Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites [6] Comments

Please wait...

Producer: Danny Crawford
Label: Horizon Records
Website: www.kingsmenquartet.com

The Kingsmen are now officially back in my book. Though being somewhat disappointed in their last two releases, “Ready” (as the Carolina Boys) and “Born Again,” I was cautiously optimistic about this newest release. Before the first song was over, all my fears were put to rest and I knew I was in store for something great. THIS is the Kingsmen I grew up on and I find myself listening to this recording and enjoying it immensely over and over again.

The uptempo song “IT'S JUST ABOUT TIME”, penned by Squire Parsons starts the recording off and running. The title song, “MY PAST HAS PASSED” , is a powerhouse of a song and features Phillip Hughes. I liked the Down East Boys version of the song, but I love the Kingsmen's version. As the final note of the song fades into silence, you're left absolutely breathless. This is one song I'd love to see make it to radio before it's all said and done.

Quartet sounds abound on “I'LL NOT TURN BACK” , which is the first single from the recording. Written by the late Bill Starling, the song features a little bit of each member of the group, spotlighting mostly Ray Reece.

A couple strikes on the steel guitar starts off the Sandy Knight penned, “THE LOVE OF GOD FOREVER SHALL REMAIN” . With Phillip and Tim Surrett sharing solo duties on the song, it's one of the highlights of the recording for me.

Previously recorded numerous times in the past by such artists as Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters and Jeff & Sheri Easter, the easy flowing “SWEEPING ALL THE DEBT AWAY” (aka-“Bring Before my Face a Picture”) features an excellent performance by tenor, Jeremy Peace.

Jason Selph does an outstanding job on the Gerald Crabb penned, “LONGING TO GO” . This is another song that would really be a cool radio song. Jason also sings another Crabb song entitled, “THE WELL OF GRACE”, which has a nice country flavor to it.

“SWEET LAND OF REST” , written by Dianne Wilkinson, is a unique song. It's quite unassuming, and may never be singled or even staged, but for some reason I find myself listening to this song over and over again. It's a simple campmeeting type song, but yet there is something very profound about it and when the chorus rolls around, Phillip just about blows the roof off. The song has a similar feel to a song called “Some Happy Morning” that the Kingsmen did 20 years ago.

Tim turns in a great performance on the power ballad, “HE LOOKED BEYOND THE CROSS” , which was written by Kyla Rowland. Jeremy is featured once again on the sweet sounding, “SAFE IN MY FATHER'S ARMS” , before Tim closes things out with the bluegrass flavored, “THE OLE CROSSROADS”.

I commented in a concert review awhile back that the Kingsmen really seemed to have gelled and how everyone in the group really seemed to “fit”. This recording is proof that these guys sound great together and the enthusiasm in their music is back. Despite the fact there are only 2 songs that actually fall into the uptempo category, there is a mega-ton of energy and excitement found on this recording. It's definitely one of my top 5 favorites for this year. This recording makes me proud to be a Kingsmen fan!

Personal Favs: IT'S JUST ABOUT TIME; MY PAST HAS PASSED; I'LL NOT TURN BACK; THE LOVE OF GOD FOREVER SHALL REMAIN; LONGING TO GO; SWEET LAND OF REST

Reader Comments

I'm looking forward to getting this CD soon. Great review. Makes me want it even sooner.

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

Elaine Harcourt

Great review James! I am a die-hard Kingsmen fan and I agree, this new album is reminicent of the Kingsmen of old. It may not be another "Big & Live" album but it ranks right up there with the best. I can't wait to hear what the mighty Kingsmen are going to put out next!

Byron

King’s Servants Quartet
Highland Baptist church - Knoxville
Knoxville Gospel Blog

Add Comments

If you are seeing this form you are not a Member or have not logged in. Why not consider becoming a Member? All comments must be made with a valid email address. Comments with invalid email addresses are subject to removal.

Membership allows you to have a prepared signature of your choice applied to every comment you make, as well as the ability to choose an avatar to display next to your name to help identify your posts. Members are also given opportunity to vote weekly in our Weekly Chart as well as special Members Only contests, polls and giveaways during the year. If you are already a member, login here, otherwise please register here.

**Note: Forums membership is a seperate membership.

By posting you agree to our Comments Policy

Name:
Email:
Location:
URL:
Comment:
	Remember my personal information
	Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please enter the word you see in the image below: