Freemans - “Closer”, CD Review

Apr

2003

Freemans - “Closer”

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Producer: Darrell Freeman/Tony Toliver
Grapevine Records

The Freemans have always had one of the most identifiable sounds in Southern Gospel Music. Consistency has always been one of the words that come to mind when I think of the Freemans. No matter what, the Freemans have always maintained their unique style that they are known for. I have always been a big fan of the Freemans as they have always been one of my favorite mixed groups. With that said, I felt slightly let down with this recording. Overall, it is a very good recording, but some of the songs sound kind of lazy, vocally. I loved their last recording “Highway” and maybe part of me is wanting another “A Way With Words”, which I consider to be their finest recording ever. But I digress, and say I am still a big Freemans fan, but was looking for a lot more from this recording.

Starting off with a song that is pure ‘Freeman music’ is the song “PUT YOUR NEW WHITE ROBE ON.” Challenging those who still continue to live and dwell in their past sins, this song poses a question and gives the answer, “…why live as a captive when the battle is won? Don’t wait one more moment, strip away that stained garment, put your new white robe on.” I just love the message in this song, because I personally, can’t count the times I have dwelt on past forgiven sins, knowing the Master had forgiven them, but I chose to worry about them. Excellent message and should do very well for the group.

In typical Darrell Freeman style, “SOUND OF THE TRUMPETS” is a ballad relaying the story of an old man who is anxiously awaiting the sound of the trumpets. Another song featuring Darrell is the edgy sounding “JUST BEFORE THE FALL”.

I will admit I was a little disappointed in “SEA WALKER.” A classic song made popular by the Hinsons in the mid 70s, I was expecting something more along the lines of that style. I mean the ‘get on your mule and ride’ style, and I just don’t really like what they did with this song, especially the ending.

Darrell and daughter Misty do an excellent job on “THE MAN WHO REALLY HUNG THE MOON”, while “SING HALLELUJAH” has all the makings of an old-time Pentecostal song with its happy sounding piano and fiddle. Featuring Joe Freeman, this is a highly enjoyable song and is very singable.

Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun penned the words to “LOVE DOESN’T GET ANY DEEPER THAN THIS”, featuring Chris, while “LET JESUS SHINE THROUGH” written by Gerald Crabb, presents a challenge to the church to “let Jesus shine through our lives everyday.”

No one can interpret a song like Chris Freeman and she doesn’t disappoint on “I’M NOT SERVING A MEMORY.” Written by Chris along with Larry Petree, this song is a definite highlight of the recording, as is the spectacular song, “KING OF KINGS”, which would be a great choice as a single. This song could be the next “Children of the Dust”, and is the real triumph of the entire recording. Closing out the CD is unique tune called, “THE LAST TRAIN,” which features Darrell.

I stated in the beginning that I considered the Freemans one of the most consistent groups in Southern Gospel music. Even before I heard this recording I wanted to use that in my next review because I felt that described them to a ‘T’. But, they just didn’t hit the mark completely with this recording. Don’t get me wrong; it isn’t a bad recording. Maybe I had my expectations raised too high. Whatever the reason for me not raving over this Freemans recording, there are still some redeeming qualities. As usual, Chris shines and the song selection, for the most part, is outstanding.

Personal Favs: PUT YOUR NEW WHITE ROBE ON; SOUND OF TRUMPETS; SING HALLELUJAH; LET JESUS SHINE THROUGH; I’M NOT SERVING A MEMORY; KING OF KINGS

Rating: 4 Star Rating

Reader Comments

I love the Freemans and it just amazes me that Chris isn't recognized more for the amazing singer she is!!! She is probably my favorite female singer of all time and it's just strange to me how she is never nominated for any awards and is never really mentioned much when the top singers of today are discussed. Oh well.....I LOOOVE her!

Commented by Maleah On 05/03/2003

I think this one deserved the 5th star! Chris has a passion in her voice that you just don't find everyday. It is an incredible project! Maybe you were having sinus problems that day you listened James. Go back and listen again. 5 Stars! No doubt about it.

Commented by Charles Brady On 05/04/2003

We really like the job Darrell did on the project. He doesn't get near the credit he deserves.

Commented by Charles Brady On 05/04/2003

No doubt, I am a huge Chris fan...Chris did her usual outstanding job on the recording! Other aspects of the recording were the letdowns for me.

Thanks for the comments!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 05/05/2003

Would you care to expound on your letdowns? Was it the art design or the picture used? Was there something in the lyrics of a song? Enquiring minds want to know James.

Commented by Charles Brady On 05/05/2003

Sure...I felt the overall quality of the vocals were lazy. I felt Darrell could have done a much better job on "Just Before the Fall" and felt "The Last Train" was a little hokey. Other aspects were discussed in the review. The music tracks were great!

As stated in my review, I LOVE the Freemans and as a die hard fan, I felt slighted in a way. It was not near as good quality as "Highway" and I still consider "A Way With Words" as their finest piece of work!

Now, I can hear the song "King of Kings" all day long. Absolutely love it! I think that has a excellent chance of being a top 10 song...maybe even #1! "Put Your New White Robe On" will do VERY well as well.

Now, I do not say things to put down an artist. Hopefully, my comments may be taken seriously and maybe some artists will take the comments the other reviewers make to do better work.

I take what I do very seriously, and though not a music scholar, I feel I have a very good grasp on what is quality and what isn't.

If the Freemans read any of this, I love your music and will always be a huge fan of your music and I know the quality of music you can put out. No one interprets a song like Chris Freeman. She's awesome!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 05/05/2003

James, I understand fully what yyou are saying, and what you meant in your review. As I felt about my Gold City review, every recording cannot be your best. Some recordings just seem to have something "extra" about them. You felt the the "Highway" CD did, and compared to that one, this CD lacked that something "extra".
That doesn't make this a bad recording. It is still an excdellent recording worth every penny you pay for it, but to get that fifth star a recording must have that something "extra".
Four stars is still a very good CD and much better than average.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 05/07/2003

James,... I appreciate your "honest" opinion in this review. I too am a HUGE fan of THE FREEMANS,.. but when you are reviewing projects,.. all of them can't be the "best one yet." Personally I am tired of reviewers that seem to rate everything that comes down the pike as the "very best in southern gospel." I am also tired of that over used term. In SG ,..and in life,.. some things are going to be "second best."

Commented by Chuck Peters On 05/21/2003

I agree with Maleah. Chris doesn't get reconized like she should. I personally think she is the top female vocalist in Southern Gospel music. This CD to me is great! I agree with James, "King Of Kings" would be a great radio single. I will ask Chris about that when I see them next month. "Closer" to me is one of the best projects they have done. "Put Your New White Robe On" will be up there with "Children of the Dust" and "He'd Have To Walk Through The Blood" on my list! Five Stars!!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 05/25/2003

I think 4 stars is fair, but I disagree that "Highway" was a better project...I didn't care for it at all and liked this one MUCH better. Isn't it funny how opinions and tastes differ?? I thought the arrangements on this cd were more creative and vocals stronger than on "Highway".

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 08/26/2003

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