Karen Harding – Holding on to Faith, CD Review

Aug

2004

Karen Harding – Holding on to Faith

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[20] Comments

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

Thank you so much, I value your reply. Yes I will relisten, and use on the radio what I feel will be a blessing to others..
I am glad that we can be co-ministers together

Philips 1/ 3 & 6
Al Thomas

Commented by AL THOMAS On 08/18/2004

I am so glad this artist is getting these, much deserved, positive comments. I started airing HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH back when it was singled to radio a few months ago.. Too bad most programmers just didn't get it. I think the song and KAREN'S cut,.. are remarkable! This is the kind of worshipful experience that is rare in SG radio singles.. I would love to see DAYWIND re-release the single (HOLDIN' ON TO FAITH).. and give it a "real" push.

Chuck
listen to great SG music now http://www.sglive365.com RADIO

Commented by Chuck On 08/29/2004

When it comes to record sales, have you noticed what "style" the public is buying? Mt trips to local Christian book stores have discovered that contemporary and praise and worship have two to three tines the units on the shelf. Often, I have to special order southern gospel selections. Gratefully, a couple of big stores in Texarkana to a great job.

As for artist style, I am a "purist" for "Southern Gospel", but as a Gospel DJ must take my middle age blinders off and give airplay to new groups and differant styles. Of course acceptance is easier with a label like Daywind, Springhill, or Crossroads Marketing behind the artist does not hurt. I see a modifying style emerging led by groups like the Talleys, The Martins, Karen Peck, etc. These folks are turning out annointed music.

Karen, keep your eys and heart open to the Lord, and he will use you in a mighty way. Some of us have a hard time changing our programming to match the "sound", but it is not like you are way out there. Daywind radio disc #52 is in the player now, and you're coming up next, right after Mike Bowling......

Commented by On 08/29/2004

Karen Harding's voice is so Pure, and Anointed I don't care if she rapped I'd buy the CD. My favorite cut is the duet with Reba Rambo-McGuire, just for it's musicality.

Lyrically "Enter Into His Presence" is the highlight of the CD in my opinion.

I was not raised a big Southern Gospel Fan, but, The Martins, Crabb Family, and Karen Peck did make their way into my CD collections of course along with every Gaither Vocal Band CD ever released...But, this CD is by far the best Southern Gospel CD ever recorded.

Karen I pray GOD keeps you in his plan and in the public's eye, you can reach so many people with your Heart and Voice.

Stay Blessed

PS if you haven't bought this project do yourself a favor, GET it, you will be touched.

James Roberts
Concord, CA

Commented by On 10/12/2004

There has never been a time I have not been touched by Karen Hardings music. I have had the privlidge of knowing her for the last 13 years and I have never heard her sing a song that wasn't annointed by God. God is blessing her. I have had every song she has had published and have worn out many of them. I've never been touched or blessed as much as I have been by any other singer or artist. Karen, keep up the good work as God is going to take you higher than your dreams could ever imagin. We Love You.

Commented by On 11/06/2004

I have many of Karen's Cds and this one happens to be my favorite! I have seen her sing live, and I know that she has an anointing on her that many people would love to have. Her songs are Inspirational, and have always drawn me closer to God. Karen can sing a variety of styles...from black to southern gospel, and sounds amazing. You go girl! Keep Singing for Jesus! Karen, as God opens more doors in your life keep stepping through!!!

Commented by On 12/29/2004

I think the good Lord has giving you a great talent. When I first heard "Holding onto Faith" it blessed me so much. I had to get the CD but I still call it in to be played on the radio. God is so awesome & it shows when you sing. Keep it up.

go with GOD
dar

Commented by On 02/28/2005

Darlene,
I have to agree with you. You can see how awesome God is when Karen sings. It doesnt matter if you are listening to her CD or hearing her sing live she ushers in the presence of God. She is a blessing to all who hear her. God Bless you.
Marlana

Commented by On 02/28/2005

Karen blew everyone, including Bill Gaither, away when she performed at Homecoming in Sacramento (way too long ago!). I, too, have worn out her CDs and hunger for more recorded music and in person concerts. When, Karen?????????? Thank you for blessing us with your music! Suzanne

Commented by On 03/13/2005

I'd first like to say Karen Harding is a REAL singer. she's such an inspiration. i've had the honor of working under her leadership through the years. God's anointing just overflows when she sings. Yal,the CD is incredible!! it's like a complete church service in one package.
it's a must have!!
I'm so proud of you Sis. Harding!!!
Dre

Commented by On 04/13/2005

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