Gold City - Revival, CD Review

Oct

2006

Gold City - Revival

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Produced by Michael Sykes, Michael English, Daniel Riley, Ken Harding, and Dave Lehman
Recorded at Michael Sykes Productions Dreamland, Nashville, TN, Goldmine Recording, Gadsden, AL
Label – New Haven Records, Nashville, TN
Website - http://www.goldcityqt.com

The news came out a few months ago that Michael Sykes and Michael English would be producing Gold City’s new project. Immediately speculation started floating around the web. Would this be the demise of a great Southern Gospel quartet? Will the Michaels take them into the CCM market? Just what would this new recording be like? It would be the first recording since the tragic passing of Doug Riley. What was going to change?

Well, sometimes change is good, and that’s exactly what happened with this recording. This may well be the best recording that Gold City has ever produced. First, the song selection is absolutely wonderful. There is a mix of some older classics, some new material, and even one crossover song from the Inspirational genre. Before you get upset, Gold City thoroughly Southernizes it.

Opening with the classic Kenny Hinson song, “Ain’t That What It’s All About”, they modernized the track and sang so that Kenny would be proud.

Steve Ladd has finally come into his own and set the standard a little higher for the rest of the Tenors in this industry as he comes through with great expression on a nice ballad “Preach The Word”. There is no question you will be blessed while listening to this cut. Nobody writes a quartet song like Diane Wilkinson and that’s exactly what she did on “God’s Still Good”. Aaron McCune does a nice job on the feature. Jonathan Wilburn tears it up on one of my favorite songs on the CD, “Look Who Just Checked In”. You cannot help be sing along with this song from the very first line. It could be a Christmas song, but fits great on this CD too. It was written by Daryl Williams and Stephen Hill.

“Truth Is Marching On” penned by Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, and Tony Wood is one powerful ballad that needs to be released to radio. Daniel Riley shows that he can carry the mail on this song. The arrangement is so strong that you’ll get those little “glory bumps” as you listen to it.

I have to mention two more “classics” on this CD. “Teach Me Lord To Wait” and “I’m Rich” are great songs and very deserving of being place on this new CD. They are treated with respect, yet sang with the intensity that the original artists wanted.

“Mercy Came Running” is a cover of the Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Inspo artists, but as I said earlier, Gold City has put their own touch on it to thoroughly Southernize it and created one great tune. This one needs to go to radio too. Other great songs include “That’s What I’m Talking About” and “Not Anymore”.

To those who were worried that Gold City was taking a step out of their traditional sound have nothing to fear. This is simply a great quartet singing some great songs that will greatly impress you.

Reader Comments

I purchased this CD at the Quartet Convention. I just think it's awesome! Every song grabs your attention and will minister to you in different ways. You will be able to tell that the guys put their hearts into it and a spirit of revival is felt through the whole project. There's a great tribute to Doug Riley in the CD insert. You'll have to read it. Gold City still has the power that we have enjoyed down through the years. They're not missing a beat. Aaron McCune is a wonderful addition to this group.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/01/2006

They hit the nail squarely on the head with this album. Classic, yet progressive. The Gold City you've come to know and love, yet defining a new sound for them. To anyone that had worries, put them away, these boys ain't goin' anywhere but straight up... again!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/01/2006

This is one of the best Gold City's projects I have heard in a while, it is awesome! I love every song on it! Great job Gold City!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/01/2006

Gold City totally outdid themselves. This is by far, probably one of, if not THE best Gold City recordings ever. Definitely 5 stars and much like the Kingsmen and Brian Free & Assurance did with their releases this year, Gold City has raised the standard. Awesome job guys!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/02/2006

GREAT REVIEW!!! It echoed most everything I thought about this recording. Part of the reason it is so awesome is because of its diversity. If you walk away from this CD not finding at least one song that you like, you don't have a pulse!! I know that I will probably get nailed for this comment, but I think this is the BEST lineup that GC has ever had. These are big words considering the alumni of this group. I know one point of contention was always the retirement of Tim Riley. But Aaron McCune has filled the void in a big way. That edgy bass sound is back. In fact, I think Aaron sounds very similar to Tim in many spots on this CD. I know I will probably get nailed for this comment too but I would actually give the edge to Aaron because he can carry a lead better than Tim could.I also agree with the comments about Steve Ladd. On this album his voice has just seemed to beef up. I don't know if he has been working with someone or what, but he has the total package now as tenors go. Plus, now with Daniel in the group they can pull off some of those borderline contemporary songs and nail it to the wall. I likewise think that this is the best CD this group has ever put out there. SGM take note: The bar HAS been raised!!!!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/02/2006

Deon is right on in his review of this album. I consider it the best album of 2006, so far at least. Dan Graf is very close to right in his assessment of Aaron McCune's bass-singing ability, as well (although I really miss Tim Riley). Aaron's rendition of "Teach Me, Lord, to Wait" is one of the major sweet spots on the CD for me. They saved the best for last, though! "I'm Rich" blows me away every time I hear it! I knew Jonathan was a fabulous lead singer, but WOW!!!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/02/2006

I agree that this is a huge accomplishment for GC. Steve has absolutely come into his own and does some of the finest tenor singing I have heard in a while. I agree that he has set a new standard for tenors. Of course, Daniel was amazing as usual and the change in Jonathan's voice is growing on me.

Aaron is a good bass vocalist, and I was very pleased with his blend and intonation. I agree that he can carry a solo better just as good or better than Tim, but we have to get past comparing GC basses to Riley - he is the man! McCune hits some good tones, and I was glad to hear that edge on the bottom in the mix - they do have the Riley edge back. I can definitely hear some resemblance in tone to Riley, and I hear a lot of similarities to Jeff Chapman back in his Anchormen days also.

Tracks are immaculate and there are some great songs on this project. I would probably give this project 4.5 stars, because I don't prefer the song selection on a few. This is the best GC project I have heard in a while and they are back!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/02/2006

Ok, I'm no accredited gospel music critic, but I just bought this last night and for me, only the final 4 songs on the cd "did" it for me. I guess "too" much variation in music styles kind of turns me off. I'm very impressed with those last ones, the tenor is just flat out up there! I have a hard time not praising any gospel music as they're taking it outside the walls of church and I'm not.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/19/2006

Gold City has produced the "ALBUM of the YEAR" for 2006-2007, no doubt. The "City" is back and it's great to see. Aaron McCune was a great choice and is singing the best he has ever done right now. Steve Ladd, Jonathan Wilburn, Daniel Riley you did good! The song selection and tracks on this album are simply awesome. This could definitely be the best project Gold City has ever done and that's saying something. It's definitely the best thing they've done since "Walk The Talk" which was an excellent project,too. I love the moderniztion of the track for "Ain't That What It's All About" I think Kenny is smiling from heaven on that one. Being a former drummer for Phillips, Craig & Dean, I can say they did a great job covering "Mercy Came Running", Dan Dean would be proud of you for that one. Aaron, you sound awesome on "Teach Me Lord." "Truth is Marching On" will be the next #1 song for Gold City. 5 Stars all the way on this one for sure.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/24/2006

My favorite Gold City Album. I've been following these guys for years, and have most of their albums since 1982. "Revival" takes the cake! Absolutely a great cd.

A lot of variety, some different arrangements, but definitely true Gold City! There are some really peppy songs. (“peppy..” sounds kinda funny) Some of these songs move! At first I was worried they had left Sorthern Gospel when I had heard about it on the internet, but now I’m satisfied, they’ve just moved up again The lyrics to these songs are very, very powerful. Whew! Wonderful for the ears, good thinking for the mind, and powerful to the heart!

Their sound is tighter than the last two projects. This is Gold City! It has the feel of hype like in their classic songs “In Time, On Time, Every Time”, “God’s Building a Church”, and “He Said”, but different music arrangements like “Lord Do It Again”. You can tell the guys are singing from their heart!

Commented by Matt Paasch On 10/26/2006

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