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Producer: Kevin Stokes/Van Atkins
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.rejoicetrio.com

I have been following these ladies for quite some time. I've known Melissa Harding for years and years (even went to Bible College with her brother back in the early 90s). I remember the first time I heard these ladies sing; it was at a talent contest in Winston-Salem, NC around 1997/1998, and they tore the house down and won the contest singing a Karen Peck & New River tune, "Be the One" (which subsequently became the title song for their first recording). Over the years, their sound has pretty much remained consistent and I've thoroughly enjoyed the music these ladies have churned out over the years. With the addition of Maria Atkins joining Melissa and Sherri Vestal as well releasing their first recording in almost 4 years, their sound has started to morph into something.a little different. At first I almost wanted to turn my nose up at it.but the more I listened, the more I liked. I do miss the sound of their former self, but I am beginning to come around to their new sound.

Right off the bat, the group showcases this new sound with the funk feel of the title song, "LET IT RAIN", which features Melissa. Though quite different for the ladies, they sound great and it gets the recording off to a great start before slowing down for the song simply titled, "GRACE", featuring Maria. Funk sounds resume for the Alvin Slaughter favorite, "GOD IS GOOD" before slowing back down once again for a beautifully penned tune simply titled, "EVERYTHING", written by Patti Hawkins and Kevin Stokes and features an excellent performance by Maria.

I love the lyrics to the Rebecca and Thomas Peck penned, "I WILL CARRY YOU". Written as though God Himself was speaking to each of us in our moment of greatest need."my child, when you can't go on another mile.through the heartache of your greatest trial.my arms are strong and tender, my faithfulness is true.I will carry you."

Sherri does a really good job as the ladies render their own rendition of "PREACH THE WORD", which was recorded last year by Gold City. The ladies also perform their own rendition of the Ruppes' signature classic, "UNDER HIS WINGS". While they do a great job on both aforementioned songs, they're not quite as captivating as their counterparts. On the flipside though, I was extremely impressed with their rendition of the Christmas classic, "WHO IS HE IN YONDER STALL?"

The real triumph of the recording is the song "TELL THE STORM", which features an extraordinary performance by Sherri. A strong song in and of itself, you can't help but feel the intensity of the lyrics and the conviction by which Sherri sings."I'm gonna tell the storm, that my God is in control, He's more mighty than it's billows, stronger than the winds that blow, there's no power in the storm, for all power is His, I'm gonna tell the storm, how big my God is." This song alone is worth whatever price you pay to obtain this CD. Although it probably will never make it to radio, it's the strongest song on the recording. I love how the closing song, "REST IN ME" (penned by Melissa) ties itself right in with the message of the preceding tune. I also love the string quartet on the song as well; it is very well suited for the song.

I appreciate and respect their attempt at taking their music to a new level and audience, and like I stated earlier, I do find that their new style is growing on me. A couple of songs didn't work for me at all, but for the most part, I did find quite a lot to enjoy about this recording. Just like I told Sherri, I felt that the change in style may cause them to lose their identity, but by the same token, reinventing oneself isn't all-bad either. With this recording, I don't think Rejoice! will lose any fans, but rather I think they'll probably gain quite a few new ones.

Song List:
1 - Let it Rain
2 - Grace
3 - God is Good
4 - Everything
5 - The Book
6 - I Will Carry You
7 - There is a God
8 - Preach the Word
9 - Under His Wings
10 - Who is He in Yonder Stall?
11 - Tell the Storm
12 - Rest in Me

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