I don't think there is one more anticipated release in Southern Gospel other than Greatly Blessed by the Gaither Vocal Band. While Southern Gospel's premier group has released two recordings prior to this one (last year's Reunited and the live Better Day) - this is the first recording from the "new" Gaither Vocal Band that features all new material from the group.
From the first strains of the opening cut - "Better Day" - it's easy to tell that this isn't going to be the same kind of release that fans have come to know of the group over the last 15 years or so (when Guy Penrod stepped into the group). "Better Day" features a unique, jazzy vocal arrangement coupled with a sparse instrumental accompaniment. "Love Like I'm Leavin'" also features a bit more of a bluesy arrangement that showcases the five-part harmony exceptionally well. The blues style sticks around also on album highlights like "Muddy Water" and "Ain't Nobody."
However, fans of the group's more traditional sounds need not fret, as Greatly Blessed features some of that Gaither down home charm - most notably on the title cut and cover of the Southern Gospel classic "When He Blest My Soul." "Clean" features the GVB's trademark stacks of vocals and harmonies - despite David Phelps' overly breathy vocals. Mark Lowry also pulls out a great performance on the stand out "Thank You."
The Gaither Vocal Band has always been known for their unique covers of other artist's tunes - and that doesn't stop on this release. Michael English's touching cover of "Please Forgive Me" resonates well with the listener, while "He Is Here" will go down as one of Wes Hampton's most sought after vocals performances.
However, there are a few mis-steps on Greatly Blessed that this reviewer can't just get passed. David Phelps' dramatic turn on "He's Alive" feels over sung and over produced. It's almost as if Phelps has gotten bored with his own vocals and is trying to liven it up by over-singing. Speaking of Phelps - his arrangement of "All In All" feels way too forced and overdone as well. Sometimes it's not about the cool harmonics and it's just about the song. The beauty of the lyrics in "All In All" got lost in the overproduced vocals.
Overall, Greatly Blessed has a lot of really great things going for it. Wes and Michael especially tear it up in the vocal department. Both of these singers are seasoned professionals and know how to deliver a lyric that not only showcases the beauty of their voice, but the ease of the melody and how it works with telling the truth of the lyric. Other singers should take note and see exactly how it's done - most notably on tunes like "Muddy Water" and "He Is Here."
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 09/01/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 6
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"forced vocals...?" "overly breathy singing...?" "overdone...?"
Weird...I didn't see where Mr. Unthank noted anywhere on the review that he wasn't blessed by the CD. Interesting how Ms. Burrus automatically assumes that he was NOT blessed (or really even jealous for that matter) because he felt the vocals were "forced, overly breathy, or overdone".
David's vocals on that song are indeed a bit overly breathy, I agree. Some of the songs are a tad over produced or at least come across that way.
You know Amy talk bout her brought back to 2nd grade...what about you? I'm not one to sit here and bash cuz were all God's children so i try to get along but you just used that much comment space to comment on the CD review and all you did was bash on Janet and didn't say one thing bout the CD or the review. Sad...and as for the review it does seem like hes directing all the errors of the CD towards David Phelps. You may not like his stykle but come on he makes Clean sound fresh and something new. And All in All is beautifully sung orchestrated and written. Don't take someone like David Phelps for granted. He's an awesome singer and were lucky to have him not only sing in our genre but to COME BACK to it. Appreciate.
I figured the review of this album would take some hits. As I posted on the blog when the album was released. People are jumping all over it for one reason or another. Some say it's not SG enough. Well as I have said before GVB isn't pure SG. The harmonies on this album is by far the best they've EVER been.
Wow, I am an SG artist, and "All in All" was easily my favorite track on the cd. I just loved it. And I really don't like much contemporary music. Ironically, another one of the best songs on the cd was "He's Alive."
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