Without changing their sound, the Inspirations have sort of “reinvented” themselves over the last couple of years. While musically they’re as consistent as ever, vocally they haven’t sounded stronger since the pinnacle of their success back in the 1970s/ early 1980s. If the Inspirations keep this up, they’ll be around for another 45+ years. (Wow, it’s hard to believe they will be celebrating 50 years in 4 years!)
The recording starts off with the easy feel of “I’m Saved”, which features a fine performance by lead singer, David Ragan. Newest member, Jodi Hosterman picks up the turn around and brings it home for a nice ending. While I miss the robust sound of Dallas Rogers, Jodi fits in nicely and gives the Inspirations a softer sound, without diminishing the power singing they’re known for.
Melton Campbell sings the Rebecca Peck penned, “Kneel at the Cross” (which features a few bars of the old hymn by the same title as a bridge) before slowing things down for the poignant title song, “The Sunrise Side”, which features Hosterman.
Mike Holcomb is featured on a traditional sounding, “Heaven By and By” before slowing things back down for Melton Campbell’s heartfelt performance of “The More I Think About Heaven”. David Ragan then steps back up to the microphone for the medium tempo, “River of Mercy”.
The first single from this recording is the uptempo, “I’ve Never Known a Day”. Featuring both ends of the quartet spectrum, Mike Holcomb and Jodi Hosterman sing the first of second verses respectively and the song should do very well for the Inspirations.
Matthew Habedank penned the pensive “That’s Why I Call it Home”, which features an excellent performance by David Ragan before the recording closes out with two classic tunes (both previously recorded by the Inspirations in the mid 1970s), “When God Dips His Pen of Love in my Heart” and “The Redeemed are Coming Home”.
Having cut my teeth on the music of the Inspirations, it’s great to see they have the talent to continue for years to come. Strong vocals, powerful songs and simple instrumentation have made them the household name they have become, and it will be this combination that keeps their name in the house for many more years to come.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 09/07/2010
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Category: CD Reviews
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