Rich Adkins - I’ll Bless That Name, CD Review

Sep

2007

Rich Adkins - I’ll Bless That Name

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Morning Star Records
Produced By: Eddie Crook
http://www.richadkins.com

The Gospel flavored "Will That Body Be You" introduces you to Rich Adkins. It gives you an immediate picture of what he's all about. Emotion filled vocals, a little country, a little soul and a whole lot of message. "I'm Not A Prisoner of Me, Anymore" slows things down a bit. Rich penned all 12 tracks on the record, which in this case I would have to say was not perhaps his best decision. I'm not sure how long Rich has been writing, and I'm not saying he doesn't have talent, but in my opinion his writing is not to the point of carrying an entire record yet. His voice however is unique and enjoyable. I wouldn't consider Rich to be strictly traditional, nor contemporary. He would be best described somewhere between the two. Though some of his vocals remind me of Elvis, and even at times The Hinsons!

One of the best lyrical and vocal offerings on the record is "Jesus Knows, And He Still Loves You." Rich is a pro with vocal dynamics. You can tell he connects to the words of his songs and he really communicates them to the listener. His soul comes through as he sings, and he obviously has a heart to minister to hurting people. "And the Rain Came" would be a great song for a quartet to pick up, and "Oh Jesus" sounds like something that might be sung in a local church worship service.

Title cut, "I'll Bless that Name," stuck out to me as another solid tune, and is probably the best on the project. "I'm Saved, I'm Saved" is another potential quartet song, followed by "And God Wrote My Name," which definitely leans towards the traditional side. I did enjoy some of the tracks and back ground vocals on the disk as well, particularly on songs like "Before the Cross He Loved Me," "God Chose to Love," and "I've Got More Than Money Can Buy." Rich's best lyrics are on some of the plentiful ballads on this project. In fact, the last few sort of ran together for me.

Overall, I think Rich has talent, and an obvious heart for what he's doing. I'd personally like to hear what he sounds like with a good quartet surrounding him, though because of his tone and range, he'd likely be a better candidate for a baritone than a lead singer. I probably wouldn't have picked on his songwriting as much, had it not covered the entire record. I hope he keeps honing his craft and gives it another try. I feel he has more to offer than is represented on this recording and is without a doubt a cut above the average church special.

1. Will That Body Be You?
2. I'm Not a Prisoner of Me, Anymore
3. Jesus Knows, And He Still Love You
4. And the Rain Came
5. Oh Jesus!
6. I'll Bless That Name
7. I'm Saved! I'm Saved!
8. And God Wrote My Name!
9. Before the Cross He Loved Me
10. He's All That I Have, But He's More Than I Need
11. God Chose to Love
12. I've Got More Than Money Can Buy!

Reader Comments

I personally don't agree with everything in this reveiw. But we all have a right to our own opinions.I think he is an ANNONINTED writer and singer! And you don't see that much out there. Most depend on their talents instead of the annointing! I would rather have someone with the annointing that writes and sings about the one they know personally! GOD! And you can tell this is God's message through this young mans gift, as he ministers to the variety of great needs out there with the love of God through word and song straight from the heart of the Master! I think we need a whole lot more like this young man out there!

Commented by On 09/03/2007

I know Rich personally, and I must say he certainly can sing. But as the reviewer said, he really puts his whole heart into every song. You can hear that he truly has a heart to minister, and we need that in today's churches. People like Rich are true MINISTERS of the gospel, not just someone who sings gospel music.

Commented by On 09/04/2007

I think 3 out of 5 stars is pretty good for a freshman release, however if you can hear Rich live, I think that would be 5 out of 5. The album does not give his gift justice. And as for all of his own songs being on the album, that was his record label's decision, due to their confidence in his writing ability. and yes, several quartets have picked up his songs.
I see other people getting 4 or 5 stars singing other people's music....where is the originality in that? how many times do we have to hear the same old songs sung by different artists. We need something fresh and new out there! and that is exactly what Rich has to offer.
I would have to say, that being compared to Elvis and the Hinsons is a great compliment that I will say that I agree.
Once again, after being in a service with Rich, you will want to buy his album. His annointing is what makes the difference. He is there to lift up the name of Jesus, not to be just a show like most of the gospel artists I have seen and heard are.
Also, after hearing is second album, I am sure you will agree, shows how much Rich has grown as a writer and a Soloist!

Commented by On 09/04/2007

I've known Rich for many years. He lives a life that is representative of his music. The beauty of his music is that it is all inspired of God. The message in each song relates to someone. I don't agree that he shouldn't have used all of his own writings. He has a new CD out, with all of his own writings, and it's great too. He has a GOD given talent, and wherever he goes, people are being blessed. He's only begun!!!

Commented by On 09/04/2007

First of all, I don't claim to be a christian, but I have been to hear Rich sing and I know that God gives him the words to inspire ,not only christians but to lost souls. He has a wonderful gift. Why sing someone elses songs when God gave him the talent to perhaps write and sing the words that hasn't been sang or wrote that could change someones life.When I hear Rich sing his songs I feel the great love he has for God.
I thought you were supposed to use the gifts God gives you so you can be a light to someone like me.

Commented by On 09/05/2007

I love Rich Adkins'first CD.Rich has a wonderful ministry through song.God gave him a great talent.Every song Rich writes is given to him by God. He sings his heart out and gets the word to so many people. He's not a flashy person with big diamonds on his fingers. His goal (know his mission) in life is to bring the word of God, through song, to as many as he can. His strong, wonderful voice does just that.

Wanda

Commented by On 09/05/2007

I do agree with the review in that Rich's music introduces you to Rich Adkins. Because he did write all the songs on the project, you can hear his annointing and how God is using him to minister to the saved and lead the lost to Jesus. The fact that he has a great range and can sing any style just broadens his opportunity to reach so many more souls. As for his 2nd CD, all I can say is WOW! You really need to get it!

Commented by On 09/06/2007

From the time God began pouring songs in Rich's heart,he always had a paper and pen ready waiting on the Lord.
And God loves it when we wait upon him.
Many of Rich's song's were written while sitting on the Church pew listening to the sermons being preached,or on his knee's in prayer, or observing precious souls from all walk's of life. And God began to pour compassion in his heart, for the lost,sick,the hopeless, and the dying ect.....
I have watched him shut his self away with God fasting and weeping over this ministry, both in word and song, God has given him.
His father was a very annointed singer, but unfortuneatly was called home at a young age. I personally feel the mantle fell on Rich. Every song was birthed by the spirit of God on this record to reach a large variety of people.
And the Bible tells me it's better to obey God than man.
I personally do not agree with you about him being a better baritone singer, rather than a lead singer. Cause he is right where God has placed him.
If this record rated 3 stars.I know his second record should bring a 5 star in my opinion.As we give what God gives, he adds too.It's obedience that brings the blessing Amen.
As the great James Blackwood said, "Be Persistent"
God is bringing this young man to the forefront, for such a time as this!I'm
Rich Adkins very PROUD and Blessed Mother, Carolyn!

Commented by On 09/06/2007

I have gotten to know Rich and his family over the past two years. I am a twenty-four year old, and how many people of my age enjoy gospel music and being inspired.I have seen Rich at home and we be having dinner and then he would jump up and go write something when felt it in his heart. Rich is a very passionate about his faith and his values of a family.All the songs that he has written there is a reason behind them and he has followed what God has told him to do.
I know that Rich is going to Continue to grow every day in his faith and ministry. He is going to inspire alot more people with the words and the music of his heart and from God.

Commented by On 09/10/2007

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