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Produced by Roger Talley
Additional Vocal Assistant: Tim Surrett
Executive Producers: Mickey Gamble & Chris White
Label: Horizon Records
Website: http://www.kingsmenquartet.com

Change seems to be the common word used lately among Southern Gospel circles. Groups all across the board are deciding to break the mold a bit and try some new things to the delight of both fans and critics. Now, the Kingsmen have joined in on the fun on their latest album Good Good God.

The Kingsmen has always been a staple in the Southern Gospel marketplace. Ray Dean Reese and the guys have been a favorite among fans and industry alike with their traditional quartet harmonies and arrangements. Good Good God sees the popular quartet spreading their wings a bit and trying on some more modern arrangements and vocal stylings while staying true to their traditional sound – much like the Dove Brothers Quartet did last year with their highly acclaimed Anything But Ordinary…Everything But Typical.

Much of the changes can probably be attributed to the use of Roger Talley as the producer for this new recording. Talley has always been known for pushing the boundaries with his own group, the Talley Trio. These new songs sound fresher, more unique, and decidedly more aggressive than anything the group has put out the last few years and include songs written by top songwriters like Dianne Wilkinson, Joel Lindsey, Tery Wilkins, Chris Binion, Jerry Kelso, Niles Borop, Barbara Huffman, and more. Good Good God kicks off with the rousing “He’s a Good, Good God” which recalls more of the sounds of Gold City or Mercy’s Mark as opposed to the more uniquely traditional style of Palmetto State Quartet or old-school Kingsmen. Things don’t slow down there as “God Can Save Anybody, Anywhere, Anytime” could throw a few listeners for a loop as the decidedly country feel of the track adds some flavor to the recording. “Jesus My Lord” also utilizes a much more country flared track that fits the group exceptionally well. “Jesus Knows My Name” has a slight Black-Gospel tinged track, though the vocal delivery by Phillip Hughes and the quartet remains a bit on the traditional side. Jeremy Peace’s delivery of “I Found Mercy” is an album highlight as he sweetly sings the beautiful, fully orchestrated track. “Don’t Look at the Water” features a slight rock-a-billy affect in the track, and Tony Peace performs the song masterfully.

Even though the album is full of some new arrangements and sounds for the popular quartet, there are plenty of old-school Kingsmen songs to keep everyone interested – such as “Finished Indeed”, “Longing to Go There”, and to “To Count for Jesus”. In fact, the Kingsmen, with the help of Roger Talley, have masterfully combined the new and the old on Good Good God. Other artists should take a look at the Kingsmen when deciding on how to try new things while staying decidedly true to themselves as an artist.

Reader Comments

With the release of “Good News” back in 2002, which I considered one of their finest pieces of work ever, I was let down the following year with “Ready”. That recording, aside from a couple of tunes, did nothing for me. So, with my love for “The Past is Past” (which is also what I consider as one of their finest recordings), I held my breath with this one, hoping for the best, but preparing myself to be let down.

At first listen, I felt the tinges of disappointment, because it just didn’t seem to measure up. But after a few times, it started to grow on me and I love this recording. While I still consider “Good News” and “The Past is Past” as some of their finest works in their recent history, this is a very, very good recording. Kingsmen fans will be proud, and they’ll probably win some new ones along the way.

4 ½ stars is a very fair rating.

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