Tag: reviews

Anthem Edition’s New Gospel Album Promises Kept

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

2024 has proven to be a transformative year for Anthem Edition, the gospel quartet formerly known as The Old Paths. Following the success of their 2023 holiday album, Here Comes Christmas, the group has undergone changes, including the addition of tenor singer Cameron Edens, and the release of three singles: “Graveyard,” “Still Under His Feet,” and “Running.” The group’s latest project is Promises Kept and is released through Sonlite Records.

Tim Rackley, founding member and lead singer of Anthem Edition, says this album represents a meaningful milestone for the group. “This album is special to us,” said Rackley. “It marks the first time we’re making music together as a team with Cameron Edens and Andrew Utech, alongside our longtime brother, Doug Roark. These songs are a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness, and we can’t wait for you to experience the message of hope and promise we’ve poured our hearts into.”

The album opens with the energetic track “Every Promise Made Is a Promise Kept,” written by Kenna Turner West and Jason Cox. Featuring a country-inspired arrangement and lively quartet harmonies, the song’s lyrics introduces the album’s central theme of God’s steadfast faithfulness:

There’s never been a time that He’s not faithfulNever been a day His words aren’t trueNever been a moment that our God won’tDo just what He said He’d doHe’s never ever failed to keep one yetEvery promise made is a promise kept.

Roger Talley, the producer of Promises Kept, praised the group’s dedication and renewed energy during the project’s creation. “I thoroughly enjoyed producing this new EP for Anthem Edition,” Talley shared. “They approached this project with a renewed passion and more energy than they have ever had before. We found some great new songs to express their commitment to singing the Gospel with a new excitement that I can’t wait for you to hear. A unique feature of this project is the number of uptempo songs they have chosen. For anyone who has ever complained about too many slow songs, this project is for you!”

With Promises Kept, Anthem Edition builds on their storied history while embracing a new chapter with Edens and Utech as part of their lineup.

Veteran Gospel Trio Paid In Full Releases New Album “Louder”

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JEFF TURNER

Southern gospel trio Paid In Full has unveiled the trio’s latest studio album, “Louder,” in collaboration with StowTown Records. The release marks the group’s second project with the label, following their 30th anniversary digital release in 2021.

Distributed exclusively by Provident/Sony, Louder is available on all digital platforms worldwide.

The album, produced by 41-time Dove Award winner Wayne Haun, features six tracks written by renowned industry songwriters. Standout songs include “I Can’t Do It By Myself,” which explores themes of grace and mercy, and the title track “Love Is Louder,” described by group member Jeff Crews as an upbeat melody with a message of God’s faithfulness.

Lance Moore, the group’s lead vocalist, co-wrote “Better With A Friend,” a country-flavoured track emphasizing unity and companionship. Moore states, “Life is filled with uncertainty, but God is always faithful, and He is the greatest Friend we will ever have.”

Paid In Full, formed in 1991, has built a reputation for delivering polished performances both on and off stage. Early in their career, they caught the attention of gospel legend Jake Hess, who mentored the group and appeared on their 1998 recording.

Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records I Can’t Do This By Myself · Paid In Full Louder ℗ 2024 StowTown Records Released on: 2024-12-13

StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene expressed enthusiasm for the project, praising the trio’s work ethic and musical quality. The album is available on all digital platforms worldwide, distributed by Provident/Sony.

Paid In Full, consisting of Bradley Littlejohn, Jeff Crews, and Lance Moore, began their professional ministry while in high school. They have since performed alongside notable gospel acts such as The Gaither Vocal Band and The Cathedrals. The group continues to focus on sharing their faith through music in various venues across the country.

Karen Peck & New River Teases New Album After Months of Preparation

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JEFF TURNER

Southern Gospel fans are eagerly anticipating the next release from Karen Peck & New River, a group that has been a staple in the genre since its formation in 1991. With six Grammy nominations and Karen Peck Gooch’s 2021 induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the group has consistently delivered powerful and uplifting music.

Karen Peck & New River has been hard at work on their forthcoming album, though the title remains undecided. “We have quite a few songs that could be a title,” Karen Peck Gooch shares. “‘Be Ready’ is a great title.” While the title is still being finalized, one thing is certain: the group is confident in the direction of the new project. “I really think that we’re in good shape as far as the focus and the direction we’re heading with this album.”

Fans can expect the same heartfelt messaging that has made the group a Southern Gospel mainstay. “We just want our music to be relevant,” Gooch adds. “We want to keep moving forward because we can’t stay where we are.”

As the release date approaches, anticipation grows for what promises to be another meaningful and impactful album from Karen Peck & New River.

Tribute Quartet Revisits a Fan Favorite with “Come On Let’s Go To That Land”

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JEFF TURNER

Since their formation in 2006, Tribute Quartet has made a significant impact on Southern Gospel music, receiving multiple Dove Award nominations along the way. The group, composed of Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches, and Ian Owens, has built a reputation for their tight harmonies and energetic performances.

Over the years, they’ve continued to honor the traditional sounds of gospel with their Quartet Tribute series. With three volumes under their belt, the group decided to revisit one of their earlier works for their latest radio single. The song, “Come On Let’s Go To That Land,” from Quartet Tribute, Volume 1, has made a fresh return to the airwaves.

Gus Gaches explained the decision to recut the track, sharing how much the song has resonated with the group and their audiences. “We’ve always loved that song. And when we decided that Ian and I were going to go back in and do the vocals on the Quartet Tribute Volume One project, it was one of the ones that we were the most excited about because it just always resonated live.”

The quartet had been performing the song live with Ian Owens, and the response was undeniable. “Once we got the recut, we were like, goodness, people need to hear this,” said Gaches. “And sure enough, we started playing it… and people… begin [saying], ‘Oh my goodness, there’s such an energy with that.’”

The excitement surrounding the track has only grown since its release as a radio single. “We’re excited about it—letting everybody hear it and experience what we’ve known for a while now,” Gaches said. “It’s great.”

Tribute Quartet’s decision to revisit “Come On Let’s Go To That Land” is a testament to the timeless power of gospel music and their ongoing passion for sharing it with their listeners.

Lauren Talley’s Gift to the Holidays: A New Christmas Album

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF / HORIZON RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (October 8, 2024) — “I’m as proud of this record as any I’ve ever done,” says Lauren Talley of her upcoming album, A Lauren Talley Christmas, now available for pre-save ahead of its November 8 release. “From a production standpoint, bringing familiar songs to life in a fresh way is always a challenge, as is finding new songs that stand alongside the classics. I feel like we really got to expand our creativity here!”

Under the direction of her father and producer, Roger Talley, Lauren combines tradition and originality with finesse. This mix includes the uplifting new track, “Love Reaches Round the World,” as well as unique renditions of Carrie Underwood’s playful “Stretchy Pants” and the heartfelt “Who Would Imagine a King,” popularized by Whitney Houston. The arrangements span lush strings and lively rhythms, infusing each track with the season’s warmth. Throughout, Talley’s voice remains center stage, conveying the heart of each piece with grace and authenticity.

Among the album’s highlights is its focus track, bringing in a special collaboration that holds a sentimental touch for Lauren. “I’m especially excited to have The Inspirations lend their powerhouse vocals to ‘The Son Came Down,'” she notes, adding, “a song I’ve loved since they recorded it 15 years ago.” Lauren’s mother, Debra Talley, contributes an emotive narration, adding a meaningful layer to the song’s new interpretation.

The album also resurrects nostalgia with a reimagined 1988 arrangement of “Sleigh Ride,” a tune fondly remembered by fans of The Talleys. From the joyful swing of “Stretchy Pants” to the soulful medleys of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Rejoice!,” the collection embodies the joyous spirit of the holiday. “My hope,” Lauren says, “is that A Lauren Talley Christmas is an explosion of joy!”

About Lauren Talley

Lauren Talley’s artistry and impact in Christian music stem from a deep-rooted musical legacy. She made her debut on stage as a toddler, and since then, her journey has blossomed. As a core member of The Talleys, she has helped shape Southern Gospel, achieving eleven chart-topping singles and earning a Dove Award in 2015 for “Hidden Heroes.” Lauren’s voice has reached audiences across seven solo projects, including her dual-album release in 2019, Glorious God: Songs of Worship and Wonder and Loudest Praise: Hymns of Mercy, Love, and Grace. Her 2017 record, The Gospel, reached the top of Billboard’s Christian Inspirational chart, while her book Songs in the Night complements her 2010 album of the same title.

In addition to performing solo, Lauren lends her voice to Gaither Homecoming videos and RFD-TV’s The Music City Show. She has appeared on In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley and is a popular speaker at women’s conferences nationwide. Her impact was honored in 2014 with an honorary doctorate in Worship Arts from John Wesley University.

When she’s not recording or performing, Lauren supports upcoming artists as a vocal coach and studio producer, giving back to the industry she loves. And despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for sweet tea, Tennessee football, and family.

“My job as a communicator is to give people the truth of the Gospel,” says Lauren. “I want people to know that Jesus is everything — He’s the Answer the world is searching for, He’s the solution to all problems and He’s the only One in whom we have real hope. He called me to give people His message when I was 12 years old, and fulfilling that call is all I’ve ever really wanted.”

A Lauren Talley Christmas is now available for pre-save.