Josh Turner – I Serve a Savior
Oct 30, 2018 CD Reviews
Josh Turner
I Serve a Savior
MCA Nashville
I still remember Turner’s debut and just how excited I was to hear what I thought was the epitome of style for country music. His booming baritone stirred up memories of when mom and dad played a lot of ‘70’s country music around the home. I wasn’t a big fan of country then, but the nostalgia of it all now has stirred up good memories when I’ve listened to Josh Turner.
I can’t believe it took this long for Turner to come out with a gospel album. At first I thought I must surely have missed a gospel album from him sometime in the past decade or more of albums. However, that’s not the case and his is his first such album. Since it was a long time coming, and a such a meaningful recording for him, Turner was very deliberate about his song selection. He also made sure that he added his own bit of flair without compromising the integrity of the original. Additionally, there are a couple of tracks that were recorded live, including his monumental hit “Long Black Train.” All together they make for a very wonderful experience and an admirable gospel album.
Some of the other standouts include “How Great Thou Art,” “The River (Of Happiness),” and “Amazing Grace.” I Serve a Savior is a great testament of Turner’s faith and an equal representation of his amazing talent. Check out https://joshturner.com/ for more details and some samples.
– Ken W.
for King & Country – Burn the Ships
Oct 6, 2018 CD Reviews
for King & Country
Burn the Ships
Curb | Word Entertainment
“Burn the Ships” is the third release from the critically acclaimed duo known as ‘for King & Country.” From my perspective, the duo has hit it off so well with their past two releases it is hard to believe this is only their third album. Their style of up-tempo pop and lyrical inspiration have propelled them to pop-sensation rapidly. I would say that songs like their lead single, “joy,” and the rhythmic “God Only Knows,” and the progressive “Amen” on their latest release is likely to reinforce that prominence even further.
I read what they had to say about the title and thought that it was interesting;
“Years ago, we learned about an explorer who arrived in a foreign land with his ships and men,” Joel explains. “After they proved too afraid to explore the new territory, the explorer called his men to shore and ordered them to ‘burn the ships,’ so they could only move forward. So many of us are bound by shame and guilt from our pasts, but there’s hope! Let’s step into a new day together as we share with you our journey, Burn the Ships.”
Additionally, when I listen to the whole album I am also drawn to the more tender side on songs like “Need You More” and “Control.” These are songs that go beyond snappy soundtracks and infections choruses.
Overall, “Burn the Ships” is a well-rounded release that exhibits maturity typically found in more veteran artist. For more information on for King & Country or “Burn the Ships” check out their official website at https://www.forkingandcountry.com/.
– Ken W.
