
Producer: Quint Shepherd/Ray “Chip” Davis
Label: Dove Music
Website: http://www.theshepherdsonline.com
The Shepherds is a group that has been in Southern Gospel circles since the mid 1980s or so. At the heart of this group is Debra Shepherd who has written some great songs through the years including the Shepherd signature song, “There’s a Miracle in the Making”. While the group has put out some good recordings in the past, I think “Reality” ranks as their finest effort to date.
True to form, “ON MY WAY TO A MIRACLE” starts the recording off in true Pentecostal Campmeeting fervor before things slow down for the emotionally tinged, “ON MY KNEES”, which features a stellar performance by Debra Shepherd.
The medium tempo, country tinged “MOVE, OH MOUNTAIN” (reminiscent of something Sheri Easter would sing) features another excellent performance by Debra before her and Quint’s twin daughters, Haley and Hope sing the upbeat, “HE’S A WAY OUT” as well as another tune entitled, “PSALM 27:1”, which has a Praise & Worship feel to it.
The power ballad, “A BLACK HEART” is a highlight of the recording and features performances by Debra and Sheri Haynes before moving on to the Southern Funk/soulful feel of “LET YOUR PRAISE FIGHT YOUR BATTLE”.
Wallace Smith is featured on the country sounding, “GOD NEVER FAILS”, before Debra takes the lead once again with the uptempo, “GOD IS WORKING ALL THINGS FOR MY GOOD”.
Sheri is featured on the prayerful, “I AM HERE” before she and Wallace close things out with the highly favored, “I HAVE DECIDED”.
This is a great recording and the Shepherds have never sounded better, nor has Debra written better songs than what she is writing today. While some songs are a bit more progressive, they are in no way compromising this group’s sound and style. If you’ve not heard the Shepherds in awhile, and have not been impressed with them in the past, it’s time to re-introduce yourself to their music and be impressed!
Personal Favs: ON MY WAY TO A MIRACLE; ON MY KNEES; MOVE, OH MOUNTAIN; A BLACK HEART; LET YOUR PRAISE FIGHT YOUR BATTLE; I AM HERE
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