Producer: Ben Isaacs, David Phelps, & Bill Gaither
Record Label: Gaither Music Group
Website: www.gaither.com
How do you review a project from the best-selling, numerous award winning artist GAITHER VOCAL BAND? In all of my many years of being in Christian music, I have been so blessed and fortunate to have watched the prestigious Gaither Vocal Band form, and I’ve seen the transitions and changes of membership and even sometimes the styles of music change a bit, but the one thing that has never changed is Bill and the group members passion, love and selection of incredible songs and the amazing performances by the group itself. The current line-up for the last several years consist of long time members, Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton (still one of the best and most underrated singers in the Christian music industry), vocal extraordinaire David Phelps and then the two newest and greatest talents, Adam Crabb and Todd Suttles. These five gents, truly make up one of the finest Gaither Vocal Band’s in years! I wasn’t sure if I liked them as much as the past group members, when I first heard them live several years ago, and I enjoyed their last few projects, but this newest offering, BETTER TOGETHER has me convinced me that this group is at the top of groups.
The harmonies and smooth vocals of all of them just shine bright and are top notch. Of course Bill and the guys know how to pick songs, and this project is no exception with the song selection. From several Southern Gospel classics (“Didn’t It Rain”), to new tunes never heard before (“Better Together”), to a classic pop song (“You’ve Got A Friend”) dressed up as only the GVB can do and then of course a wonderful Bill and Gloria Gaither tune (“Walk On The Water”) are just a handful of selections on this disc. Every song on this project is absolutely incredible and the production superb. I cannot say enough good about the CD. It is one of those projects that is full of songs that will make you tap your feet, raise a hand (yup even you reserved folks might be tempted to lift a hand of praise), maybe shed a tear, smile and laugh. I think you get the picture. It is a smorgasbord of beautiful music that will appeal to all!
My favorite songs on the project are a fun-smooth-jazzy classic song by the legendary Dallas Holm called “Heart O Mine”, that Wes just sings so sweetly on, then of course “You’ve Got a Friend” is just so incredible. I love it! Then there are several others that just move me. “Better Together” needs to be sung at every church, concert, or event. My favorite writers, Reba Rambo McGuire & Dony McGuire along with Chip Davis and Bill Gaither wrote this, and it is just such a song of unity. Ok, wait, I love all of the songs on this project, and I am fairly certain you will as well.
I give it a 5 STAR rating, and it is a must have for all you music lovers out there no matter your musical taste.
Track Listing:
Working On A Building
Led Out Of Bondage
Heart O’ Mine
When He Set Me Free
But I Need You More
Dig A Little Deeper In God’s Love
Moses Smote The Water
We’ll Talk It Over
Didn’t It Rain
You’ve Got A Friend
Better Together
Walk On The Water
