Count Me In - The Hoppers - CD Review

The Hoppers' latest album Count Me In is slated to release on October 22. However, fans can purchase copies now from the group. The album, produced by Claude, Dean, Michael and Kim Hopper and Michael Sykes, is another strong project for one of the favorite families of gospel music.

There are several standout songs that I found myself hitting repeat on. The first one is "I'll Take You Home." I first heard the song when I saw the Hoppers in Branson, and I knew instantly this would be one of my new favorite Hopper songs. The second verse features Connie, while on the first verse the group sings together.

The title track "Count Me In", written by Ronny Hinson, features Dean. It's another one that I saw them sing live before hearing the album and another great uptempo song. It's their latest radio single.

"He Didn't Just Carry the Cross He Carried Me" is a song that Kim shines on. It's not an elaborate arrangement that really allows Kim's voice and the lyrics of the song to be the focus.

"I Wish We'd All Been Ready" is not one that I expected to see on a Hopper album. However, Connie does a beautiful job on this song, and it's definitely one that stands out. The Hoppers have even done a concept video to go with the song that was played at NQC.

There are three Gaither songs on the project: "I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen," "I'll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus" and "I Will Serve Thee." I really enjoyed the group's rendition of the first one. The other two are songs that the group has had recorded on other albums (Gaither's Homecoming Tent Revival and The Best of the Hoppers). While they are strong songs vocally for the group, it would have been nice for something new. The same goes for "If I Can Help Somebody."

Overall, the albums is yet another great release from the Hoppers. There are several stand out songs that I can see climbing the charts for them. I don't think it's my favorite Hopper release in recent years, but still a very strong project.

Song List:
1. "Mighty is the Word"
2. "That's What I Love About Him"
3. "I'll Take You Home"**
4. "He Didn't Just Carry the Cross He Carried Me"**
5. "I Just Feel Like Something Good's About to Happen"**
6. "If I Can Help Somebody"
7. "Count Me In"**
8. "I'll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus"**
9. "I Am Whatever You Need"
10. "I Will Serve Thee"
11. "I Wish We'd All Been Ready"

** Personal Favorites