Sons Family - Rivers of Life, CD Review

Jul

2006

Sons Family - Rivers of Life

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[2] Comments

Producer: Eddie Crook
Label: Cross & Crown
Website: http://www.thesonsfamily.com

I've never heard of a recording sequenced quite the way this one is. This recording by the Sons Family is divided into 3 distinct sections…the first 1/3 of the recording features Charlotte, the second features Gayle and the final 1/3 features Eric. I don't recall ever seeing a sequence arranged that way, but that's what the group or record company decided to do. Not quite sure if I like this arrangement because it can tend to get boring at times, but nonetheless, it's still a good recording. So, since the sequence is arranged that way, I will use it as a guide for this review…
Charlotte starts things off in "slow mode" with "FOR THE LIFE OF ME". As she sings this emotional tune it more than adequately sets the tone for the recording. The song showcases some really good vocals by the Sons Family on the chorus before things get kicked into high gear with "I'M COMING OUT OF THIS ALIVE". Charlotte then moves on to a former hit for the Perrys 16 years ago, as the Sons Family revive the Gina Vera penned, "HE KNOWS HOW" and it fits Charlotte to a 'T' before she slows things down just a bit for "SACRIFICIAL LAMB".

Next up, Gayle Sons starts her list of songs with the heartfelt, "I WANT TO BE THERE" before she picks the pace up a bit for the song simply titled, "CELEBRATION". The following song, "A PLACE THAT I LOVE", is one of those heart wrenching, tear jerkers penned by Sylvia Green that fits Gayle so well and she sings the song about as heartfelt as anyone could.

Eric closes the recording with the final three tunes and I was elated to find one of my all time favorite songs entitled, "GREEN PASTURES", which Eric does very well before picking the pace up with the song, "PRAY FOR REVIVAL". I think a little more arranging with the music could have made this really good song into an exciting GREAT song. Eric closes out the recording with the medium tempo title song, "RIVERS OF LIVE".

If you're a fan, this recording is a must have. There has always been that special "something" that has continually drawn me to the music of the Sons Family. From the first time I heard their music, I was instantly taken in by them and the campmeeting feel in their music. I wouldn't categorize this as their best work, but it's very good. I would love to see them take hold of some really cool arrangements. Because of their style, they can only go so far with that and get away with it; but some more instrumentation and arranging could go a long way, I think.

Personal Favs: FOR THE LIFE OF ME; CELEBRATION; A PLACE THAT I LOVE; GREEN PASTURE

Reader Comments

The Sons Family are very special people.
There are few groups who have what they
have! They have that special seasoning of the Holy Spirit in their music.

They have been such a blessing to our family. We love them!

I love the re-make of "He Knows How" and the new single, "For The Life Of Me." Those songs alone are worth buying the project for!

Commented by Shane Ferrell On 07/06/2006

Well, I have been a Sons Family fan for a few years. I love their music. There's something about their style that keeps me coming back for more. This is one family that is "UNDER RATED" in southern gospel music. i think with some heavey rotation, their music would do well. the message is there, and that's what keeps the going.

Commented by On 07/07/2006

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