Reviews

REVIEW: Mylon Hayes Family – Devoted

Mylon Hayes Family - DevotedProducer: Roger Talley & Mylon Hayes
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.themylonhayesfamily.com

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Since their inception about 3 years ago, I’ve been a big fan of the Mylon Hayes Family. This family totally embodies what the late Howard Hayes (Mylon’s dad) started many years ago. I consider the Mylon Hayes Family to be the modern version of the Speer Family, which is a high honor in my eyes and ears. As the title implies, this family is devoted to the preservation of our music and devoted to the call God has placed upon them. They do so with class and dignity, and they certainly do our genre proud!

The recording starts off with an a cappella rendition of the Fanny Crosby penned, “PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM” before things get kicked into high gear with brass infused, “ONE MORE OPPORTUNITY”. The tempo slows down for a beautiful medley aptly titled, “LOVE MEDLEY”, which features “The Way That He Loves”, “The Wonder of it All” and “The Love of God”. This is a true highlight of the recording and features some wonderful “family” harmony.

“AT THE FOOT OF CALVARY’S CROSS” offers a country feel and features an excellent performance by Conner, while “HE’S ALL I NEED”, featuring Bailey, has a slight jazz feel to it. The tempo picks back up for “THE COMING OF THE LORD”, which is Southern Gospel through and through. This would be an excellent single release as well.

Mylon turns in a stellar performance on the power ballad, “GRACE HAPPENED HERE”. A slight departure from their normal style, this highly orchestrated ballad is a highlight of the recording. This recording also features another highly orchestrated power ballad entitled, “WHAT AN ANCHOR”, which is also excellently executed. In both cases, the orchestrations do not overpower the vocals and they add value to the overall performance of the songs. Classy move on their part!

Kennedy steps up to sing the jazzy, “I CHOOSE TO STAND” before Wendy sings the tender, “DEVOTED TO YOU”.

Convention style singing is the Hayes Family’s calling card, and they don’t disappoint with one of my all-time favorites, “IT’S JUST LIKE HEAVEN”. Keeping in convention mode, “I’LL TAKE IT LIKE IT IS” is a new song featuring a classic feel and is a highlight of the recording.

Wendy closes out the recording with one of the strongest songs on the recording, “IT’S NOT A PROBLEM FOR THE ANSWER”. Featuring her velvety smooth voice, the song is right up her alley and would be an excellent contender for single release.

This is their best recording to date. Featuring songs from great writers such as Dianne Wilkinson, Rebecca Peck, Rodney Griffin, Sandy Blythe, and others, coupled with excellent arrangements and vocal delivery, the group went to great measures to ensure an impeccable recording. They went outside their norm with arrangements, and also included excellent orchestral arrangements from Cody McVey (which bares striking resemblances to the late, great Lari Goss). I applaud their efforts and the end result was one of the finest releases for 2015.
Song List:

(stars denote personal favorites)
1 – Praise Him, Praise Him
2 – One More Opportunity**
3 – Love Medley**
4 – At the Foot of Calvary’s Cross**
5 – He’s All I Need
6 – The Coming of the Lord**
7 – Grace Happened Here**
8 – I Choose to Stand
9 – Devoted to You
10-It’s Just Like Heaven**
11-What an Anchor
12-I’ll Take it Like it Is**
13-It’s not a Problem for the Answer**

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James Hales

James Hales, from Durham, North Carolina, has been a writer for AbsolutelyGospel.com since 2000. James is our featured reviewer and also contributes to monthly features periodically.
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