through every joy and every tear.”

Our testimony of how Christ saved us from our sin is one of the greatest things a Christian can share with the world.  The song ”TELL THE STORY” challenges us to share…"how you met Him, how you Love him because no one tells it like you do.” A neat track to this song makes it a very enjoyable song to listen to and one you’ll find yourself singing over and over again.

The captivating, yet sobering ”YOU THOUGHT OF US” featuring Heather, reminds that through all the pain and rejection Christ faced dying for all of us, He still made a way to provide for the one thief on the cross, and still thought of us.  This song would make an excellent ballad for Easter.

The title song, “FREE”, is another one of those different type songs the Ruppes have been known for.  Featuring a penny whistle, this song has almost an Irish or Celtic sound to it and will no doubt become a favorite for Ruppes fans.

My absolute favorite song on the CD is the humbling ”MADE BY MERCY.” The chorus of the songs says it all…"Made by mercy, shaped in love, formed by the Father’s hand, grace from God above, nothing that I have done, no offer was enough, for what you see today is made by mercy, saved by grace.” Written in part by one of my favorite songwriters, Gina Vera, this song would be an excellent release to radio.  Soaring harmonies and tenor sax make this song absolutely come alive!

Heather is featured on the country sounding, ”THIS DAY.” This upbeat song is a catchy song of praise thanking God for each and every day we enjoy life.  You can’t help but sing along as they joyfully proclaim…"This day, I will praise Him…I will thank Him for the things He’s done…I will greet the morning, give Him all the glory, I will thank Him for this day.”

Brenda does an exceptional job on the moving ballad, ”SHE TOUCHED HIS HEART.” Recounting the story of the woman who had the issue of blood and touched Jesus’ garment, this tells the story from a different perspective focusing on the fact that through her faith, she moved the Savior’s heart; for through that faith, “she not only touched His hem, she touched His heart.”

With a black choir sound, the Ruppes tear into ”SERVE THE LORD”, and they really show off what they can do vocally.  I find this song very enjoyable and like to think it would make a really cool radio song. 

Val ushers us into a gentle, quiet worship with the song ”JESUS, JESUS.” Though somewhat contemporary is musical style, this is a very simple song of praise…"Jesus, Jesus, all my heart longs for…Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Christ my Lord.” The accapella choir singing at the end makes the song complete and really sets the stage for the final song, ”MANTLE OF FAITH” which features Brenda.

Stylistically, this is a very different recording.  But, with every recording the Ruppes have done, they have branched out a little further musically.  This recording is the furthest they have gone.  But don’t let that deter you from getting this CD, because there are no shabby songs found on “Free.” They are done in the unmistakable Ruppes style and the depth of the songs is there as well.  So if you are tired of ‘run of the mill’ Southern Gospel recordings, then you need to be refreshed with “Free” by the Ruppes.

Personal Favs: YOU THOUGHT OF US; MADE BY MERCY; THIS DAY; SHE TOUCHED HIS HEART; SERVE THE LORD; JESUS, JESUS

Rating:

James Hales

Reader Comments

I love this cd too by the way. I am doing Mantle of Faith this fall in memory of our dear pastor, Lord willing.

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