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Compassion International

Sunday Edition


01
Nov
2004
Kingsmen – Born Again


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Producer: Danny Crawford/Tim Surrett
Label: Horizon Records
Website: www.kingsmenquartet.com

Growing up on Kingsmen records, I never could envision gospel music without the Kingsmen Quartet. That day came in 2001 when the name was retired. While the name remained in retirement for 3 years, the group carried on as the Carolina Boys Quartet. But now the Kingsmen Quartet has been “Born Again!” Building upon their rich history, the group went back and re-recorded some of their classic songs from days gone by, with a few new songs interspersed throughout. The Kingsmen Quartet sounds great, and it is wonderful to see the name back and with the sound that is distinctively Kingsmen!

Starting CD off and running is “BEAUTIFUL HOME” , which is one of my all time favorite Kingsmen songs. It's still exciting for me to hear them sing this song. Continuing with that uptempo feel, the group moves on to sing, “I'LL HAVE A HOME”.

Newest member, Jeremy Peace tackles a Johnny Parrack classic from 30 years ago called, “JESUS, I LOVE YOU ” and I have to say, he does it justice. The group then moves to another Kingsmen classic that I thought had all but been left behind in the 1980's called, “EXCUSES”. Featuring a special appearance by Jim Hamill, and with all respect intended, this should have been left in the 80s! I had hoped they never would resurrect this song, though it is a defining point in their history. I would have much rather heard Hamill tackle “MEET ME AT THE TABLE”, which the group does later on in the recording with Tim Surrett doing the verses.

Ray Reece and Tim Surrett are featured on the lively “IF I LIVED TO TELL IT ALL”, which would make a great radio song. Speaking of radio songs, Jeremy seems to sound his best on the slower songs and he shines on the Sandy Knight penned tune, “YOU KEEP PRAYING” , which is the current radio single from the recording. This song is one of those that could easily fly under the radar, but I expect this song will do very well for the Kingsmen.

Two classic songs the Kingsmen first recorded over 30 years ago is the perennial favorite, “WHEN I WAKE UP TO SLEEP NO MORE” as well as “LOVE WILL ROLL THE CLOUDS AWAY” , and the Kingsmen do a great job reviving these.

Tim Surrett steps up to sing one of my all time favorite songs, “HE'LL HOLD MY HAND”. This is one of the songs I grew up on, and it is always a joy to hear it sung.

Closing out the recording on a slower note are “WHEN JESUS PRAYED” written by Dianne Wilkinson and another Kingsmen classic from over 10 years ago, “THE CROSS HAS WON AGAIN” , which features Jason Selph.

Though there are some wonderful shining moments on this recording and it is a great recording to say the least, I don't think it parallels to the excitement found in past Kingsmen recordings. I was blown away with their first recording after the name change as the Carolina Boys Quartet on “Good News”. That recording featured the excitement that had been missing for a while on previous Kingsmen recordings. Then the excitement level slumped a bit on “Ready”. I had hoped to see that same excitement renewed on here, but it does take up a few notches from “Ready”, so they could very well be on their way back. Having grown up a “dyed in the wool” Kingsmen fan, I will admit that there are some heavy expectations on my part. Though this didn't live up to my personal hopes, I am still a HUGE Kingsmen fan! I am thrilled to see the name again and think this is still a great recording and worth the investment. No matter what…The Kingsmen will always rule!

Personal Favs: BEAUTIFUL HOME; I'LL HAVE A HOME; JESUS, I LOVE YOU; IF I LIVED TO TELL IT ALL; YOU KEEP PRAYING; WHEN I WAKE UP TO SLEEP NO MORE; HE'LL HOLD MY HAND

Reader Comments

"Died in the wool?" That would be a rough way to go!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist. LOL.


Commented by David Bruce Murray On 11/01/2004
James Hales's avatar "Dyed" in the wool! LOL!


Commented by On 11/01/2004
I watched the Gaither show on t.v. tonight. Did Phil Wilkes sing on your show (number205) tonight with the Kingsmen Quartet?????? Thanks, hope to hear from you real soon. Alice June White


Commented by Alice June White On 11/06/2004
I love the Kingsmen. I have always loved the way they sang and how Jim Hamill joked with everyone. In my opinion, they have always had the best tenors around. Ernie Phillips was the best they ever had. "Excuses" was always my favorite of mine. I wish they would do some of theier old songs. I feel the old songs have more of a message in them then some of these new songs. I love hearing songs about Heaven, Jesus, how to get to Heaven, whats waiting for me in Heaven, and the Blood of Jesus. I would love to see some of these new tenors tackle some of these old songs. it would thrill my heart.


Commented by On 11/09/2004
James -
You're just like Fox News...fair and balanced. Thanks for a fine review on this Crossroads / Horizon product.
I'm a big Kingsmen fan, too. They cut some great songs over the years.
The spirit of another Fox -Eldridge - lives on. He'd be proud of these men, and your review I might add.
Sincerely,
Jim Stover
Crossroads


Commented by Jim Stover On 11/11/2004
The Kingsmen have been a favorite of mine. I grew up on Cathedrals, Kingsmen, Inspirations, Florida Boys. I have always liked the tenors they picked. I have a tenor voice and I play their songs over and over again. I even go to thrift stores and sometimes find some of their old music. I prefer some of the old music because it tells it like it. The Blood, Heaven, whats waiting in Heaven, how good God is and, what God can do for us. While I drive down the road I have the volume up and singing away. I love the tenor parts. Every tape and CD I have, I know by heart. Some of these groups are ok but they will never match up to some of the old time bible preachin', song singin', toe-tappin', hallelujah hollin', song I like.


Commented by On 11/13/2004
James, that was a wonderful review you did, of a great project by my all time favorite group ever!
I loved all the songs on this project, old and new. I have every recording this group ever made!


Commented by On 11/22/2004
I just got it today. Glad that The Kingsmen name is back where it has rightfully belonged for the past three years. They are back on track, after being derailed through personnel changes. Peace is a good addition, and all the oldies really gave the recording that good ole Kingsmen sound. All it lacked was a live crowd, and it would have been off the charts.


Commented by On 12/28/2004
I got it yesterday, correction. Listened to it in the car today. Great album. The Kingsmen are might again.


Commented by On 12/28/2004
I would love to have every recording of the Kingsmen. The tenor singers have always been my favorite. The Kingsmen have always had the best tenor singers in the business.


Commented by On 12/28/2004
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