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Producer:  Bill Gaither/Michael Sykes/Gaither Vocal Band
Label:  Gaither Music Group
Website:  www.gaither.com

This recording probably ranks as one of the most anticipated releases over the past year.  Of course, pretty much every release by the Gaither Vocal Band ranks as an anticipated release!  As the advertisements have stated, this is quite possibly one of the greatest GVB releases ever and I tend to concur.  For me, there is a lot to love about this new recording.  This is the best one since “God is Good”, which I rank as their best effort ever.  Of course, that’s just my opinion.  But enough about the past lets look at the present.

Kicking off with the Imperials classic from the 1970s, “BREAD UPON THE WATER” provides a cool introduction to this newest recording from the Gaither Vocal Band and moves quickly into the “I CATCH ‘EM, GOD CLEANS ‘EM”.  While I like the GVBs version of the song, I much prefer Gordon Mote’s version and think his version flows much better. 

Starting off with only piano accompaniment, Marsh Hall turns in a soulful rendition of the children’s classic, “JESUS LOVES ME”, while newest member Wes Hampton turns in an excellent performance on “I’LL TELL IT WHEREVER I GO”.  While it is unfortunate that the original track appears to have been used from the GVBs original recorded performance from back in 1997, Wes does a good job making the song his own.  Continuing with the nostalgic flare, classic male quartet sounds abound on the song, “MY JOURNEY TO THE SKY”.

Things really slow down for a beautiful song of affirmation simply titled, “THROUGH”, which brings to fruit the promise that God will bring us gently through our trials and tribulations.

“GLORIOUS IMPOSSIBLE” is the true highlight of the recording for me.  Complete with the Christ Church Choir backing them up, this is possibly one of the finest GVB performances ever, as is the worshipful, “WORTHY THE LAMB”, resurrected from the Gaither archives and originally recorded in 1974 by the Gaither Trio.

Bringing back an old Imperials song from the early 1980’s called “EAGLE SONG”, the group really shows off some smooth singing before diving into the eclectic, “LOVE CAN TURN THE WORLD”.

The uptempo, “CHILD FORGIVEN” is one of the most “Southern Gospel” songs on the recording and would probably do very well on radio.  The song is followed, quite appropriately, by the oft recorded, “WHY ME, LORD”.

Although I’ve heard the song most of my life and have never paid much attention to it and had quite honestly gotten sick of the tune, it’s Guy Penrod’s emotional rendition of this classic that really caught my attention and for the first time in my life, I actually get the song!  The song is followed by two more slow tunes, “I WILL GO ON” (another from the Gaither archives) and “PLACE CALLED HOPE” before closing shop with the fun title song, “GIVE IT AWAY”, which features GVB along with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Quartet.

This new recording features A TON of previously recorded tunes, but since they are done with such fresh and new arrangements, they still come out sounding like new songs filled with newly captured excitement.  Not many groups can pull this off. 

This latest group of the Gaither Vocal Band sounds to me a lot like the Franklin/English/Lowry/Gaither version from a dozen years ago.  I love what I hear.  Those wondering if GVB can recuperate from the loss of David Phelps can put their fears to rest.

Personal Favs:  BREAD UPON THE WATER; JESUS LOVES ME; MY JOURNEY TO THE SKY; THROUGH; GLORIOUS IMPOSSIBLE; WORTHY THE LAMB; CHILD FORGIVEN; WHY MY, LORD; GIVE IT AWAY

Reader Comments

I guess the GVB of 2001 just spoiled me with David and Mark. "I Do Believe" is the best work I have ever heard.. I have Give it away...and that's what I feel like doing with it...It's lackluster and doesn't do a thing for me. I agree with those who say that there is no one song on that DVD that reaches and snacthes my attention. I grieve the loss of my all time favorite recording artists.

Commented by On 09/29/2006

You guys are great!! I would love to be able to sing like you. I do sing and play 14 instruments but I can't find anyone to start a group or something with. If you have any information please let me know. Thank You and God Bless.

Commented by On 04/11/2007

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