Producer: Kevin Williams
Label: Gaither Music Group
Website: www.boothbrothers.com
The Booth Brothers along with producer Kevin Williams have put together what I would call a “surprise” with this project. Recorded live at Gaither Studios, the CD is packed with country songs rarely selected as covers. The project features 14 country songs not typically chosen for covers along with one original cut. We’ve seen historically country artists either record a Gospel project or a single song. Many Country artists both past and present got their start singing in church, and we have the Oak Ridge Boys and The Statler Brothers that switched to country but held on to their Gospel roots. What we have is an excellent project. Being a huge fan of Alabama and Randy Travis, I was more than thrilled to see “Mountain Music,” “Forever and Ever,” “Amen,” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Of course, these selections have made my favorites list.
I was quite pleased while listening to hear that they kept each song in their original arrangements and country style but complimented each cut by adding that unique Booth Brothers style and sound. Don Williams’ “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good” is a smooth, (are you surprised), heart-warming cut that you will find yourself singing along with and probably stuck in your head for a while. The harmony is impeccable, and they get the audience involved singing along with them.
Another Alabama great, “High Cotton” joins the list. A light-hearted and fun arrangement completes this song about growing up poor but happy, with loving parents that took you to church every Sunday. The Booth Brothers are joined by Bill Gaither singing bass on the next two tracks, both Statler Brothers’ hits, “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine” and “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You.”
The guys deliver a solid version of The Gatlin Brothers’ “All the Gold in California.” A real crowd pleaser and a song that must be left in the original arrangement is Anne Murray’s “Daydream Believer.” I remember it best by The Monkees, but it’s same arrangement either way and just a fun love song all the way around. We go for a ride back home to West Virginia on John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Listening along, I can almost see the mountains and winding roads and admittedly finding myself missing that beautiful state.
Our next track brings us some sweet harmony on the Restless Heart great, “I’ll Still Be Loving You.” I have to say I prefer this version much more than the original. The arrangement is more up to date without the corny synthesizer of the original. This brings us to another Randy Travis great “Three Wooden Crosses.” I have always liked this song as it tells a great story of God’s grace. Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” is slow and sorrowful but well done. Included on this project is the Forrester Sisters’ “I’d Choose You Again” and John Denver’s “Back Home Again.”
Closing out this well-made project is the Booth Brothers’ own fan-favorite “He Saw It All.” It’s a great song with the powerful message of the miracles and healing power of our Lord! If you’re a country music fan, or even if you’re not; I highly recommend Country Roads: Country and Inspirational Favorites by the Booth Brothers. You won’t be disappointed!
Track Listing:
(stars denote personal favorites)
Mountain Music *
Forever And Ever, Amen *
Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good *
High Cotton *
Do You Know You Are My Sunshine
I’ll Go To My Grave Loving You
All The Gold in California *
Daydream Believer
Take Me Home, Country Roads
I’ll Still Be Lovin’ You
Three Wooden Crosses *
I’d Choose You Again
Back Home Again
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
He Saw It All
READER RATING:
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