Ivan Parker - “Just Imagine”, CD Review

Jan

2004

Ivan Parker - “Just Imagine”

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Producer: Roger Talley
Horizon Music Group
Website: [url=http://www.ivanparker.com]http://www.ivanparker.com[/url]

In an industry dominated by male quartets and family groups where but only a few soloists actually stand out, Ivan Parker is one of those soloists that stand out among the rest. This recording is a perfect example of why. When the history book of Southern Gospel Music is written, Ivan Parker should have his own chapter, as he has been a dominating force in this genre for over 20 years.

Getting things started on a positive note, “GOOD NEWS” proclaims that after constantly hearing news that God is dead or that Christ never even existed, we can shout back at those who mock and scorn…“the good news is the bad news is wrong.”

My personal favorite from this recording is the worshipful “I AM GOD”. A wonderful song of comfort and encouragement that when things seem to be at their worst, God speaks to our heart to just “stand still and know that I am God.”

Ivan has been singing songs penned by Sandy Knight for over 20 years and “I JUST WANNA GET THERE” and “WHEN THE MASTER ARRIVES” are two offerings of hers and they fit Ivan like a glove. The latter song would probably do well for Ivan as a single.

Ivan does a good job covering the CCM hit “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE.” Though it kind of sounds stiff in the beginning, Ivan turns in a good performance in the end and the background vocals are really cool on the song as well.

One of my favorite writers, Greg Day penned, “IT’S ENOUGH” along with Marty Funderburk. Ivan seems to have found a good fit recording songs written by Greg Day because just as with Sandy Knight, they seem to fit him like a glove. (i.e.-Everybody Praise the Lord, God’s Word Will Stand, Mercy’s Gift, Be Blessed, and of course, Midnight Cry).

Two up-tempo songs that Ivan really cuts a shine on are “I HAVE AN ANCHOR” and “THE BEST HALLELUJAH IN THE HOUSE”. With quartet sounds backing him up, I am sure both songs go over very well in concert and they also would be excellent radio songs.

As a personal tribute to Ivan’s hero Jake Hess, Ivan turns in a masterful performance on the classic “THEN I MET THE MASTER.” If Jake heard this before he passed away, I am sure he was quite proud. Closing out the recording in a hymn-like arrangement is a song of invitation written by Ivan himself entitled “COME YE THIRSTY”.

It’s hard to believe Ivan has been a soloist for the last 10 years. Ivan has done very well in his solo career and this recording is evidence of that fact. Riding high on the heels of “It’s True”, his highest charting song so far in his solo career, this album could easily surpass the success of his last recording.

Personal Favs: I AM GOD; I CAN ONLY IMAGINE; WHEN THE MASTER ARRIVES; I HAVE AN ANCHOR; THE BEST HALLELUJAH IN THE HOUSE

Reader Comments

As always a very good review, James.
My only difference is that I think that "I Can Only Imagine" is outstanding. "The Best Hallelujah In The House" willv get your motor running, of course it was written by Daryl Williams, so what else would you expect?

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 01/15/2004

It is a good review but I wouldent give it 4 1/2 stars! I agree with the review. the cover of I can only Imagine leaves a little to be desired at the front but wakes up a little at the end. It was a little too soon to try to introduce it to southern when it is already saturated in all music types. But he is a greatly blessed talent.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 01/15/2004

Southern Gospel is it's own entity. It is a great time to introduce "I Can Only Imagine". I don't listen to any other music, so I'm glad Ivan recorded it so I can be blessed by it.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 01/15/2004

Thanks for another favorable review of a Crossroads/Horizon Records project. We appreciate SoGospelNews more than words can say.
About Ivan Parker - I have had the privilege of promoting his singles for almost three years now and consider it a great honor to work with and for him. Ivan is one of the finest soloists you'll hear in any genre of music. He is a first class gentleman to boot! We're thankful to have him at Crossroads.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 01/16/2004

This is one of my favorite CDs ever! My favorite song is "I Am God". It speaks to me everytime I hear it. Ivan is the man!!! :thumbsup:

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 01/16/2004

Southern Gospel Music is a great way to get closer to the Lord through music and singing. It has meant a great deal to me in my life.
Ivan Parker is one of my favorite gospel singers and he has been a great inspiration to me and friends of mine in our spiritual lives and we are so greatly thankful to him and other gospel singers also. Keep up the great singing Ivan and you will go far and be Blessed for it always. I can't wait to get his new cd "Imagine" I know it has to be great.
Your Friend in Christ,
I go to all of your concerts when you are in this area of S.C.
Love in Christ,
Sandra Nobles

Commented by Sandra Nobles On 01/16/2004

What an awesome project! Ivan does a fantastic job on I CAN ONLY IMAGINE as I knew he would! :thumbsup: Ivan, you're the MAN! Keep up the good work & keep blessing us with your music.

God is good all the time & all the time God is good.

Elaine Harcourt

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 01/20/2004

I enjoy Ivan alot, I also Agree that it may have been a little too soon to introduce "I Can Only Imagine" Southern Gospel.
But he is a great talent

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 01/27/2004

I think IVAN PARKER is the best singer I have ever heard. I try to see him when he performs at a place close to my home town Centralia Illinos. I saw him Saturday night with the Gaithers in St, Louis. I could listen to IVAN sing all day long the MIDNIGHT CRY is the best. I am looking forward to seeing IVAN at Boyd ILLINOIS in August. JOYCE AYERS

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/09/2004

Ivan Parker. Yes! Great great singer.

I tell him "To heck with your darn singing I'd prefer to hear your preaching".

I could speak for hours on worship services and altars filled by Ivan.

He is a greater man of the Lord than singing talent.

No one speaks of the Lord and Heaven with the eloquence and passion of Ivan Parker. None.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/09/2004

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