Tag: reviews

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.

The Lore Family have Faith Over Fear on upcoming album

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (October 1, 2024) — As they prepare for the release of Faith Over Fear, The Lore Family’s fourth collection for Horizon Records coming soon on November 15, Darren Lore is in a reflective mood.  

“Years ago, in a small congregation, the Lord started to grow an unknown family into a singing ministry,” the Southern Gospel singer and songwriter recalls. “The first recording by The Lore Family was intended to serve as a reminder of those earliest years—but God had a greater plan.

“Soon,” he continues, “The Lore Family began to launch out from Southern Ohio into surrounding states. Those first few years of recording, singing and ministry went by so quickly. Fayth and Samuel grew up boldly standing beside Sandy and I on various stages. As a family, we grew musically, professionally and spiritually. We prayed to be united in our cause. We believed in the One who gave us the songs. Now, nearly 20 years later, The Lore Family is still singing for the Lord. What a blessing to be releasing our tenth project!”

Indeed, Faith Over Fear â€” now available for pre-save/add â€” offers a compelling musical testimonial to the power that emerges when an abundance of talent is married to unshakable faith. Built around the four singles the quartet has released in 2024, it’s a collection that spans a variety of musical moods and settings, yet never loses sight of The Lore Family’s underlying, Christ-centered purpose. Beginning with the opening track and first single, “God Said You’re Gonna Make It,” which features both Darren and Sandy Lore on a decades-old popular favorite, Faith Over Fear offers everything from soulful ballads like Fayth Lore Whisnant’s poignant “By Grace” to the bluegrass flavor of the title track, sung by Jake Whisnant, to the expansively orchestrated “There Was A Day When” and “I Wish They Could See Me Now,” to the robust rhythms of the album’s next focus track, Sandy Lore’s spirited reading of “Shaking Off The Dust” and the closing “I Keep Praying” â€” Darren Lore’s contribution of fully half of the album’s songs underlines even more deeply the unity of the Family’s artistic and spiritual approach.

“A lot has changed in The Lore Family over the past two decades,” observes Darren. “Change is inevitable in every life and ministry—but God has remained faithful and true. We know that, whatever tomorrow holds, we can choose ‘Faith Over Fear,’ In seasons of uncertainty, we can rest in Christ. 

“The Lore Family prays that this project outlives us,” he concludes. “Each song has a specific message that will stand the test of time. They’ve been recorded to challenge and encourage you. But, they have already served to strengthen our faith. The lyrics are powerful. Listen close and God will speak to you. Let the melody of each song fill your heart. It’s our heart’s desire that the lost will be found through the Gospel. We want you to be able to say ‘There Was a Day When’ Jesus saved me. Only God knows how He will use this recording. We yield our future to Him. ‘By Grace’ we’ve been saved through faith. And, we know that we will be kept in His care.”

Pre-save/add Faith Over Fear HERE.