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Producer: Wayne Haun
Label: Spring Hill Music Group
Website: [url=http://www.theruppes.com]http://www.theruppes.com[/url]
Known for their intricate harmonies and precision singing, the Ruppes latest recording will not disappoint! For those who may not have appreciated them stretching their musical boundaries with their last recording “Free”, will be pleased that on here, they returned somewhat to a more Southern Gospel sound. That goes without saying; there is still some “thinking outside the box” on this recording.
The upbeat ”GREAT GOD” gets things underway, while the dramatic ”HOPE IS ALIVE”, featuring Heather, works very well for the Ruppes and makes for an excellent Easter song. Highlighted with a steel guitar and violin, ”JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS” featuring Valerie, is a great song of comfort that if you’ll just keep your eyes on Jesus, “He’ll take you through the storm…”
”SOMETHING IN THE AIR” provides a highly enjoyable tune that gives you a good feeling when you listen to it. Brenda turns in a masterful performance on their first single, ”LORD IT HURTS (BUT YOU’RE STILL GOD)”, penned by son-in-law, Greg Day. Offering solace in times when perseverance is needed, the song sings like a prayer…"Lord, I know that you are able, to remove this thorn from me, by faith I know You’ll make a way, even when I cannot see, You’re my only hope in this world, the One I lean upon, Lord it hurts, but You’re still God!”
Covering the power ballad ”I’M GONNA MAKE IT”, previously recorded by the Talley Trio, the Ruppes rendition is outstanding. Rich, full orchestrations, coupled with the Ruppes soaring harmonies, make for a really great song, while the brisk sounding ”SING IT AGAIN” is something a little different for the Ruppes and is a clever song that you’ll definitely come away remembering from the recording.
Previously recorded by the Oak Ridge Boys, the Ruppes tackle ”FALL TO FLY” and I have to admit that the song just doesn’t work for me. The Oaks version didn’t work for me either. It’s a decent song, but it just kind of lies there lyrically and musically.
In a medium tempo, Praise and Worship style, Valerie sings, ”MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT”, showing off those awesome vocals of hers. She continues to show off her diversity as a vocalist on the energetic, ”WHAT IF LATER NEVER COMES”. I don’t think there is a thing Valerie can’t sing, and not sing it like she owns it!
Mark Lowry originally did ”ISN’T IT AMAZING”, and the Ruppes rendition shows off some great harmony, while Heather’s smooth vocals are featured on the medium tempo ”ONE DAY”, and offers comfort that “one day, we’ll see Jesus’ face.” ”LIKE A BLANKET”, features Brenda and rounds out the recording on a solemn note, reminding us that when life leaves us out in the cold, we can pray to the Lord…"like a blanket, cover me, clothe my soul Lord, in Your peace, hold my heart tenderly, and like a blanket, cover me.”
I was a bit surprised to see 3 cover tunes from recent high profile recordings. I would have rather had seen them either redo a couple of classic tunes or some other new, original material. Though, I admit it was kind of neat to see the Ruppes put their own spin on those songs. The Ruppes always put out great music. They are a classy group no matter how you look at it and this recording is evidence of that. Superb tracks, excellent lyrics, a top-notch sound with angelic voices, all make for a great recording!
Personal Favs: HOPE IS ALIVE; JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS; SOMETHING IN THE AIR; LORD IT HURTS (BUT YOU’RE STILL GOD); I’M GONNA MAKE IT; WHAT IF LATER NEVER COMES; LIKE A BLANKET
Reader Comments
I agree...the Ruppes are wonderful ministers and singers and one of my all time favorites and this is no doubt, one of their best recordings. But again, as it has been pointed out numerous times in the past with other reviews, the review is in no way critquing their ministry, or their calling. We would never do that. The Ruppes are wonderful people and I have known them for several years.This review is only a critque from a musical standpoint. Nothing more. These reviews are meant to help the buyer decide if they want the recording. We refuse to be a website with cookie cutter reviews and telling everyone with every review..."You need to go buy this, this is the greatest recording ever made." What use would that serve?
In the grand scheme of things concerning God, these reviews are absolutely meaningless. Please don't take them too seriously! :cool_smile:
I look at these reviews as a service to the consumer. It lets you know what to expect before purchasing it. It doesn't mention miinistry, good hearts, clean living, evangelism. . . it's about the project!
Frankly, I'm glad Mr.Hales mentioned the number of cover songs, because I like to know what I'm buying. . . and I enjoy a couple of songs that I'm familiar with on any given project.
From what I know of Mr. Hales, he places a great deal of stock in the ministry aspect of gospel music. . . much moreso than the entertainment aspect. However, a CD review is done to call attention to the musical aspects of the given effort. I think his review does a superb job of this. I don't see one thing in this review that detracts from the number of souls the Ruppes have ministered to through the years.
Isn't this a 4 1/2 star review?? What more do you want? The book of Genesis only got 5 stars!
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Written: 04/14/2004 
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