The Perrys - This Is The Day, CD Review

Jul

2003

The Perrys - This Is The Day

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Label: Daywind Records
Producer: Wayne Haun
Song Titles: “This Is The Day,” “The Lord Knows What To Do,” “Calvary Answers For Me,” “Out Of Harm’s Way,” “Oh, That Wonderful Promise,” “His Scars,” “I Wish I Could Have Been There,” “Until I Start Looking Around,” “Better Saved Than Sorry,” “The Blood Of An Old Rugged Cross,” “He Gave His Only Son,” and “Damascus Road”

For six seconds, the sound of an Old West saloon piano skips out of the speakers, followed by a quick descending glissando and a thud. A bass singer then booms an ascending melody ”This is the Day,” which is echoed by three other voices in harmony. Welcome to The Perrys‘ newest CD, This Is The Day.

This recording showcases a group at a point where they’ve really hit their stride in terms of consistency and quality. None of the selections are weak lyrically, and producer Wayne Haun delivers his typical excellent production quality. From a performance perspective, there are few spots where the vocals sustain one chord while the accompaniment moves through other chords. The end of “Out Of Harm’s Way” is one example. Some listeners may find that annoying and think it’s a mistake, while others accept it as an intentional characteristic of modern arranging. In either case, the overall quality of the Perrys’ vocal performance is well above average.

I was a little surprised to see the Perrys do a virtual note-for-note remake of “Calvary Answers For Me” so quickly on the heels of the original version that appeared on Signature Sound Quartet‘s Stand By Me (January 2003). It looks like the Perrys are going to see that the song gets some chart action, though, since it’s to be their first single sent to radio from This Is The Day. I’m sure songwriter Joel Lindsey is happy. It is an excellent song that deserves the exposure.

With 12 selections, there’s an adequate mix of upbeat and slower inspirational numbers. My favorite up-tempo song is “I Wish I Could Have Been There,” because it doesn’t follow a predictable formula of beats per line. “Damascus Road” is a great deal of fun as well. Haun often employs an element of orchestra, and we’re treated to one of these arrangements with “Better Safe Than Sorry.” “Until I Start Looking Ahead” is one of those good inspirational tunes that could be the song you go away from a concert remembering as the highlight of the program. Hopefully, it won’t get lost in the shuffle before everything is said and done. “The Blood Of An Old Rugged Cross” has a similar treatment.

4 1/2 stars is my rating for this CD. A CD has to absolutely blow me away to get a 5, and this one comes real close to doing that. Of all the releases I’ve heard in 2003, I’ve only given two 5 star ratings (Gold City’s Walk The Talk and Greater Visions Quartets). Even though I couldn’t quite go for a 5 on this one, it’s still at least a “top five” contender for the year, and that ain’t shabby.

Rating: 4 and 1/2 Star Rating

Reader Comments

I can go for a 5 on This Is the Day! What a project and it leaves me wanting for more from the Perry's!

Commented by On 07/17/2003

I just don't understand how anyone could NOT give this project a 5. The Perrys are at there best. And, I believe that this project will send them further than they will ever have dreamed. Good job Perrys!!!

Commented by Casey Brandon On 07/17/2003

The Perrys have certainly bettered themselves in the last couple of years with the personnel change, and this project proves that point! We bought it as soon as it hit their product table and have not been disappointed. This project definitely gets a 5-star rating from us!

Commented by On 07/17/2003

This is a tremendous recording. I particularly like "Out Of Harm's Way", which I believe will be a big hit for the Perrys should they decide to release it to radio.

Commented by On 07/19/2003

Casey,

As I mentioned in my review, I limit my 5 star ratings to preserve the integrity of the rating system. A couple of minor issues bothered me about this CD, so that's why I went with the 4 1/2. I do think it's one of the Perry's best recordings, if not THE best Perrys recording I've ever heard. However, the standard I use is to compare a group with the recordings being produced by the rest of the industry, not just a group's past achievements.

Commented by On 07/24/2003

Well, I would have given them a 5-Star rating, but I respect David's reasoning. This is the best Perry's recording I've ever heard. I got to hear them do many of the songs live at the New Ground homecoming. (There's a review of that homecoming on my web page http:\www.vbcodehead.comnghc03.htm - or will be before I go to bed tonight)

GREAT JOB, Perrys!!!!

Bob

Commented by Bob On 07/26/2003

David, I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. I went out and bought my copy last night and love the CD. 4 1/2 stars is a fair rating, and I agree with it.

I LOVE "Until I Start Looking Ahead" and "Damascus Road" I find myself repeating over and over again. Fun song with a strong message.

Way to go Perrys!!!!

Commented by On 07/29/2003

"I wish I could Have Been There" is a great song. This is a great recording and wonderful job by the Perrys

Commented by On 07/30/2003

I'm still not sure if i like this one better, or Changed Forever. They are both excellent projects and would give them both a 4 3/4 stars out of 5. I want to hear some of these new songs live in concert, and howbout a new video from them!

Commented by On 08/01/2003

I'm not the largest fan of mixed quartets, and got this cd a week after seeing them in a situation where the sound was less than great, but I've got to admit when I put this in my CD player I was impressed with 1-production 2-blend & 3-overall quality
Really good project!

Commented by On 08/12/2003

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