1. The NQC Music Awards – This a new awards show that will take place during the Friday afternoon showcases. This is designed to replace the Singing News Fan Awards, and there are some new wrinkles to the plan. The votes will be two sections of awards: the fan-based (no purchase necessary, althought you must subscribe to the NQC email list to cast your vote) and an industry  professional awards section. The Industry Awarded Categories will be “determined by the music professionals that participate as exhibitors during the National Quartet Convention.”

2. Gaither Vocal Band Reunion – Encore

I’m hoping that this years showcase will differ from last years. We know theres enough material in the GVB catalog to go around. Heres hoping that Terry Franklin, Jonathan Pierce, and Guy Penrod get to be a part of the action this year’s reunion.

3. Tim Parton’s Parade of Piano’s

I’m glad to see this showcase come back. Originally started by Anthony Burger, then later taken over by Roger Bennett, it was last held in 2008 with Gerald Wolfe hosting. It will be interesting to see who Parton rounds up for this years showcase.

4. Lari Goss:  The Man Behind the Music

This is a great idea for a showcase. A very well deserved honor to without a doubt, “ a man who many regard as the greatest producer in the history of Gospel Music”. The Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Hoppers, and Legacy Five are scheduled to take part, with more groups to be added. This will be a must see showcase this year. And I’m hoping for some Goss Brothers love in this showcase as well.

But 1994 would bring a drastic change to the group. Funderburk, the groups most popular member, would depart the group, and bring the first real personnel change in the groups history. The group replaced the beloved tenor with another well-known tenor, Garry Sheppard, formerly of the Kingsmen. It was a shock to many in the industry that the beloved and respected Funderburk would be replaced by “Squeaky”, as he was named by Jim Hamill.

On Time God, released in 1995,  was an important album for Perfect Heart, and it is one of their best. The material recorded on this album is some of the best in the groups history. Theres A King On The Way featuring Mark Lanier, one of the best and most underrated baritones in the history of Gospel Music. The song was the projects first single, and one of the albums most well-known tracks. Mercy Sent Grace is an excellent song, featuring Shipley, who has been noted as one of the most sorely missed voices in Gospel Music, and I could not agree more.

God’s Been There Before features Presnell, and Sheppard respectively on the verses, and showcases a great, jazzy, group blend on the chorus, also highlighted by the piano artistry of Stice. Up There Somewhere, which has also been recorded by the Booth Brothers in recent years, features Sheppard, and it shocked many who heard it at first. A tender vocal, delivered brilliantly by Sheppard, was something people would have expected from Funderburk, not Sheppard. On Time God features some of Sheppard’s finest vocal performances.

Next up is another great cut. The Well, with Lanier and Sheppard featured on the verses. This one has a great western opening, borrowed from the Sons of the Pioneers. The next two cuts show off the singing machine that is Dale Shipley, the title track which is a straight ahead gospel song, and The Rose Arose, a power ballad written by Phil Cross, Lanier & Sheppard, which Shipley knocks out of the park. If anyone wants to know the definition of a powerhouse lead singer, you must look up Dale Shipley. Whether it’s a slow song, big ballad or straight ahead quartet singing, Shipley could flat out sing any style and sing with power.

Glorybound is a great quartet number, featuring Presnell on the second verse. Then Sheppard steps up to the mic, on What A Wonderful Day, and it is smooth, crooning tenor, that is a highlight of the recording. People who heard this song often would ask, “Is  this the same Garry Sheppard that sang with The Kingsmen?” This group has an awesome blend on this song, and it is a fine recording. Home is a great group number, featuring Presnell on the 2nd verse. The album then closes with an a capella rendition of God Be With You Till We Meet Again.

This lineup was one of the best of the 90′s and IMO this recording is a must have. If you’re new to Southern Gospel or your knowledge of the genre only dates back to 2000, do yourself a favor and find a copy of On Time God. You’ll be glad you did.

Recently I found some videos on YouTube of a concert from New Years Eve 1986, at Gilead Baptist Church in Taylor, Michigan. These videos are significant to me for two reasons. 1. This was Gerald Wolfe’s 2nd weekend with the Cats, 2. There was a 2 year old little boy there with his family that night, who just happens to be me!!

It has been so awesome discovering these videos, showing them to my family, and hearing the recollections they have of the concert. The reason this video is also significant because I’ve never heard Danny Funderburk sing this song, and he tears it up!

Check it out!

The Melody Boys Quartet L-R, Mike Franklin, Chris Walton, Gerald Williams, Dean Porter

The Melody Boys Quartet (TMBQ), one of America’s longest
operating male quartets in gospel music, makes their official
retirement announcement, effective New Year’s Eve, 2012.
Says Gerald Williams, who began his position as bass singer for
TMBQ in 1949 at the age of 16, “We know there is a time and a season
for all things. This is the right time. 63 years is a good season.”
TMBQ’s heritage goes all the way back to the late 1930s when they
performed three live radio programs daily as well as a healthy concert
schedule. They were gospel music pioneers when they were the first gospel
music group in Arkansas to move into the, then young, television market.
They were among the groups that performed at the first National Quartet
Convention in 1957. At the death of owner, manager and bass vocalist,
Herschel Foshee in 1949, pianist and song writer, ‘Smilin’ Joe Roper
reorganized the group as The Melody Boys Quartet and introduced a new,
young bass singer to the nation. Gerald Williams, a Southern Gospel Music
Hall of Famer and Grand Ole’ Gospel Living Legend now enters his 63rd
year as a professional vocalist.
Generation after generation of fans that love quartet music have labeled
TMBQ’s sound as a touch of the past and a taste of the future. Quality
sound and ministry integrity, tastefully mixed with family entertainment,
is TMBQ’s trademark.
Beginning in March, TMBQ will embark on their ‘Exit 63’ Tour, which will
run through the end of 2012. Mike Franklin, first tenor with TMBQ for
over 19 years says, “We are still booking dates for this, our final year. If
you’ve ever considered having The Melody Boys Quartet at your gospel
sing or your church, now is the time to schedule.”
To book TMBQ for their ‘Exit 63’ Tour, contact Gayla at
214-957-3669 or email booking@themelodyboysquartet.com or
visit www.themelodyboysquartet.com.

It is always a shame when a group decides to disband, even more so with The Melody Boys. Gerald Williams is not just a legend in our industry, but one of the finest bass singers you will ever hear. The group currently has one of the best lineups in its history, as on display on their latest recording, American Christian.  About 5 years ago, I hosted the Melody Boys and was honored to have Gerald and the group in Michigan. They did a great job that night, and they are one of the best groups on the road today.

I hope you’ll take a moment and check the Melody Boys schedule to see when they’ll be in your area, and make sure you get a chance to see this great group one last time and salute a Gospel Music legend, Gerald Williams.

However, quite frequently you run into people who are taking advantage of these old recordings, and charging way too much money for them. Today I saw something rare, a Dumplin Valley Boys record featuring Gerald Wolfe. The asking price, $154.00.

Now theres no one who appreciates Gerald Wolfe more than me, I love the guy. But $154 for an lp of The Dumplin Valley Boys?? Which raises a question, what is the most you have paid for a vintage project, or what is the most you will pay?  Also, is there any recording that you feel is worth the price you paid for it?

The name Roger Horne should be familiar to you if you’ve followed Gospel Music for a number of years. Roger began his singing career in 1969 with The Gospel Harmony Boys, singing with them up to 1971, when he joined the Cathedral Quartet. Roger’s tenure with the Cathedrals was short, he departed in 1972, but recorded a couple of albums with the group (Request Time & Welcome To Our World), that are still much in demand today. For those of you, like me, who never heard Roger sing with the Cathedrals, here they are singing a song Roger wrote, “He’ll Soon Be Here”.

Upon leaving the Cathedrals, Roger formed his own group, The Roger Horne Trio, and also went on to sing with the Scenicland Boys and Jerry & The Singing Goffs. Not only was Roger a marvelous tenor singer, but he also made quite a name for himself as a talented songwriter. Not only the Cathedrals, but the Kingsmen, Downings, and Goodmans all recorded songs written by Roger. Some of Roger’s most popular songs are “We Shall See Heaven Someday” (Gold City & Booth Brothers) and ”Jesus, Have Mercy On Me”, one of my favorite Cathedrals songs.

I first heard “Sailing Away” as a teenager, sang by The Hutson Sisters (daughters of Dr. Curtis Hutson). The song was originally recorded by The Old Time Gospel Hour Trio on their The Lamb Has Prevailed album in 1990 (which is available digitally on iTunes).  However it was not until 2010, when i saw this video of the Original Greater Vision singing this song, that I fell in love with this song. It was recorded on one of their first projects “You Can Have A Song” (which was re-released in 2010, be looking for it as a download from GV in the near future).

When I had the idea to feature “Sailing Away”, I wanted to track Roger down and interview him, which I was so fortunate to do. Roger took a few moments to talk with me, and I really thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.  He is gracious gentlemen, and was a pleasure to speak with. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!

Brian Fuson (BF) Roger, Where did you get the inspiration to write “Sailing Away”

Roger Horne (RH)  Every year for the longest time, my wife (Becky) and I would go on vacation down to Daytona Beach. I’m not a water person, but I always enjoyed being there, and the calmness & serenity of the ocean. I remember my children were out playing, and I was sitting on the balcony.  I looked out and I saw a guy out there and he was sailing, by himself. And the more I watched him, it seemed like the further out he got. Pretty soon, it got to the point that it was like he just kinda drifted out of sight.

And I just sat there and thought to myself , that guys sailing away in his little boat there.  But some day, we as Christians, our souls will sail away on this mythical ship the church has always referred to as the Old Ship of Zion. And I got to thinking, “I’m sailing away on the old ship of Zion, sailing to the homeland of the soul”. Then I took it a step further and I said, “my friends and family, I know they’ll be there”. The song, itself,  came to me in a matter of 15 to 20 minutes. I wrote all the music & lyrics as well.

You had stated The Old Time Gospel Hour Trio were the first to record the song, how did that come about?

A friend of mine, Bill Traylor, he kinda tipped me to the idea that the group was looking for some type of easy flowing song, with a little different twist or whatever. And actually I thought of that song, I think I had for it for a year or two. I thought of that song because of how the lyrics go. The waters  are smooth and the sailing seems so easy, but things haven’t always been that way. I think of it in terms of us talking to someone  and saying, Everythings going good right now, but it certainly hasn’t always been that way. Then you think of that line, I’ve seen the billows roll, or in other words I’ve had plenty of trouble and problems. Bringing storm clouds to my soul, brought me to my knees and I didn’t think I could make it through. But Jesus has always been my stay, he’s always been there to help me. It’s just a song that blesses me, and I pray it will be one of those songs that long after I’m gone will touch the hearts of thousands of people. It’s a song that people can relate too.

I personally fell in love with the song after hearing Greater Vision sing the song on YouTube. Have you seen that video and what was your opinion?

A friend of mine, Stan Shuman (who used to sing in my group), tipped me off about that video. He called me one day and said, “Did you know Greater Vision cut your song “Sailing Away”? And I said, No I didn’t. He said it was on YouTube, and I have to be honest with you. I’d never been on YouTube. So I looked it up and watched it, and I felt I had to post a comment. And I said, guys you captured the song the way I had it in mind when I wrote it. Their tenor singer (Chris Allman) reminds me a lot of myself,  he sings so easy and so effortless.  I really appreciated and enjoyed their rendition of it. I never have heard the final cut of it, but I know they recorded it on a cd or dvd.

Is there any part of Sailing Away, lyrically or musically that means more to you  or is more special to you today, than when you wrote it?

The second verse. You know I was still a relatively young man when I wrote that song. I’ve put on a few miles, a few years, and a few pounds laughs. But I think about that second verse. I cannot complain, for my trip has been a good one, but I know I must be nearing the shore. I realize that the best part of my life is already behind me and I’ve got a few more years to go, I hope. For I can almost see the lights of my mansion oh so bright, and Jesus is standing at the door. That verse really speaks to me because it’s so real. I can see its gonna happen.

I dare not complain about anything, the Lord has been far better to me than I deserve. I’m thankful for so many all things, all my family, my job, most importantly, my salvation, and my gift of writing. I don’t have a thing in the world to complain about because it has been a good trip. I’m looking forward to my ship pulling into that port and I know I’m gonna get there soon!

Thanks so much for reading and be looking for more posts in our “Sing It Again!” segment!

Sounds like the group has a nice blend, I’ve always liked Harold. Mike has always been solid.  Jordan seems to be a great singer, and I hope to hear more from him. And Brandon is a good bass. Heres hoping this lineup stays together for a good while. Your thoughts??

There are 9 brand new songs on the project, 3 covers. Most of the new material was written by Haase, producer & group pianist Wayne Haun, and co-writers. There has been much hype and anticipation regarding the project, and Haase & Company have delivered a great album.

1. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - The first of three standards on the project, this one is redone a bit more to fit the group. Devin takes the lead on a couple of verses with Owens to follow. It’s a light-hearted feel that is a EH&SS trademark (ala Happy Birthday, Anniversary Too, Are You Enjoying The Show and so on).  Not really a big fan of this song.

2. Singing In The Midnight Hour – This is the first song to feature baritone & charter member Doug Anderson. The rolling piano and bass intro is awesome. Bluesy and rocky, Doug does a great job as usual with the vocal, and the song is a pleasure to listen to.

3. Here We Are Again - Many are describing this as a worshipful ballad, you could call it a typical laid back quartet number. Owens & Haase sing the verses respectively, with McGlamery taking the lead at the tag. Very good song

4. I Believe - The second standard is one Ian Owens has been singing since he joined the group. Owens tone is very similar to Armond Morales of the Imperials (Ian replace Armond in the Imperials, as bass singer) , and he does a fantastic job on this song. The group has a great blend right now, and its on full display on this job. Great arrangement.

5. I’ve Been Here Before - This is the albums first single, and its unlike anything the group has ever released.  I love the intro to this song, the band has a Maroon 5-esque groove going on, that is just awesome, then launches into the first verse. Devin McGlamery has been in Gospel Music for over 10+ years, but really does not have a signature song that he’s known for. I’ve Been Here Before is going to change all of that for him. The bluesy feel of this song fits Devin like a glove. This song is a MUST HEAR!!!!

6. You Are Welcome Here - A beautiful, tender song sang by the groups producer & pianist, Wayne Haun. A beautiful picture the everyone is welcome in the kingdom of God, regardless of their past mistakes. The group supplies backing harmonies on this one.

7. Love Carried The Cross - A big ballad, with Anderson, McGlamery & Haase singing the verses respectively. I love the song, and the blend is great. The orchestration is huge on this song, and although the song is good, the orchestration is over powering the vocals a bit too much for my taste. Don’t be surprised to hear this song in an Easter choral book sometime.

8. Stand By Me - The group made an interesting choice to tackle the song, that Haase said, “brought them to the party”. They haven’t done the song in a while, and it was done purposefully. It’s a new arrangement, with Ian Owens took a different approach on this song, than his predecessor Tim Duncan. The arrangement has a little twist, with the guitar and horns, and gives it a nice effect. It’s a good recording, but I still prefer the original arrangement.

9. Everytime - This song has been described as “Get Away Jordan on steroids”. It is definitely a high energy song. Musically, it sounds like something from Hair Spray or some old Motown song. I love the orchestra and horns. Vocally, Wayne told Ernie to just go crazy, and it sounds like he took his advice. Ernie even channelled his inner Little Richard, with his “whooooo’s” on the chorus. It’s a fun song, and enjoyable to listen to.

10. Sometimes I Wonder - Doug takes the lead on this one, a very thought-provoking song about Heaven. Ernie & Joel Lindsey wrote this song regarding the loss of their loved ones, the second verse is about George Younce. I think anyone who has ever thought about Heaven, has wondered about the same questions that the song asks.

I love the vocals on this song, almost sounding like old school Chicago. You just can’t say enough about Doug as a singer, the guy can sing any song, any style.

11. Thankful - This one is a worship song, that reminds me a bit of the Gaither-penned, “We Are So Blessed”, or even “Jesus, We Just Want To Thank You”.  A great song of praise of thanksgiving.

12. Any Other Man - This is the song that has everyone talking, and will be very interesting to hear them perform this song live. This sounds like a straight up Third Day, southern-rock feel. This recorded live in Romania, where the group debuted the song. This is a group number, with McGlamery & Anderson splitting the first verse, Owens & Haase doing the same on the second.

The energy of the band sells this thing, I’ve never heard a bass player in Gospel Music play a slide like what you’ll hear on the chorus, and the guitar solo is quite phenomenal. Make no mistake, EH&SS are breaking new musical ground in Southern Gospel Music, and trying to reach a new group of people.

Conclusion - This is a very important album for EH&SS. It has some great moments, and some silly ones as well, just like Get Away, Jordan & Dream On. Production wise its great, I like what they do on vocal arrangements. Theres a lot of different influences that you can hear in this recording, musically and vocally. While its too early to call this their best album, I believe this is one of their finest albums. While in the past they have lacked focus, this cd is very focused and the group knew what they were doing.

Stylistically, there’s something for everyone on this project. If Any Other Man is any indication of the future direction of the group, EH&SS may be breaking some new ground in Southern Gospel, and you can look back to Here We Are Again as the groups foundation. My plea is don’t judge this album without listening to it, check it out for yourself.

Here We Are Again will be released February 7th. You can pre-order now at www.erniehaase.com, and receive a special dvd free. You may also listen to clips of the project at the following link, http://www.erniehaase.com/music.html?dd_id=19

My Favorites: Singing In The Midnight Hour, Here We Are Again, I’ve Been Here Before,  Love Carried The Cross,  Thankful, Any Other Man

Review copy provided.

5. Part Of The Family by the Collingsworth Family

The Collingsworth Family released another album, that many believe is their best to date, and there’s no denying that Part Of The Family is a very strong album. This family has the best harmony of any group, any genre that you will hear.  Not only that, but they, along with Producer Wayne Haun, are masters at picking the right songs & arrangements that fit them. The wow factor on this album is Phil Jr, whose voice has matured to a nice solid baritone. His performance on Tell The Mountain was one of the best songs of the year.

Every song on this cd is enjoyable, my favorites would be God’s Family, Jesus Is All I Need, I Pray, Praise You, The Resurrection Morn, That’s The Place I’m Longing You. My only complaints are the lack of uptempo material, and that theres no Phil Sr. solos till the last 3 songs of the album. But even considering that, this is a wonderful album, and one of the years best, hands down.

4. God Makes No Mistakes by the Inspirations

This album is a complete musical transformation of the Inspirations, thats been about 3 years in the making, since the retirement of longtime tenor & founding member Archie Watkins. The group has changed and its for the better. They now have one of the best vocal lineups in Gospel Music, with Jodi Hosterman at tenor, David Regan at lead, Jon Epley at baritone, and Mike Holcomb anchoring the group at bass.

This project is awesome top to bottom, every song is impressive. The title track is a departure for the group musically, but absolutely beautiful and one of the best songs of the year. Holcomb & Hosterman sing the verses with feeling, and the blend is amazing. More of my favorites are My Lord Is Taking Good Care Of Me, He Got Up, Thats Why We Came Here, Talk About Dying, Living In The Land Of Canaan. They even brought back a popular song from the 80′s, He Made A Way.

The cd closes with a beautiful song, I Choose The Lord. The music & lyrics are different than anything that is considered normal for the group, but they knock it out of the park. If you want a blessing, pick up this cd!

3. We Will Stand Our Ground by The Kingdom Heirs

This album was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, being the first project to feature new tenor, Jerry Martin, and it did not disappoint. This group knows what they’re doing when it comes to recording projects, and selecting the right songs.  Top to bottom, this a great project.

My favorites include Tell Me Why, Heaven Is My Goal, It’s Real, Just Preach Jesus, No Bones About It, and When Heaven’s Gates Swing Open Wide. Two highlights of this recording everyone should hear is are Where’s John? & We Will Stand Our Ground. Jeff Chapman’s performance on this project is just awesome. If you don’t think he is one of the top bass singers in our industry after listening to this project, you’re crazy!

2. Treasures by The Mark Trammell Quartet

It has become quite common practice for groups to cover Cathedrals songs or release tribute projects. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Greater Vision, and Legacy Five have all had a part in reviving some of the Cathedrals classics (Haase & Co. released a tribute album).  Treasures is a tribute album as well, and it is one of the best you will ever hear. Trammell wanted to stay as true to the songs as possible, and the result is phenominal.

My favorites include Echoes From The Burning Bush, That Day At Calvary, Statue Of Liberty, I Thirst, Bloodwashed Band, Wedding Music.  Another great feature are live versions of Gentle Shepherd & An Old Convention Song with Gerald Wolfe providing piano accompaniment. Trammell really did this album right, and it is a classic that everyone should own.

1. Let It Be Known by The Booth Brothers

When it came to my #1 choice, it was tough, but to me this was the best album of the year. This is one of the most versatile albums you will ever hear. The album opens with an acapella number, than an anthemic galloping song with celtic feel and orchestra, then it segues to a gentle acoustic song. The Booth Brothers are one of the most talented groups in Gospel Music. They can sing any style of music, and blow you away.

The album is awesome top to bottom, every song is a winner. My favorites are First John, See What A Morning, When You Bow At Jesus Feet, Masterpiece of Mercy, The Masters Table, & Since Jesus Came. One of the songs you want to make sure you don’t skip over is What About Now, a ballad written by Jim Brady, that took more than 2 years to complete. The song was basically Michael’s heart, written by another writer. This is a powerful, challenging song, that really needs to be heard.

Aside from their great singing, another fact to notice is Jim Brady’s growth as a songwriter. Jim’s not only written great songs for the Booths, he’s also had songs recorded by Legacy Five, Mark Trammell Quartet, Gold City, and others. If you haven’t heard Let It Be Know, do yourself a favor and pick it up.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the countdown, and please feel free to post your feedback and your favorites as well!

Let’s kick it off with Number 10.

10.  Amen by the Down East Boys         

Released in November, I have not spent as much time listening to this as much as the other albums on my list. Crossroads really hyped the release of Amen, stating the album had elements of The Cathedrals, Gold City, and The Kingsmen.  While I personally don’t hear any shades of those groups mentioned, I do believe this is the finest project the DEB have recorded. Tony Jarman has added alot to their sound, and they have a great group blend. The song selection is excellent, and there are 3 songs on this project(I Won’t Trade My Crown, When I Could Do Nothing, Suddenly One Morning)  that have great potential as singles.

Other Highlights of this Recording are, Every Word In The Word, Hold On, and Redemption Draweth Nigh.

9.  Songs From The Heart by Triumphant Quartet

This was a table project released by the group, with a cool concept in mind, 10 songs, 2 written by each group member. The project features some great moments, some songs I love are Be Of Good Cheer, Thank You Lord, Streets Of Gold, Let The Rapture Come My Way, and Almost Home.  However songs like Lets All Stand For America, and God Works All Things For Good seem to not be of the same quality, and missed the mark. Yet the cd is great, and one of the years best.

I also wanted to say, I believe Jeff Stice is the most underrated producer in Gospel Music. This guy is not only a great musician, but a musical genius himself. He is very valuable part of this group, and Triumphant would definitely not be the same without his arrangements.

8. Somebody’s Coming by Gold City

One of the most anticipated releases of the past 2 years, Somebody’s Coming was finally released in November. This project is definitely the best Gold City has produced in recent years. Jerry Pelfrey’s addition to the group was a big shot in the arm, giving the group a sound almost reminiscent of the 80′s lineup, with Ivan Parker.

Production wise, the project is excellent, Michael English & Danny Riley did a great job. Song selection was quite good, my personal favorites being, I Get Down, It Won’t Be Long, Showers of Blessings, Lord of Life, Leave That Burden, and I Have An Anchor. The only song that seems to be out of place on this project is Never Too Broken To Belong.

This album was a true return to form for Gold City, I hope this lineup stays together for many years to come.

7.  More Than Enough by The Whisnants

On this project, The Whisnants decided to employ the services of the best producer in Gospel Music, Lari Goss. Co-Produced by Goss, long time Whisnants Producer Mylon Hayes, and Jim Brady, More Than Enough continues the trend of great albums the Whisnants have made, while Goss puts his unmistakable touch on the project. The cd has a great balance, songs like It Is Jesus, Are You Ready, Weapon Of Prayer are Vintage Whisnants. The Goss treatment is given to He’s Living Today, I’ll Trust The Potter’s Hands (one of my favorite songs on the project), I Will Glory In The Cross, and The Ready Medley.

The song that really needs to be heard on this project is the Dianne Wilkinson penned, Burn The Boat. Susan’s delivery on this song is amazing, and the lyrics are very thought provoking.

6. Why Can’t We by The Isaacs

I have never really been a huge Isaacs fan, but Why Can’t We is an great album, and contains some of the best songwriting from sisters Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Becky Isaacs Bowman.  Why Can’t We is one of the most powerful songs I have heard in a long time, it really grabbed my attention when the group performed at NQC and made me want the new project.

I have also thoroughly enjoyed Waiting In The Water, God Still Has A Plan, I’m Gonna Love You Through It, Get On Board, and Hallelujah Turnpike.  I really like the project alot, but I really couldn’t squeeze it into my Top 5.

Check back tomorrow to see my Top 5!