Staff Favorites for 2007, 200

Jan

2008

Staff Favorites for 2007

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Deon Unthank's Favorites for 2007
	Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet - The Word Is Out While this was their final album, I think it was also their best. They really stretched their limits and sounded really good doing it. The material was great. This is my all time favorite OTGHQ CD.
	The Hinsons - Favor This is no doubt their best work ever. I think the songwriting of Ronnie Hinson is what made this album extraordinary, but it's still the best they have ever done.
	Daryl Williams Trio - Marching With Shannon back at Baritone, the Daryl Williams Trio is back in the groove, and Daryl has written some dynamite songs on this one.
	Imperials - Back To The Roots The Imperials are back. This album takes their classics and adds a fresh new feel to them. This is one of my favorite CDs of the year.
	The King's Heralds - I Just Can't Wait These guys have added a new zeal to harmony in SGM. This CD is just a sample of things to come. They are one of the few groups in the same league as the Imperials and GVB, and this CD proves it. Another one of my favorites of the year.
Chris Unthank's Favorites for 2007
	Journey of Joy - Karen Peck & New RIver Everyone knows that Karen Peck & New River are my favorite Southern Gospel act - and Journey of Joy did not disappoint. Bubba Smith's stellar production work and some amazing songs make this my favorite KPNR album ever. There's not a filler song to be found on this recording.
	A Beautiful Thing - CrossWay A lot of times when groups lose a member and become a something new (in this case - the group went from being a quartet to being a trio) - the group has a hard time recovering. Not the case with CrossWay's A Beautiful Thing. This is Rascal Flatts meets the Oak Ridge Boys - and I like it a lot.
	Big Sky - Isaacs It continues to intrigue me how much the Southern Gospel industry overlooks this talented family. They are one of the top selling and most innovative artists out there, yet they continue to fly under the radar. Big Sky is another fantastic album and the Isaacs sisters' songwriter is top notch. This is a must-own.
	After the Rain - Aaron & Amanda Crabb For those wondering just what the world of Southern Gospel was going to be like without the Crabb Family - have no fear. Aaron & Amanda are the first of the Crabb offshoots to release an album - and it's a great one that mixes Southern, Country, Worship, Pop, and more. Check it out - you won't be disappointed.
	Everyday Driven - Everyday Driven How can I NOT like an album with two of my biggest influences - Buddy Mullins and Paul Lancaster - and one of the industry's most amazing pianists - Channing Eleton. Throw in Buddy's fantastic wife Kerri and you have one of the industry's most talked about new acts. Be sure and request "Don't Let Me Miss the Glory" at radio now!
	Other favorites: Back to the Roots - Imperials Real Faith - Brian Free & Assurance Carry On - Booth Brothers Total Praise - LeFevre Quartet Life is Great & Getting Better - Jeff & Sheri Easter
John Scheideman's Favorites for 2007
	Imperials - Back To The Roots The reason I like this one so much is that, to me, it would be like what this group's illustrious predecessors would have sounded like today if they'd recorded this CD. Good songs, sung in a contemporary way(and by that I don't mean the CCM genre), but true to the tradition of the Imperials. A splendid album.
	Southern Sound - For Heaven's Sake Ben Harris's fine quartet is perhaps the top group singing in the old-fashioned quartet style today...it would only follow that I would like this album for that reason alone. Along with that, the song selection is excellent, and the new tenor and bass singers make this one of the year's top releases.
	Couriers - The Real Deal A little personal bias here, to be sure...but the comments I made about the Imperials' CD apply equally here...these Couriers are more than able carriers of the noble torch of their illustrious predecessors. And they even add to that tradition with the singing and songs on this album.
	Darrell Toney - Jerry Reed Revisited On this CD, Darrell shows not only what a musical debt he owes to Jerry Reed...but what Reed himself contributed indirectly to gospel guitar playing. Like the music of Darrell's famous family, the musicianship is excellent throughout.
	Isaacs - Big Sky This album could easily get airplay on country radio if the Isaacs were so inclined to market it there. The songs themselves show a lot of originality, and the lyrics of the songs are striking as well.
James Hales' Favorites for 2007
	Brian Free & Assurance - Real Faith Their last release, It's so God, really whet my appetite for more of the same, and Brian Free & Assurance did not disappoint. In fact, on a couple of songs, they really took things up a notch. I will admit that for the longest time, I was a very casual fan of Brian Free & Assurance. Sure they were great, but nothing ever really rang my bell. I have really enjoyed listening to their last couple of releases and I am already anticipating the next one.
	Greenes - Far Down the Road By far, this is the best recording the Greenes have ever released. Anyone who knows me, know that I am a Greenes fanatic and I have raised my daughter to be one as well. With that said, I keep a pretty high expectation on the Greenes, and while some of their recordings have been hit and miss with me, this one is definitely a HIT and is one of the finest recordings to come along in 2007.
	Gordon Mote - Don't Let me Miss the Glory I still remember the feeling I felt the very first time I heard Gordon Mote sing. I already knew he could tear up a piano, but had not a clue that he could sing.and do it so well! While his first vocal effort was utterly amazing, this latest release is purely electrifying. This is definitely one of the best and one of my favorites for 2007.
	Daryl Williams Trio - Marching Being a big fan of good old fashioned Pentecostal music, I immediately took to the Daryl Williams Trio's latest release. I find it a true joy to listen to and dare say it has become one of my all time favorite recordings, ever! It picks me up and encourages me like no other release in 2007 has. While it may not yield any hit songs for the group, every song is a hit to me.
	Hayes Family - Come Eat Bread Being a sucker for those old convention type songs, I fell in love with this latest release from the Hayes Family. The harmony from these guys is flawless, and the blend is impeccable. You may not find their names listed among the elite in Southern Gospel circles, but I can guarantee you, this family is in a class all by themselves. They are the best at what they do, and this recording is one I find myself listening and enjoying over and over again.
	Here are a few more that are never too far from my CD player: Roy Webb - You Raise Me Up Been Family - Something to Talk About Inspirations - Things Are Different Now Mercy's Well - Skywriting

Reader Comments

This was interesting. Glad to see such a variety of interests. Didn't see much traditional from Chris though. Not that I expected to.

Commented by On 01/04/2008

My very first time,just exploring all the videos here,one or two of them i have already,can see it is a great place to be,and thank you for letting me be a part of this also.

Commented by On 01/25/2008

Glad to see Crossway is on the list!! Wonderful guys!!

Commented by On 01/25/2008

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