
Producer: Jeff Collins
Label: Sonlite
Website: http://www.threebridges.net
I've only become a big fan of these guys over the last year, and I have absolutely fallen in love with their sound. There is great energy and charisma about these guys and their music, and you can't help but become enthralled and completely absorbed in what they're doing. In keeping with the theme of God's promises, several people read scripture throughout the recording including Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Jimmy Fortune, Gloria Gaither, Donnie McClurkin, Duane Allen and others and it really keeps the songs and theme of the recording in proper perspective.
The highly energetic, "IN THE VALLEY THERE'S A ROCK" starts things off and will become a favorite of many people. My little 5 year old simply cannot get enough of this song, so if it can pass the "kid test" (as one person put it) it's gotta be a winner!
The energetic soulful tune, "I'M GOING TO WAIT", penned by Lyle Lovett, leads into a song penned by former Statler Brothers member, Jimmy Fortune called "I BELIEVE" and Dave McVay does a great job singing the song. Also, the blend these guys have on this song is impeccable.
The tempo picks back up with the black gospel sounds of, "HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?" before slowing things down for the Gaither penned, "I HEARD IT FIRST ON THE RADIO". I thought this was an odd inclusion for these guys, but they do very well and the song showcases the great harmony these guys have before things switch back to "soul mode" with the medium tempo, "YESTERDAY".
The funk sounding, "A LITTLE SONG COMING ON" is a really cool tune penned by Ronnie Hinson, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see this tune hit radio within the next year. Once the song gets in your head, it's there to stay!
Penned by Pastor Donnie McClurkin, the guys turn in a stellar performance on "STAND", before switching gears a bit towards a more country sound with a song simply titled, "THE DOOR", which features the capable vocals of Elliott McCoy. Mitch Kenitzer rounds out the recording with his self-penned tune, "BLESSINGS ALL AROUND" and leaves you singing along, "There are blessings all around you and me, we've just got open our eyes to see…"
The group really rallied around their strong points (but really though…are there any weak points with these guys?) and did several songs that feature a more soulful feel and showcased the outstanding vocal qualities of their lead singer, Mitch Kenitzer. The only drawback with this recording, (and I dare use that word) are the scripture readings between each song. I understand completely the why, with the overall theme of the recording and think it's an awesome inclusion, but it doesn't allow the recording flow and gives it a broken feel. But this is beyond the shadow of a doubt one of the best recordings released in 2006 and the best thing these guys have put out on the market. They raised the bar with this one, and it's going to take a lot of work to surpass it, but I think these guys are up to the task. It's groups like Three Bridges that really make Southern Gospel Music look good and shine brighter than ever.
Personal Favs: IN THE VALLEY THERE'S A ROCK; I'M GOING TO WAIT; I BELIEVE; YESTERDAY; A LITTLE SONG COMING ON; BLESSINGS ALL AROUND
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