CD Reviews

Dec

2008

Karen Peck & New River - Ephesians One

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RATING:

Producer: Bubba Smith
Label: Daywind Records
Website: http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com

Karen Peck & New River have had a great last couple of years. The group has had four back to back #1 hits ("Hold Me While I Cry", "Last Night", "Hey", and "Whispered Prayers"). The group took home two SGN Music Awards this past April due to the success of their debut Daywind Records release - Journey of Joy. That album was chock-full of radio-friendly tunes with intricate vocal arrangements and fantastic songs - plus the group earned a Grammy nomination for the record as well. That's not too shabby.

The group is back now with Ephesians One - their sophomore record for Daywind Records. The group has once again teamed up with Bubba Smith for production duties. Bubba has this uncanny ability to pull out the best vocals from his artists - and once again Susan Peck Jackson and Devin McGlamery pull out fantastic vocal work on this album.

Ephesians One kicks off with the title track that recalls the Karen Peck & New River of a few years ago - though still as progressive as usual. "I Want to Thank You" - the debut single from the album - follows with typical Karen Peck balladry. This is an album highlight with its thankful theme that touches on everything from silent witnesses to radio DJs and TV evangelists. Devin McGlamery pulls out a show stopper on the bluesy "The Cradle & the Grave" before things slow down again on the beautiful, soulful ballad "All You Need When You Need It" - recalling past songs from Peck like "The Past" or "Inseperable". The muted-trumpet really adds some nice character to the song as well.

"Waitin' On the Lord" is a fun, toe-tapping mid-tempo song that could do well on radio. "When Mama Prays" is another touching country-ballad that fans of Karen Peck have grown to love from her. "That's When I Knew I Was Home" is an incredible ballad from McGlamery that continues to drive home the point that he is Southern Gospel's most under-appreciated talent. The album closes out with an energetic New River take on the Nelons' classic "Robe & Crown".

It's hard to find any fault in a Karen Peck & New River album. Ephesians One hearkens back to the New River of the 90s and earlier in this decade. It's still progressive and cutting edge - but those looking forward to seeing where KPNR goes on this record will more than likely be sorely disappointed. There's no denying that this is where KPNR's niche is - but one can't help but feel like it's a step back after so many fantastic recordings in a row from the group. The vocal arrangements just aren't as intricate or cutting edge and the song selection feels a bit disjointed on this release as well.

Even with those complaints - Ephesians One is still one of the finest releases this year. It's just not possible for Karen Peck & New River to release a bad album.

(*NOTE* The copy of the album I received was a pre-release and no songwriter information was provided. My apologies to the many fantastic songwriters who contributed to this project - particularly the writers of "I Want to Thank You", "All You Need When You Need It", and "The Cradle & the Grave".)

Buy Now

Song List:

1. Ephesians One
2. I Want to Thank You
3. It's Gonna Have to Be God
4. The Cradle & the Grave
5. All You Need When You Need It
6. Waitin' On the Lord
7. Everything You Need
8. When Mama Prays
9. That's When I Knew I Was Home
10. The Spirit of Jesus
11. Robe & Crown

Reader Comments

I like the funk that "Everything You Need" has! I love this one! This is a prime example of a group releasing a better recording than their last one!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ** On 12/02/2008

This is one Cd I wish I hadn't bought - don't really like the song selection, and the arrangement of "We Shall Wear a Robe & Crown" is very bizarre - sounds like someone cracking a whip in the background. This may be the last KPNR Cd I buy - I have not been impressed with much they have done for a few years now.

Commented by buzzie ** On 12/03/2008

This CD is Great I love KPNR they are the best I love the new sound. it is so cool that there can be a little bit more of a country sound in Southern Gospel cause after all its Southern Gospel. (LOL) I love it keep it up ya'll. great job. Love it.

5 ***** from me.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 12/26/2008

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