With a mix of Rambos and Isaacs along with some Hemphills influences, the Dunaways have created their own style that has definitely found an audience. While they’ve not been a traveling group consistently over the last few years, they still consistently churn out great music, and this latest release is no exception.
The title song, “It’s a God Thing” is a faith proclamation that the things that man deems as coincidence, luck or chance, etc. are simply acts of God are more than just good things, but “God things”. Penned by Jerry Salley and Rusty Golden, I can easily see this song doing very well for them on radio.
The bluegrass tinged, “One Hundred Years From Now”, which features Tammy Dunaway, asks us a poignant question, “where will you be one hundred years from now?” I am such a huge fan of Tammy’s diversity as a vocalist, as she can go from a bluegrass type of song and then turn around and sing something like “Made Up Mind”, which features a strong Southern Rock influence. No matter what she sings, Tammy sings with such passion you can’t help but believe what she is singing about.
Tammy is also an excellent songwriter as evidenced in the emotionally tinged, “I’ll Never Let You Go”, which the hearts cry of any mother who has wayward children. How many heartbroken mothers (and fathers) have felt these words...“I’ll never let you go, til I die I’ll forever hold on, til I see you walking through those doors, I’ll never let you go, and child I want you to know, I’ve placed you in God’s hands, but only a mother could know, why I’ll never let you go.” Powerfully delivered by Kanah, you too will be moved by the song.
Randall steps up to sing the country feel of the Carroll McGruder penned, “Too Good to Be True”, which also features a cameo appearance by the Dunaway grandchildren before we come to the hit song, “When There’s No Hope (There is Grace)”. The tremendous message contained in this unassuming song explains the reason why the song went all the way to #1 (the Dunaways first #1 song!)
Kanah sings the fun, country feel of “Don’t Start Doubting Now” penned by Jerry Salley and Dianne Wilkinson, before Kanah is joined by her mom, Tammy to sing the bluesy/gospel feel of “Didn’t I Walk on the Water”.
Randall steps up once more to sing one of my personal favorites, “When You Say Jesus” before the recording closes out with the thought provoking, “Judgment Day”. While some may deem this song as “preachy”, it reminds us of what the Bible called Luke Warm...“they run from words like wrong and right, they won’t see things in black and white, the moment God is pushed aside, everything turns gray...for this we’re sure to answer on that judgment day.” It’s a great closing song that leaves you with a challenge.
I was thrilled when I discovered the Dunaways were recording again, and I was not disappointed. Personally, this isn’t my favorite recording by the Dunaways, but it’s still a superb piece of work and yielded some great songs and potential hits. One thing the Dunaways never shy away from are lyrically strong songs, and there isn’t a weak song to be found. Musically, the Dunaways stick with what works for them and it’s what sets them apart from any other artist out there. The Dunaways don’t try to impress people with intricate musical arrangement or blaze new trails with some new musical style, it’s their unassuming sound that is part of their charm and will continue to be a part of why they’re successful.
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Written: 02/15/2011
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Category: CD Reviews
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