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Produced by:  Roger Talley
Horizon Records

The Talley name has always been associated with strong, meaty lyrics.  You just don’t find shabby songs associated with them.  The latest effort from the Talley Trio, aptly titled “The Message” does not disappoint in that respect.  As the title alludes to, this recording is all about the message of the Gospel.  Many of these songs deal with salvation, the cross, redemption and bringing hope to the hurting, and in times like these we need to hear that. 

”I HAVE A FRIEND” starts the CD off in a soulful, praise and worship sound and fits the Talley Trio like a glove, and flawlessly leads into the easy flowing style of ”JESUS SAVES” which features mother and daughter team Debra and Lauren Talley.  Though not the type of song that jumps out at you, it has a solid message and offers very smooth and classy singing.

The tempo finally picks up with the Diana Gillette penned tune called ”THAT WONDERFUL NAME.” Beyond the positive message in the song, the music track is exceptionally cool.  Featuring Roger and Lauren, this is definitely a highlight and I’m sure the song will become a concert favorite as well.

For the next song, ”I LOVE THE CROSS”, things slow down to a quiet pace as the group sings in unison “It was meant to be a symbol, of suffering and death, a place of shame, a place of misery” and they continue to sing their way through this powerful anthem proclaiming that “It was there I found life, when I was lost...I love the cross!”

”JESUS DROPPED THE CHARGES” is a really fun song and one that lingers in your mind long after the music stops.  With a hint of Motown, this could really be a cool radio song for the group and I am sure they have a blast in concert with this song.  In complete contrast, ”FOREVER IN HIS CARE” showcases some of the smoothest singing and the sweetest harmony you’ll ever hear, and it leads perfectly into the powerful ”HIS LIFE FOR MINE.” The pace then picks back up with the oft recorded ”WOKE UP THIS MORNING.” Formerly recorded by the Bishops, Whisnants among others, the Talley Trio decided to try their hand at the song and they do a good job.

The blues stylings of ”IT AIN’T GONNA WORRY ME LONG” sets the stage for my favorite song on the CD called ”IF YOU NEVER TELL ME WHY.” What a amazingly honest song of consolation in the tough times that though “I’ll always have questions that won’t always be answered, but I’ll learn to trust you more as time goes by, I know this trial is for a season, and I believe it’s for a reason, even if you never tell me why.” Debra sings this song with so much conviction you have to know she’s been there.

Tying all these songs together, while looking at the big picture, ”THE REST OF THE STORY” featuring Roger, brings the recording to a hopeful and expectant closing that the remainder of the story is still yet to unfold. 

Though this really is a great recording, if you are expecting another “Hope for Tomorrow” recording, this isn’t it.  The massive arrangements and huge orchestrations won’t be found on this recording.  Though I’m sure doing a much toned down recording contrasting “Hope for Tomorrow” was a deliberate effort, I was really looking forward to more of the sound we got from that recording.  I was anticipating more songs like “The Healer”, “The Answer is Christ” or “I Love the Lord.” If that’s what you were hoping for, it won’t be found here.  Though somewhat of a let down for me, this is still a very solid recording with classy singing and some of the most lyrically sound songs to be found anywhere.  After all, it’s all about “The Message” anyway!

Personal Favs: JESUS SAVES; THAT WONDERFUL NAME; JESUS DROPPED THE CHARGES; FOREVER IN HIS CARE; HIS LIFE FOR MINE; IF YOU NEVER TELL ME WHY

Reader Comments

Nice review James. The Talleys seem to have captured just a tad of a "soul" sound on their recordings, but I like it.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
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