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15 Mar 2003
Joyce, Karen and Sheri - “Best of Friends”
If there was an award for “Fun Album of the Year”, this would win it hands down. In recent months, there has not been a recording I have enjoyed listening to as much as this one. Joyce Martin-McCollough, Karen Peck and Sheri Easter bring to the table their combined talents and sheer ‘diva-hood’ to bring us a fresh and exciting new CD. Joyce kicks things off singing the vivacious ”CHANGE FOR THE BETTER” then Karen steps up and dives into the bold ”CHAINS GONE, SET FREE.” Things then slow down as Sheri delivers a heartfelt performance on the worshipful ”YOU GIVE.” All three of these ladies proudly proclaim…"I‘M A MOM” and how they are the “ring master of a three ring circus” they fondly call home. This fun song alone is worth the price to buy this CD. This song should get quite a bit of airplay around Mothers Day! These ladies lead us into worship with a couple of excellent modern worship songs, ”GOD OF ALL” and ”EVEN GREATER.” One of my favorite songs on this recording is ”IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU” featuring Karen. With its ever so slight Jamaican beat, this is a highly enjoyable song to listen to and has a solid message as well. Sheri’s soulful vocals prevail on ”IT’S IN THE ATTITUDE” and this song has attitude! This will definitely be a listener favorite and the message will really hit home. Joyce shows off her wares vocally, on the brassy sounding ”FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY BRAND NEW HEART” and Karen gives her all on the easy flowing ”HIGH ROAD.” Sheri has become the master of singing tender ballads, and she delivers one of her finest performances to date on the emotional ballad, ”IF SHE COULD.” Portraying the story of an elderly lady suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, this song will no doubt bring a tear to your eyes. ”I’LL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON” brings the CD to a nice and reflective close and leaves you with a warm feeling. Call it Progressive, Middle of the Road, Country, Inspirational, Contemporary, Southern Gospel or just call it Southern Gospel with attitude! The whole recording is very upbeat and positive. The only problem I have is there isn’t a lot of meat in some of the songs. This recording is fun, progressive and highly enjoyable, and though some of the songs offer some great messages geared towards every day life, in this reviewer’s eyes, overall the recording doesn’t offer a lot to sink your spiritual teeth into. Of course, this may be totally on purpose. Like I said, this is really a great recording, but if you are looking for meat and potatoes, this ain’t it…this is desert! So men, buy a copy for your significant other in your life and get in touch with your feminine side and buy one for yourself! After all, “Best of Friends” isn’t just for women!
Rating:
Purchase Now for $14.00Reader Comments
I can't wait to get this cd!!! I listened to the clips on SolidGospel.com and it sounds AWESOME!!! I was amazed at the sound the three of them have together!!! Course I'm glad they are staying with their original groups though! lol But can't wait to hear it all and more in the future! Way to go Karen, Sheri, and Joyce!!!
Commented by On 03/17/2003
I listened to this CD today while I was at work. It's a good concept that fans should enjoy. As James said in his review, it's a fun project. Four stars sounds about right.
Commented by On 03/21/2003
I love this project. Karen Peck Gooch has really pushed the envelope on this one with a total new vocal sound. (for her) She is one of my favorite singers and I'm not sure I would have even recognized her on some of these songs. There is so much more punch and she's not always up in that "high" (yet beautiful) voice we are use too.
This is surely not a sound that I would have expected from these three, but it is indeed unique. This CD is not one that I would listen to for spiritual uplift when I need it, but it is definately one for listening to for Christian enjoyment. It's now my favorite "convertable ride" CD. My favorite of course has to be "I'm A Mom" I'm glad they got together to do this, but like it was commented before me, I wouldn't want them to leave their Original groups to start this one. I would have given this one 4 1/2 stars at least. I LOVE IT! It may get worn out riding with my top down this summer. Karen o/
Commented by Karen o/ Winston On 04/07/2003
Karen, I'm just curious. Why is it wonderful for Karen Peck (whom I absolutely adore) to push the envelope, but The Crabb Family was ridiculed for doing it?
Commented by Amy Marie On 04/09/2003
Ouch!
Commented by charles On 04/09/2003
I LOVE this CD!!! I am also glad that the ladies are staying with their original groups, but WOW! They sound soooo incredible together!! I gave it a 5 star rating! But then again as it was stated before, with those three, how could it BE anything but awesome?! You go girls!!!
Commented by On 04/09/2003
Ooh good point Amy Marie!
Commented by A.A. On 04/09/2003
Amy,
Karen didn't push the envelope to change her STYLE from Southern Gospel to CCM, she pushed the envelope in VOCAL style range and movement. She didn't drift from her SG style in any way. I didn't really see any changes in the "vocals" from the Crabb Family, only the style pushing toward CCM. Wow! I didn't realize my HONEST opinion would be important to so many people other than myself. I'm not talking about you asking Amy, but the other's who seem to think we are in a debate, as maybe they don't realize we a good friends who are just asking about the other's opinion. It's just my opinion and my opinions are most of the time as James Hales calls it, "brutally" honest.
Commented by Karen o/ Winston On 04/10/2003
Karen,
There's nothing wrong with a debate now and then. I wouldn't consider your opinion to "brutally honest, just honest. Nothing wrong with that. However, you must be prepared for others who are honest in their opinions too. As to your opinions of the Crabb Family and Karen Peck, I'm still not sure I understand. Karen changed her STYLE "vocally" and The Crabb's changed their style "musically" (and not much at that). SO, what's the difference. If one changes vocally their whole entire sound changes. I would have to disagree with you Karen. HONESTLY, I thought the girls could've done so much more. It was good...definitely worth the 4 stars given, but not what I was expecting! Can't wait to hear what your opinion is on the new Martins CD when it comes out! You probably won't even want to listen to it...might be too "edgy". lol
Commented by AmyMarie On 04/12/2003
You are right, I'm not much of a "Martins" fan. Which is why I didn't make many comments about Joyce's part in the CD. I'm not really that familiar with her voice.
It's not that I dislike The Martins, only that there are other artists I prefer to listen to and I never get tired enough of them to listen to the ones who aren't necessarily my favorites. I love a good debate and am use to being the one in the minority opinion. No problem to me, anyone who knows me knows I am definately "different". LOL! As for the vocal thing, Karen's voice did not go out of the realm of her previous group sound, just out of the realm of the beautiful high soprano sound we are use too. Her voice had much more what I call "bottom and umph" in it, for lack of a better term. And I guess I can see what you are saying.... now..... With the Crabbs, I did Not like the new sound for them. I know that most people did, but to me, it was a step away from me remaining the big fan I have always been. I also agree that Karen, Sheri, and Joyce could do so much more, but I really enjoyed what the "did" do with this one. I simply did not enjoy the change in the Crabb Sound.
Commented by Karen o/ Winston On 04/14/2003
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Joyce, Karen and Sheri - “Best of Friends”
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