Atoned - Atoned, CD Review - SoGospelNews.com

Jan

2006

Atoned - Atoned

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[4] Comments

Produced by Eddie Crook
Record label: MorningStar Records
Webpage: http://www.atonedministries.com

Atoned may be new to Southern Gospel, but the faces that make up the group aren't necessarily strangers to the genre. This talented trio's members have all racked up some extensive travel time on the SG circuit. Sheila and Sarah Cornelius, before starting Atoned, spent some time with up-and-coming group the Bowlings before leaving the group in early 2005. (Sarah also filled in for Kelly Bowling with the Crabb Family while Kelly was on maternity leave.) Sarah and Sheila were both featured on the Bowlings' first and only bonafide hit, "When He Says Arise." (The Bowlings eventually joined Mike Bowling for his new group – the Mike Bowling Group.) Joining the talented mother-daughter team is their good friend, Josh Akers, who traveled with the Comptons before joining Atoned.

Their self-titled debut album from MorningStar Records really shows that this group has the potential to be a dominant force in the Southern Gospel industry. Mixing it up between SG standards ("Joy In the Morning" and "I've Never Been This Homesick Before") with original music ("Who Jesus Is" and "Jesus Christ the King"), this self-titled debut features big ballads and up tempo numbers mostly in the traditional Southern Gospel form – but the group isn't afraid to show that they are more than just talented singers.

"My Home", featuring Josh Akers, is a strong country-based ballad speaking of heaven, while "Someday" opens the album with high energy. "Who Jesus Is" (written by Sarah Cornelius) features a jazzy instrumental background coupled with Sarah's distinct vocal talents. Sheila Cornelius turns out some spectacular vocal performances on "Joy In the Morning" and "You Must Go to Calvary."

"It Took a Lamb", penned by Geron Davis, is the first real contender for 2006 Song of the Year. It features a beautiful melody and some of the strongest lyrics to hit SG in a while – not to mention Sarah Cornelius' stunning vocals.

It's apparent that Atoned knows what they are doing on their debut album. It will be interesting to watch this group and see how they develop musically. They've got a great sound right out of the gate – but a little more time on the road and together will help them to really get a feel for who they are musically. Hopefully, on the next recording we will get to see more writing from the group members and less cover songs (songs previously recorded by other artists).

Atoned's debut recording for MorningStar Records is another fine offering in the Southern Gospel market.

Reader Comments

It doesn't get any better than this!!! Atoned is one of the most talented groups in in gospel music today. Most of all they truly have a heart on ministry and you can sure feel the power of God when they sing. This is just the begining of great things to come from this group. I would like to congratulate Atoned for there song "It Took a Lamb" hitting the Singing News chart at #69. "GREAT JOB". I know it not always a bed of roses on the road, but I know and pray that God keeps his hand on each and everyone you through all your endeavors. Keep up the good work! Love to everyone Tommy Smith

Commented by Tommy Smith On 01/03/2006

HEARD ATONED IN OHIO GREAT PERFORMANCE OF IT TOOK A LAMB

JAMES METCALF WJFJ COLUMBUS NC

Commented by On 01/30/2006

Words cannot express what I feel when I listen to "Atoned". There is such mighty annointing on the group words couldn't express. I love every song that the group sings but the last song on the c.d. "There's Still A Cross" really hit it home. I really didn't ever think there was an end to the pain that I felt inside and there were many days that I would just set in my car and cry. Then one day as I was setting there I happened to pop in the cd. For some reason I played the very last song. It was that song. I had never felt such a mighty wave of God. It was as though God came down and wraped his loving arms around me and just held me close. The song ministers on many different levels. Although the day brings its trials and satan always knows how to throw it back in your face I always remember that there is still a cross. When sisser (Sarah) starts the first word of that song theres a peace that comes over you like no other. Atoned is the greatest group I believe has ever been and always be. You can tell that God is truly the center of the group. I know that God is using the group and they will go far. They are truly the greatest. It doesn't get any better!!!!!!!

Commented by On 02/03/2006

AWESOME!!!! That's the best word to describe this new group this it QUICKLY on the rise. If you have never been to an Atoned concert I highly recommend that you find out when they're gonna be close to you and GO!!!
I'm so excited to see what's in store.

Commented by On 02/16/2006

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