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"

Back to Blogging

I have returned from my blogging sabbatical. I've got several CD reviews, concert recaps and more to post in the next few weeks. Hopefully now that summer is here, I'll be back to a more routine blogging schedule!

For this post, here are a few news items that I missed during the break -

• Logan Smith joined 11th Hour. Grant Gibson's departure (to Karen Peck & New River) left the third vocalist spot in the group empty. Logan filled in after Grant's departure and has now officially become the third member of the group.
• Karen Peck Gooch was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held on May 8 in Nashville.
• Jason Crabb was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on May 11, 2018 during an induction ceremony in Mount Vernon, KY at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.
• Congratulations to Destiny Rambo McGuire and Joel Khouri on their marriage. The two were married on March 10, 2018 in a small private ceremony at the Nashville home of her parents, Dony McGuire and Reba Rambo McGuire.
• The top 5 Singing News Fan Award nominations were announced a couple of weeks ago. Voting will begin in July, but see the nominees here.

Catching Up and Taking a Break

I know I've been a little MIA recently, but just wanted to catch up on a few news items recently -

• The Kingsmen announced this week that Bob Sellers is leaving the group the second week of June. He's been at the lead singer position for almost seven years. Bob will be focusing his time on the entrepreneurship he’s established in his hometown area as well enjoying more family time. Pray for Bob and the group as they make this transition. Bob will definitely be missed on the road, but I definitely understand and respect his decision. His daughter will actually be playing basketball for the University of West Alabama next year, so he'll have the chance to be at more games for her as well as his younger children who are both active in their school. If you would like to audition for the Kingsmen, please send a demo, photo and bio to Kingsmenauditions@gmail.com. 
• Voting is now open for round 2 of the Singing News Fan Awards for subscribers. Go here to vote now.
• Please be in prayer for the family of Mary Ann Gaither Addison, who passed away on Wednesday, April 25 after suffering complications from a pulmonary infection.
• Christy Sutherland and Matt Dudney are very proud to announce the birth of their baby boy. Kenneth John Matthew Dudney was born on March 27, 2018 at 8:01 a.m., weighing 5 lbs 14 oz.

In other news, you may have noticed that posts have not been as frequent lately. I've been to several concerts and have CDs lined up to review, but time has been an issue. In addition to my full-time job, I also teach a class at a local college. Between the jobs and other commitments, the blog has unfortunately taken a back seat. Posting will probably continue to be sporadic for the next few weeks while I wrap up the semester. Sorry, but I hope to get back up to speed after a mini break!