Producer: Ricky Free
Label: Daywind Records
Website: www.brianfreeandassurance.com
Oh, I just love it when I take a first listen to a project, and it makes me want to listen again, and so I then listen to it again and then again and again and again. This is exactly what I have done since last week when I first started listening to the new project by Brian Free and Assurance. I have been a huge fan of Brian and his group since they first started 20 years or so ago and now as they are back to a trio, there is something new, exciting and fresh, yet they have not lost their distinct sound that their fans will love. Plus I do believe this new project, LIVE LIKE WE’RE REDEEMED can help garner many new friend and fans as the music is wonderful fresh mix of southern gospel to light CCM-inspirational with a touch of country thrown in every now and then.
Brian sounds incredible on the songs he takes the lead on, and both Bill Shivers and Mike Rogers sound amazing on the songs that they make their own. These are 3 of the greatest voices in Southern Gospel music field, in fact they are just plain 3 of the best singers. Each of them add so much to the group with their own unique personalities and vocal style.
LIVE LIKE WE’RE REDEEMED is the follow up to the groups Dove Award winning project ‘SAY AMEN’, and this project will certainly take them to the next level with the fabulous production of Ricky Free and the great song selection. Brian has always been known to pick songs that spoke and ministered to the people and he and his team have carefully chosen 10 of the best songs that all can stand on their own. Songs that speak about redemption, the Cross, mercy, grace, His unwavering love for us…and how we can make a difference in all we are called to do in this life. Like I said before this project is a mix of several types of music, but all in all it can be best described as the perfect “heart” music. The first single is one of my favorite off the project and the message of God’s forgiveness and grace resonates as Brian, Bill and Mike sing and share it…THAT’S JUST WHAT GRACE DOES. Other favorites on the project for me are the title cut, LIVE LIKE WE’RE REDEEMED, MISSION OF MERCY, WHEN MERCY LOOKS AT ME (could be a huge hit for them as well), FOREVER HOME (what a promise for each of us at the end of our life) and THE MEASURE OF A MAN (this is the classic #1 hit by CCM super group 4-HIM, and the guys literally make this song new for me…they dress it up incredibly well and I am sure this will be a concert favorite).
Truly I could say something great about each one of these songs that they have picked and recorded. Just a top notch project by one of the most loved and classy groups in our Southern Gospel industry. I love these guys hearts for Jesus, people, music, life, family and how they want to encourage those around them.
I give this project 5 stars for so many reasons…Christian music at its best right here!
Track listing:
SOMEBODY’S MIRACLE
THAT’S JUST WHAT GRACE DOES
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
LIVE LIKE WE’RE REDEEMED
HE WILL CARRY YOU
MISSION OF MERCY
WHEN MERCY LOOKS AT ME
FOREVER HOME
YOU COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE
ONE MILE WORLD
