National Quartet Convention 2018 - Tuesday Night

The second night of the 2018 National Quartet Convention is in the books. I watched most of tonight's evening concert missing only a little bit at the beginning. I hate that I missed seeing the Kingsmen not getting a chance to see the new lineup of this group.

Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night:


Highlights and Commentary - 

• One of my favorite things is to see the "scrap iron" groups come together. Jim Brady organized the Confused Quartet with himself on lead, Chris Allman on bass, Susan Whisnant on baritone and Nick Trammell on tenor. They sang "Winging My Way Back Home." I was very impressed with Chris' bass! 
• There were sweet tributes tonight from Kelly Nelon Clark and Sheri Easter to their parents. Kelly talked about how she had lost both of her parents early before singing "Going Home." Of course, Sheri just lost her mother Polly about a month ago and they played a clip of her singing with the Lewis Family from a Gaither Homecoming video. 
• It was good to see a few of the daughters of gospel music get the spotlight tonight. Karlye Hopper sang her song "My Ransom" on main stage tonight and Jason Crabb's daughter, Ashleigh, came up to sing with him on "Short Are the Years."
• Again, it was good to hear some of the new songs from albums releasing this week. Joseph sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" with the Erwins from his new duet album. Riley Harrison Clark sang one from his new solo project, "You Will Be Found."
• Gerald Wolfe joined Legacy Five on "Champion of Love" tonight toward the end of the evening. It was good to hear he and Scott Fowler collaborate on this Cathedrals classic.

Favorite Performances - 

• "Going Home" - Nelons
• "Cheer the Weary Traveler" - Second Half Quartet
• "Wayfaring Stranger" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "I Love You This Much" - The Whisnants
• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" - Joseph Habedank and the Erwins
• "Grace At Its Best" - Tribute Quartet
• "There Is Jesus" - The McKameys
• "Song of Moses" - The Hoppers
• "I Know He Heard My Prayer" - Greater Vision
• "Through the Fire" - Jason Crabb
• "Champion of Love" - Legacy Five

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidibits - July 7

Here are some news items from this past week in Southern Gospel music -

• Keep the Lovelace family in your prayers. Tim's dad, Harold, passed away on Sunday, July 1. The service was held on Thursday.
• The final round of voting for the Singing News Fan Awards ends on Friday, July 13. Subscribers can vote now here.
• Jason Crabb was featured on the Jesus Calling podcast. You can listen to it here.

Anything I've missed?

Unexpected - Jason Crabb - CD Review

Jason Crabb released Unexpected in April. The project is his fourth mainstream solo release, and I think it's his best one yet! Jason brings a sound to Southern Gospel that is uniquely his own.

"Expect the Unexpected" kicks the project off. This catchy song has a more modern country feel. This is the perfect opening song.

It slows back down with "Day One." There's a nice vulnerability in Jason's deliverance of this song. It's a yearning to go back to the moment when Jesus first saved us - when life was simpler, it was easier to hear His voice, when we first experience His love.

Jason has a little help on "Chose to Be My Friend" from Gary LeVox (with Rascal Flatts). This is probably one of my favorite songs on the album. Gary's voice is so recognizable, but the two complement each other really well. Definitely a track not to skip listening to! Gary LeVox was not the only guest vocalist on the project. Jason is joined by Kaya Jones on "Let It Be Love." I'll confess though I had to Google her to see who she was.

"Short Are the Years" is a song that I can see also doing well on mainstream country radio. It's a song that is reminiscent of parenthood. I really like the play on the words with the song - long are the days with all the extra activities, but short are the years when you look back. I think this a great song for Jason with his girls now into their teen years.

"Washed By the Water" is a more progressive sounding song. I like it starts with the guitar and then goes to the brass on the chorus. "Love Will Have the Final Word" is also a more uptempo, progressive song. These songs are great on the album, but with Jason's live band, I know live will be even better!

"He Made You" is another one of my favorites. It's a powerful reminder that God always sees the next step in our lives and is working things out for our good. It's a love song that has a similar message to "When God Made You." However, I love some of the creation comparisons at the beginning of this song that doesn't make it strictly a love song. "He was thinking about the dark when He made the sun" and "He was thinking about forever before He started on day one." It's a beautiful reminder that God knows us from beginning to end. Also, I think I hear Sonya Isaacs Yeary helping him with some background vocals on this song.

I had the chance to hear "The Love in Your Heart Knows the Way" at NQC last year. It's a nice way to close the album. It brings a lot of the messages from the album full circle. The choir backing him up contains his daughters and nieces, which is a great touch!


Songs to Put on Repeat - "Chose to Be My Friend" and "He Made You"
Songs to Turn Up - "Expect the Unexpected" and "Washed By the Water"



Song List -
1. "Expect the Unexpected"
2. "Day One"
3. "Chose to Be My Friend"
4. "Mercy We Can't Go Beyond"
5. "Let It Be Love"
6. "Short Are the Years"
7. "Washed by the Water"
8. "He Made You"
9. "Love Will Have the Final Word"
10. "The Love in Your Heart Knows the Way"

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - March 31

Here are news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Karen Peck & New River announced that Grant Gibson will join the group this week. Grant was with 11th Hour previously.
• Logan Smith will be filling in with 11th Hour during this transition time as they look for a new singer.
• The Hoppers will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place in October 2018.
• Season 4 of Main Stage started last weekend on TBN with Jason Crabb as the host. It has a refreshed format featuring performances from the 2017 NQC.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - September 23

Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel music -

• Jason Crabb will join Selah on the “Your Love Is Unbreakable” tour this fall. It is presented by World Vision and will start tonight. It is scheduled to be in 13 cities during the months of September, October and November.
• Smacker Bats has partnered with Matt Felts to release a special edition bat. The company is now offering a “Matt Felts Signature Series” baseball bat. The bat has Matt Felts signature and logo on the barrel of the bat.
• The Griffith Family reached an exclusive recording and distribution deal with Newday Records, a division of Daywind Music Group and Newday Distribution.
• Karen Peck and New River, the Talleys, Highroad and Emily Ann Roberts have kicked off The Gospel Through Girls and Guitars Tour. This tour will be in fall 2017 and continuing into the spring 2018. 

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 13

Here are some news items in Southern Gospel music from this past week -

• Pray for Dean Hopper, who has three strokes in the last week. In December he had two strokes and doctors found that he only has one vertebral vein. This has now become 80-90% blocked causing the recent strokes. On Monday he will have surgery to have a stent placed in the vein. 
• Freedom Quartet announced the addition of Nathan Parrish as the group's new piano player. He formerly played with the Florida Boys.
• The Dove Award nominees were announced last week. See the full list of nominees here. 
• TaRanda Greene made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry last weekend with Dailey and Vincent. She sang "Go Rest High on That Mountain" in memory of Glen Campbell.
• Jason Crabb will be inducted in the Kentucky Gospel Music Hall of Fame as part of its 2018 class. The ceremony will take place in May 2018.
• Pray for the family of Lisa Hamblen Jaserie, CEO of Hamblen Music Company and singer/songwriter, who passed away this past week at age 79.
• Pray for Aaron Wilburn and family. His brother Jackie passed away on Thursday. 

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - November 19

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Jason Crabb has partnered with New Day Christian Distributers to make his Jase the Crabb children's book series available to the Christian retail market. Lifeway Christian Stores and independent retailers will carry the series along with the Jase® the Crabb plush figure. 
• Prayers requested for Soul'd Out's Ian Owens' son Liam who has a tumor called a polyp lesion in his bowel. He will have to have surgery for removal next week. 
• The Music City Show will have taping for its fifth season on Monday and Tuesday. Guests include Triumphant Quartet, Lauren Talley, Brian Free & Assurance and more! Reserve your tickets now by emailing: tickets@themusiccityshow.com. 
• Allegiance Trio announced a new video series that they will be launching to go along with the release of their new album. See the full video of the announcement.
• Cliff Barrows passed away at the age of 93 this week. He was the music and program director for Billy Graham Crusades. 

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Jason Crabb and Point of Grace

Happy Friday to everyone! A few weeks ago I got the chance to see Jason Crabb and Point of Grace in concert in Arkansas. To be honest, I was a Point of Grace fan far longer than I have been a Southern Gospel fan. They got their start here in Arkansas. And, I went to college the same place as they did (or at least two of the three).

It was a great night of music and worship. I loved seeing those artists together! Point of Grace has definitely made an impression in the Southern Gospel world. Check out this clip of them on TBN and then a Facebook Live video I did from the concert for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - February 20

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in gospel music (updated Feb. 21) -

• Prayers requested for Ed O'Neal who was not feeling well during a photo shoot on Friday. He was taken to an urgent care clinic and then a hospital where they identified an infection. He was immediately put on antibiotics. They also helped control his blood pressure and lower his fever. For more info, watch the Dixie Melody Boys Facebook page. 
• Pray for Lisa Williamson as she recovers from an emergency appendectomy she had this weekend.
• Karen Peck and New River and Jason Crabb attended the Grammys this week in LA. Both were nominated this year for Roots Gospel Album and Contemporary Christian album respectively.
• Prayers requested for the family of Scott Spangler who passed away this week. He sang baritone for Naomi & the Segos for many years. His funeral will be held in Bristol, Tennessee on Monday.

Anything I've missed?

National Quartet Convention 2015 - Wednesday Night Recap

I was off and on tonight watching the webcast. Tomorrow night I hope to be able to watch all of it. I caught a set and a half before I went to church and then was able to catch the end of the Erwins' set through the finale.

I was able to see the Jim Brady Trio and part of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound before I went to church. The Jim Brady Trio is really sounding fantastic!  They had some issues with their mics, but that didn't stop them! They kept rolling with it. Melissa shared the story of her dad coming to Christ, and what an amazing testimony! Then she sang "Greatest of All Miracles," incredible moment!!

Someone who knows more about the history of NQC than I do, is Ernie Haase and Signature Sound the first artist to ever throw frisbees into the audience? They did this in Branson with the song "Happy People" but I didn't expect that during NQC! Definitely livened up the place! Dustin Doyle was then featured on "Redemption Draweth Nigh," which is when I was sad that I had to turn it off!

I tuned in back in time to catch the end of the Erwins with "I Choose to Be a Christian." Love this young group!

The Hoppers were another highlight of the night. I love that they are including the Hopper Brothers 2.0 so much. This lineup sounds great! It's great seeing Claude and Connie back on stage with the family. I love all the different combinations of voices that the Hoppers offer fans now.

Jason Crabb had a strong set that featured a couple of new songs. Really liked "If I Shout!" And I love that he pulled Kelly Bowling on stage with him to sing "Through the Fire." He and Gerald Wolfe co-hosted the night. They are funny together and play off each other well. It was funny how they kept plugging their own CDs and teasing about their favorite songs from the other one's album. 

The Booth Brothers' set was also a highlight of the night. I love hearing Ronnie Booth on "Then I Met the Master." They paid tribute to Mosie Lister tonight. They ended their set with "Still Feelin' Fine" where they pulled up both Steve Ladd and Jim Brady to help them close!

I love how they are doing the finales each night. The entire Heritage of Gold set was amazing!! Heritage of Gold included Gold City, the LeFevre Quartet, Steve Ladd, Jay Parrack and Vocal Event and Wilburn and Wilburn. The band even included Gold City alum Jeff Easter on bass. They sang favorites like "When I Get Carried Away," "One Scarred Hand" and "Not Giving Up." Tim Riley was there and featured on "Under Control," sounding great! They ended the night with "Midnight Cry," perfect end to the night!!

Highlights of the Night - 

• "Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Truth Is Marching On" - Legacy Five (with Jim Brady)
• "Jesus Saves" - LeFevre Quartet
• "Something's Happening" - The Hoppers
• "If I Shout" - Jason Crabb
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "Midnight Cry" - Heritage of Gold

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - July 25

Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Congratulations to Jason Crabb who got a street named after him in his hometown of Beaver Dam, Kentucky!
• This week Lawrenceburg, Tennessee held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the newly-remodeled James D. Vaughan Museum in conjunction with the James D. Vaughn Quartet Festival that has been going on this week. It is the location of the Vaughan Publishing Company of the early 1900s. The museum opened 15 years ago. 
• Gold City made an official announcement about Chris West as its bass singer this week on Facebook. Chris has been with the group almost a year since Tim Riley suffered a stroke last July. Tim will still be at the occasional concert and event, but Chris is the group's primary bass singer.
• Congratulations to Matthew Holt and his wife Lindsey who welcomed a baby boy, Huely "Carver" Holt on July 21!

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - December 5

Here are some news and recent tidbits from this week in gospel music -

• Will Lane has returned to the Anchormen as the group's bass singer. Read more.
• Steve French announced his retirement from gospel music. Read more.
• Jason Crabb is doing some select Christmas tour dates with country singer Trace Adkins. 
• Congratulations to Trey Ivey and his bride to be! He got engaged around Thanksgiving Day.
• Tim Rackley's (Old Paths) daughter will be having a kidney transplant on December 18. Please pray for the family.
• Congratulations to the Gaither Vocal Band and the Martin's on receiving Grammy nominations yesterday.
• Abraham Productions announced a new event in Ohio for 2015. Find out more at www.AbrahamProductions.net.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 28

Here are a few news worthy items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Congratulations to the Perrys' Andrew Goldman on getting married this past week. He married fiance Rebecca Helms.
• Ernie Haase and Signature Sound members are using their vacation time to answer your questions. You can submit your questions by email to the group members. Check out Southern Gospel Yankee's blog for more details. 
• Sisters announced on their Facebook page that their ministry will be taking a shift. They will release a new project this summer and then take a sabbatical from touring to focus on this new endeavor. 
• The 2014 SGMA inductions will take place at the National Quartet Convention on the main stage in multiple ceremonies. 
• Jason  Crabb has signed with Reunion Records a part of Provident Label Group. This new deal will allow him to branch out more into Christian AC. Read the full release.

Released this week - 

• Nelons - A Cappella Hymns

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Polar Plunge

This week a number of Southern Gospel artists have been plunging into cold water for a good cause. The Bridge, a ministry in Nashville, Tenn. started by Candy Christmas, helps feed and clothe the homeless in Nashville. Learn more about the Bridge.

Candy issued a 24 hour Cold Water Challenge to have friends jump in a pool of cold water and donate money for the ministry. Several artists including Jeff, Sheri and Morgan Easter, Jason Crabb and Tanya Goodman Sykes. Kudos to these artists for participating and for sharing their videos.

Here are two videos below from Facebook of Sheri Easter and Jason Crabb participating!

Post by Jeff & Sheri Easter.

Post by Jason Crabb.

Top Albums of 2013

I'm taking a short break from the top moments of the year countdown for a look at the top albums of the year. The #1 Top Moment will be crowned tomorrow!

Before I look at the top overall albums, let's look at what I consider to be the top albums from different categories. For this countdown, I'm only looking at albums I've reviewed this year that are mainstream releases from artists not specialty projects.

Top Soloist Albums -
1. Jason Crabb - Love Is Stronger
2. Devin McGlamery - Love is a Verb

Top Mixed Group Albums -
1. Bowling Family - Safe After the Storm
2. Karen Peck & New River - Revival

Top Trio Albums -
1. Beyond the Ashes - Living in the Moment
2. Greater Vision - For All He's Done

Top Quartet Albums -
1. Triumphant Quartet - The Greatest Story
2. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - Glorious Day

When I review projects, I listen to it over and over and over. One of the defining aspects of a really great album is when I still want to keep listening to it. So here's what I consider to be the top 5 overall -

5. Revival by Karen Peck & New River - This album is full of great songs, several of them written by Karen Peck Gooch. The title song is one of my favorites that was released this year. Highlights include "Revival," "Everybody's Going Through Something," "You Did It Anyway," "Dancing Like Lazarus" and "I've Been Broken."

4. For All He's Done by Greater Vision - Only one song on this project was not written by a member of Greater Vision. There's not a weak song of the 10 songs on the project. It's solid and strong, exactly what fans have come to expect from this beloved trio. Highlights include "Looking for the Grace," "This Is Mercy," "I Can Trust You," "Seeking for Me" and "For All He's Done."

3. Safe After the Storm by The Bowling Family - This is the group's first project with Hope Bowling and Troy Peach as vocalists. The project speaks to the core of where this group is and how they have made it through the storm. Highlights include "Somebody's Believing," "I Know Enough," "I'm Glad I'm Saved," "That's What I Miss the Most" and "Just What I Need."

2. Living in the Moment by Beyond the Ashes - This is the first album review I did for this year, and this is one project I kept coming back to. It set the bar high with great ballads and uptempo numbers and even taking a nonsecular song and putting a Southern Gospel spin on it. Highlights include "Living in the Moment," "Over for Good," "When Love Whispers Your Name," "Peace in the Midst of the Storm" and "Oh the Thought that Jesus Loves Me."

1. Love Is Stronger by Jason Crabb - This project truly has something for everyone with many different genres being represented with the song selection. It shows the versatility of Jason as an artist and how he can widen the appeal of Southern Gospel with his reach. "That's What the Blood Is For" is one of the strongest songs released this year and is one of the more Southern Gospel songs on the project. While stylistically it might be different from strictly Southern Gospel, the messages of the songs are all gospel and all come together to show that "love is stronger." Highlights include "That's What the Blood Is For,""Love Is Stronger," "Let Mercy Hold You,""Satisfied" and "God's Up to Something."

Jason Crabb's Love Is Stronger Music Video

Jason Crabb had the premiere of his music video yesterday with USA Today. The video stars Ashley DeRamus, who has Down syndrome. She started the Ashley DeRamus Foundation to raise awareness about people with Down syndrome and also launched a clothing line specifically designed for women with the Down syndrome. She has received 43 Special Olympics competitive medals.

I have to say of all the Southern Gospel music videos I have seen, this has to be my favorite. It effectively tells a story and communicates the message of the song beautifully! And the story might not be what you expect, but it definitely sends the message of "love is stronger." Check it out below!

NQC Night 2 Highlights and Recap

Whatever problems that plagued the webcast on night one, thankfully were not as present for night two.   There was only one moment that will be addressed later where it seemed everyone was having problems.

Tonight overall to me was stronger than last night. Most of the groups seemed to have solid sets. But here are the standout points for me - 

• It was incredible to see the support behind Libbi Perry Stuffle for being there. I loved the Perrys' set tonight. "When He Spoke" was one of the songs of the night in my book! I also thought it was neat how they showed the video of Tracy singing "Plan of Salvation" from NQC 2011 (I believe) with them singing with him live. Although, I do have to say it was funny on the webcast to see the group as it was then with Joseph and hear David on lead.
• The only point where the webcast really gave me issues was probably the must-see moment of the night - The Cathedrals Reunion song. I caught only bits and pieces, but enough to know that it was a highlight even with a few missing words! :)
• Jason Crabb continues to show how incredible he is as a solo artist. He did get some help though tonight from his daughter Ashleigh. She really has a great voice for her age, and despite some nerves had a great performance! Jason closed his set with "That's What the Blood Is For," love that song and another highlight of the night!
• I liked seeing Jason reprise his role on "Searchin'" with the Talleys. I'm not sure if it was planned or not, but I was definitely in favor of it!
• I always find it interesting to see what musicians are playing for what groups during NQC. You never know what artist might be there to pitch in! It seemed that Jeff and Sheri Easter and the Whisnants made an even trade tonight. Ethan Whisnant played for Jeff and Sheri, and Jeff and Sheri's drummer, Landan, played for the Whisnants.
• Speaking of Jeff and Sheri, I really liked them hosting tonight. Jeff Easter trying to fill time at the end got pretty comical! They also had a strong set as performers. 
• They definitely saved some of the strongest sets for the end with the run of the Perrys, Talleys, Whisnants and Brian Free and Assurance. It was good to hear a new song by the Whisnants, "Move That Stone," from their new album which I'm looking forward to getting. Brian Free and Assurance seemed to get the audience into "Long as I Got King Jesus" even given the late hour.
• Karen Peck and New River also debuted songs from their new album. I thought they had a strong set closing with the forever favorite "Four Days Late, " but being so early in the night it's sometimes easy to forget a group that was five hours ago. 
• This was my first chance to see Gold City with Robert Fulton on tenor. And I didn't get a chance to catch their full set, but enough to know that I really like what he brings to the group. Loved hearing him on "Calvary Conquers It All!"

What did you think? What moments stood out to you?

Jason Crabb "Love Is Stronger" Music Video

Last Thursday, Jason Crabb had his music video shoot for "Love Is Stronger" around the Birmingham area. The music video shoot caught the attention of a number of local news outlets. The video involved 30-year-old Ashley DeRamus who founded an organization for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality lifestyle of children and adults with Down syndrome. The video will also be used by her foundation to promote the awareness of Down syndrome. Many local kids with Down syndrome were also used in the video.

The full video, according to reports, will tell the story of a father leaving his daughter who has Down syndrome (played by DeRamus) to go off to war. The father is severely wounded, but fights to recover so he can return home to his daughter.

I think this is a great take on this song. Music videos can sometimes take a song in a different direction than you might think, but I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product here. It's awesome how Jason is involving the Down syndrome community with not only the video shoot, but also allowing them to use it for their organization.

Read more about the video shoot and watch interviews from the shoot at http://www.myfoxal.com/story/23024935/local-down-syndrome-advocate-stars-in-music-video

When Lyrics Speak - Satisfied - Jason Crabb

One of my favorite projects that's been released this year is Jason Crabb's Love Is Stronger. The album is full of incredible songs, but one particularly has been on my mind lately.

The album closes with a song called "Satisfied." I think it's safe to say that most of the time when we see a title like "Satisfied" we think about how God satisfies our needs and He is enough for us. We need to be satisfied with where God has us and what He has for us. This song has a different take on "satisfied."

The song starts out talking about the blessings of God and all that He has done and provided. It asks "how could I ask for more." The song fully recognizes satisfaction in God with the way He has cared for us.

But then it asks the question, God, are you satisfied with me? I know so many more times I'm more concerned with my satisfaction in God rather than His satisfaction with me. "Hear my plea may it be that You are satisfied with me."

I find myself guilty of focusing on my wants and reminding myself that He is enough and to just be satisfied in Him. What am I doing to make sure He is satisfied with way I am living my life? It's far easier when I stop to think about all He has done for me for me to be satisfied in Him than to think that He would be satisfied with what I have done. Today's (and I'm sure tomorrow and the next week's as well) challenge for myself is to live my life in a way that God might be more satisfied with me.

Love Is Stronger - Jason Crabb - CD Review

Jason Crabb released his sophomore solo project Love Is Stronger on March 12, 2013. Jason came off a great year last year being named as Male Vocalist of the Year and Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards. Jason has become not only one of the top artists in Southern Gospel but all of Christian music.

Jason branches outside Southern Gospel for this project, but for those who enjoy Jason's style and his first solo project will love this one.

"What the Blood Is For" - This is my favorite song from the album. It's also his first single. While stylistically it might not be typical southern gospel, the message of the cross and the gospel is undeniable. It's such a power song!

"Let Mercy Hold You" - This song has more of a pop feel, but the song has a great message that listeners should not overlook. Incredible song and incredible lyrics, definitely one of the standout songs on the album!

"Love Is Stronger" - Jason sang this at the Tracy Stuffle Benefit concert on March 19. He explained how this song reminded him of a situation he and his wife and how she was overcoming some health problems. It was such a touching moment  with him singing it for Libbi and Tracy and how much it applied to them as well. During my initial listening, this wasn't a standout song to me, and I'm not sure why because now it's been on repeat several times. However, after hearing it live in that setting and the sweet story of how it fit Jason and Shellye, it took on a whole new meaning.

"Satisfied" is raw Jason Crabb. The simple arrangement really shows off his vocals and lets the emotions and and feeling of the song come through. Beautiful song!

On "Living Life Upside Down," Jason delivers a more country performance on this song. The project is filled with mostly slower tempo songs, so this uptempo song is a nice break. "God's up to Something" is another uptempo song that stands out. To me this one sounds more Crabb Family style and one that could have been on their last album released in 2012. The same goes for "Give." With these more country songs, I wonder if one will also be released on mainstream country radio. "God's up to Something" would be my preference.

Kari Jobe teams up with Jason Crabb on "Love Wins." This duet is incredible, their voices are great together. Michael English and Joyce Martin Sanders also lend their vocals to this project on "There's Not a Crown (Without a Cross)."


Album Rating - 4.75 stars - If you are strictly Southern Gospel and a more traditional style fan, this might not be your favorite project, but don't let the style prohibit you from enjoying an amazing project that's full of the gospel message. Jason is such a dynamic vocalist. Song selection is diverse, which really adds to the project and shows what Jason can do. And he can do it all, his voice really fits all the styles represented on Love Is Stronger. It's definitely a must-buy of the year, and I suspect it will be among the top of albums released in 2013.


Song List:

1. "Give"
2. "What the Blood Is For" **
3. "Let Mercy Hold You" **
4. "Living Life Upside Down"
5. "Love Is Stronger" **
6. "Morning"
7. "There's Not a Crown (Without a Cross)
8. "God's up to Something" **
9. "Love Wins" **
10. "Near"
11. "Satisfied" **

** personal favorites