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Compassion International

Sunday Edition


01
Aug
2004
Karen Harding – Holding on to Faith


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Producer: Kevin Stokes
Label: Daywind Music Group
Website: www.karenharding.com

I don't know much about Karen Harding, except the fact that this lady can evermore put a shine on a song! She is such a communicator and can ultimately captivate you with a song. She has a big sound, with a distinctive soul quality about her voice. Karen winning the Exalting Him talent contest last year really pushed her into the spotlight and this recording will no doubt continue to push her voice to the masses.

The responsive “THE FIRST TIME I CAME TO GRACE” starts the CD off and leads perfectly into the wonderful ballad, “HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH”. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it sung a few years ago. What a joy to see this song sung by such an artist like Karen as she has taken this song and made it her own!

The very soulful, “YESTERDAY'S BREAD” is a song penned by Joel Lindsey and Gerald Crabb and features Mark Lowry, Mike Bowling and Kevin Stokes as background vocalists and it is this type of song that Karen excels on. This is and will be her signature sound.

Strap yourself in for the soaring vocals of “BECAUSE OF WHOSE I AM”. Featuring a stellar performance with Reba Rambo-McGuire, this is the highlight of the recording and will leave the listener absolutely spellbound. In contrast musically, “IT WON'T RAIN ANYMORE” showcases Karen with a bluegrass-tinged song. Though Karen has that strong soulful voice, she still sounds right at home with this song.

Karen then moves on to a reflective tune with “A MOMENT SUCH AS THIS” and continues on with the cool retro-big band sounds of “ONE WORD” .

The worshipful “ENTER INTO HIS PRESENCE” and “WHEN I TELL THIS WORLD GOODBYE” showcase another aspect of Karen's artistry as she penned both tunes and are both very well written and performed. Could Karen be the next Dottie Rambo? The latter song sounds very reminiscent of some of Dottie's older songs.

“HE WON'T GIVE UP EASY” rounds out the recording with a duet with Mike Bowling and is the only song on here that really just doesn't work for me. It's a great song, just doesn't move me like some of the others on here.

Karen's voice has the brass and boldness of Joyce Martin, the delivery of Angie Hoskins or Sandra Payne and the emotion and raspy sound of Sheri Easter. This is really a superb effort on all parts. As I said earlier, you can't help but be captivated as she sings and just be taken in by the sheer power of her delivery. I look forward to hearing a lot more music from this lady!

Personal Favs: THE FIRST TIME I CAME TO GRACE; HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH; YESTERDAY'S BREAD; BECAUSE OF WHOSE I AM; WHEN I TELL THIS WORLD GOODBYE

Reader Comments

Nice review James....I love this cd. I keep it in my car! Karen Harding is so amazing! My favorite song is "Yesterday's Bread!" WOW My hats off to my friend Kevin Stokes for producing an incredible project!


Commented by On 08/01/2004
WOW James!! What a great review. THANK YOU. I hope the ministry of music God gave me continues to bless people around the world. It is my joy to sing for Him. I'm glad you like the CD and took the time to review it! Every song came straight from my heart. Keep me in your prayers. Blessings, Karen Harding


Commented by On 08/02/2004
Y'all should hear Karen sing a bit of "I Just Want To Know That You Still Love Me" on the Downings Reunion video from 1993....that's where I first learned of Karen. She sang with the Downings back in the 80's. What a POWERFUL voice!!!! I'm looking forward to hearing more from her!


Commented by Laurie Winton On 08/04/2004
Thanks, James, for the kind review. Karen Harding is the genuine article. She loves the Lord and communicates the Gospel so powerfully with that enormous voice. I hope this record opens many doors for her ministry.


Commented by On 08/04/2004
Great Review James. Karen is the minister of music at the church that I attend. I have had the opportunity to work with Karen on a number of events. To quote James, "you can't help but be captivated as she sings and just be taken in by the sheer power of her delivery". I believe that is true. That is because Karen not only sings her songs, she lives them. It is an honor to work with her and to see God pour blessings out on her life. I know that this is just an open door for others to be touched by her ministry.


Commented by On 08/04/2004
What a great singer and to hear the great Reba Rambo again makes this a truly ejoyable recording. Where has Reba been over the few years?


Commented by On 08/04/2004
Great job Karen! We are proud of you.


Commented by On 08/07/2004
I heard Karen sing at the Worship Services during Crabbfest this year, and was absolutely blown away. This woman is so annointed of God. "Yesterday's Bread" and "A Moment Such As This" are my favorites on the CD.


Commented by Ashley Duduit On 08/08/2004
I will have to listen again. My 1st impression to the cd was not very good. I felt like once again, a major record company was placing an artist in a different music style, just to sell more cds. Too many times this has happened, to "branch out" and makes a cd very dissapointing for some. This has happened many times this year.

I remember Karen with the Downings, and more Southern Gospel Pentecostal Campmeeting - early Lanny Wolfe trio/Mc Grudders/Terry Harper trio sounds. Watch the Downings reunion dvd on the end of Ann Downings new release.

Again, I will relisten to the cd, because of the comments of others.

Karen, keep singing for Jesus... I pray for God to open more doors for you then ever before

Al Thomas
http://www.radiogcim.com


Commented by AL THOMAS On 08/17/2004
Al, I totally understand what you're trying to say, but I disagree. The record company was totally supportive of my song selection (I chose along with my producer Kevin Stokes) and styling. I wrote several cuts on the album. They would have let me sing Polka if I chose to. This music is who I am, what I sing every week at my church. I do hope it reaches a variety of people, and believe that the Word is in these songs, and will not return void. I have to trust God has placed me exactly where He wants me to be, and put the right people in my path. Never once during the recording did anyone say "we should do it 'this way' so we'll sell more records." I felt nothing but unconditional support from Daywind and could not be happier with the end result.


Commented by On 08/18/2004
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