Crabb Family - “The Walk”, CD Review

Apr

2003

Crabb Family - “The Walk”

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Producer: Jason Crabb, Adam Crabb & Aaron Crabb
Daywind Music Group

After several years of evolving, I think it would be safe to say the Crabb Family has finally evolved! For a recording that will literally knock your socks off, look no further than “The Walk” by the Crabb Family. The group took some different approaches with this recording and essentially pushed the envelope with some of the songs, but overall it sounds really good. I will admit though, I was somewhat surprised at some of the things they tackled both musically and vocally, but they pulled it off and will definitely win some new fans.

Accented with a really cool brass section, “GREATER IS HE” starts off the recording in high gear. Brace up and make sure you ready for this song because it’s a kicker! Featuring Jason, I would love to see this song released to radio as it really shows off the ‘soul’ in the family!

Musically, “I WILL FOLLOW YOU” featuring Kelly, reminds me of the classic late 80’s Russ Taff hit “I Cry.” The bluesy, yet soulful “IF YOU ONLY KNEW,” answers those who may criticize people worshipping and praising the Lord. As the lyric states, “…if you were there when he lifted me, then you would know.”

One exciting thing about this recording is we get a dose of the family singing with a complete orchestra, which is not normal Crabb fare. “THE CROSS” is chicly done as a big production number, but yet doesn’t really stray from that trademark Crabb sound. This would be an excellent song for an Easter cantata and would be excellent single release.

“TRAVELING ON”, “JESUS WILL DO WHAT YOU CAN’T”, and “THE WALK”, on the other hand, all exude that exciting progressive Crabb Family style and are all superbly done. Reviving one of Gerald’s earliest compositions, the family sings “WOUNDED SOLDIER.” This song builds to a high crescendo, and when they reach the final strains of this song you will literally be coming out of your seat!
Featuring a lively fiddle, Aaron writes and sings, “YOU LET THE LIGHT BACK IN.” This song is quite a bit different from anything the Crabbs have ever done. Jason sings “HIS GRACE” and is an excellent song that could easily fall under the CCM umbrella.

Also included on this recording are a few cover tunes Gerald Crabb wrote that were recorded by other artists. Recorded by The McRae’s, Terah sings “I COULD TELL YOU HAD FORGOTTEN” and they also recorded “WHO WILL SURVIVE THE STORM”, which was recently recorded by the Isaacs. The latter song was quite interesting to me hearing the stark contrast between the easy going Isaacs bluegrass version and the soulful punch of the Crabb Family.

‘We Are the World’ Crabb style is the best way to describe the anthem “LEND A HAND”, which has become the official song for World Vision. Featuring a cameo appearance by Gerald Crabb, this song encourages all of us get our hands dirty and make a difference in the lives others less fortunate.

Much like the Statesmen, Happy Goodmans, Downings or Imperials did years ago, the Crabb Family are creating their own niche in the Gospel Music industry and are blazing new trails never traveled before. The Crabb Family has always had a definitive country sound. Things take a slightly different route on this recording. The Crabb Family displays a broad range of styles including pop, progressive country, soul, CCM, R&B, as well as Southern Gospel. My only apprehension is that while trying to win over a new audience, be careful you don’t leave behind those fans that loved you in the beginning. But, I think that there is enough of that classic Crabb sound to satisfy those who prefer the pure country-side of the group, and there is enough of the modern Crabb sound to satisfy those who enjoy a more progressive approach. Kudos to the Crabb Family and Daywind Records!

Personal Favs: GREATER IS HE; THE WALK; THE CROSS; WOUNDED SOLDIER; JESUS WILL DO WHAT YOU CAN’T; YOU LET THE LIGHT BACK IN; WHO WILL SURVIVE THE STORM
Rating: 5 Star Rating

Reader Comments

The Crabb Family is definately stretching their style and making some good sounds while doing it.
I think that this CD will take the kids up another step on the SGM ladder. It is truly a 5 star recording.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 04/01/2003

This CD is definitely a keeper. Production quality is excellent. I won't quite go for the full five stars on this, but I'll get pretty close . . . 4 1/2.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 04/01/2003

OK, here are the comments from a BIG, BIG fan from the beginning that they may be leaving behind. My motto is: IF SOMETHING ISN'T BROKEN, DON'T TRY TO FIX IT!!! When you have as much success and #1 songs as they have, why would you want to change your whole style right in the middle of the success? I can understand wanting to change it if it was so worn out that they weren't having as much success anymore. They lost the "uniqueness" that made them The Crabbs in this project. Granted Greater is He, was different for them in a good way. But as for the project, there were only 6 songs on this project that I cared for at all, and even a few of them could have been better with more of the Crabb Style Music. My favorite on the project is "Jesus Will Do What You Can't" I guess my next favorite would be "Traveling On" Although their rendition of "Wounded Soldier" was different that what I've heard, I enjoyed it. The Cross is such a powerful song that I couldn't help but like it, only..... it would have been MUCH better with that traditional "Crabb" music sound behind it. "Who Will Survive The Storm" was very good and had more of that Crabb sound that we old fans love.
"I Could Tell You Had Forgotten" is one of my favorite songs right now, but...... After hearing The McCraes version, there was no comparison as far as I'm concerned. Terah is actually one of my favorite singers, but there's a place in this song that she attempted to go, where she shouldn't. As far as the rest, it didn't make enough impression on me to even mention.
I'm sure everyone will be able to tell now that I'm very opinionated and I even know that maybe even "most" will like this new "progressive" sound, but as for "this" huge Crabb Family Fan, I was VERY disappointed.
One thing that I LOVED was the new look of Terah and Kelly's hair and makeup. Wow! what a difference. They almost look glamorous. I thought the Cover was Great!
By the way, they would have gotten 3 1/2 stars from me.
OK! I'm putting on my flame retardant suit. Start firing... LOL!

Karen o/

Commented by Karen o/ Winston On 04/04/2003

I personally think it's great that SG artists are finally stepping out of the box and trying new things. Experimenting with new sounds and tackling different genres is something that every other form of music encourages and looks for. I'm excited to see groups like the Crabb Family, as well as GVB, The Martins, LordSong, etc. start to stretch the mold a little more. I can't wait to see what this talented family has up their sleeves after this one.

This is definitely a winner for the Crabbs!

Commented by Chris Unthank On 04/04/2003

I understand where you are coming from Chris.

If Third Day or Big Daddy Weave were to "step out of their box as far as to tackle a different genre that sounded like Southern Gospel I would thing "That" would definately be a winner for them. I'm not to sure that you CCM fans would agree though.

Commented by Karen o/ Winston On 04/04/2003

And so history repeats itself. Read that article.

The same thing happened to the Statesmen when they recorded, the same thing was said about the Imperials in the 70's. These were both groups that pushed the envelope, broadened the genre and tried new things, both improving upon the genre.

I have to agree with those who give this CD a 4-5 star rating. This is one of the most innovative CDs to come along in a long time. It's progressive but still consistent with the Crabb Family sound.

This CD is definitely a keeper!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 04/04/2003

Actually Karen, a lot of artists are experimenting with the bluegrass/appalaccian sound right now. While it isn't Southern Gospel, it is closer than some have ever gotten. Listen to some newer stuff by Sara Groves, Derek Webb or Caedmon's Call. Those influences are laced throughout, and they have recieved high praises for it as well.

Commented by Chris Unthank On 04/04/2003

Actually Karen, the time to dismount any style that's going great is just before it winds down. I think that the Crabb Family were at the spot that much of what they were doing was starting to sound the same, so they wisely decided that now was the time to make a change.
If you could ever learn a little sophistication, you would appreciate the more "progressive" sounds. (She knows I'm kidding) It can never be too country for Karen....

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 04/04/2003

I can't take this cd out of my player. I love every song on it! The quality is amazing in every aspect of this project. I am very pleased with "The Walk" and The Crabb Family.

Commented by Joy A. Wates On 04/04/2003

Like I said when I posted, I knew that I would probably be in the minority. I usually am. It's ok. Everyone has different opinions. As far as the guy who posted about accoustic music, I couldn't agree more. I am a vocal harmony freak and actually accapella singing is what shows vocal talent the most and is my favorite. You obviously haven't listened to this project. The songs that sound the closest to what you decribed (although nothing on this project is like what you decribe) are the ones I like. This project leans more toward Contemporary Christian. It's just that being a BIG Crabb Family fan from long Before most people ever heard of them, this project was a great disappointment to me. It doesn't make me dislike them. Gerald is my favorite song writer since I heard a song at NQC in the competition called "Special Kind of Love" (I think that the title) that the general public has never even heard. I bought their tape after hearing that, and they've been in my top five favorite groups since then. And DEON, I guess alot of people must be unsofisticated like me...... Look how many #1 songs the "country" Crabbs have had.

One thing posting my underdog opinion DID do for me though, GERALD and KATHY CRABB signed my guest book on my website. Now how about that! I still love The Crabbs, I just don't like this new sound. I much prefer the unigue sound they already had. Hey, at least I got a good debate going.....

Commented by Karen o/ Winston On 04/07/2003

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