Joy In The Journey – McKameys

OVERALL RATING: 7.71

CRITERIA:

1. Creativity/Originality = 7
2. Lyrical Content = 9
3. Production = 7.5
4. Song Selection = 7.5
5. My Recommendation = 7.55 (10 song average)

 

The McKameys long and storied recording career continues with their newest effort Joy In The Journey.  Still recording for Horizon Records, Joy In The Journey was made available via digital download on 03/01/11 and will hit retail outlets on 03/15/11.

The McKameys were launched on the national Southern Gospel scene when they began recording for Morningstar Records back in 1981.  They received their first #1 song on the Singing News chart in 1984 with “Who Put The Tears”.  It would be their 1988 signature song, “God On The Mountain” that would propel this family group to top-tier status within the industry.  They have been non-stop ever since and hold the record for the most #1 songs of any artist in Singing News chart history.

Consistency is one attribute the McKameys carry into each new recording.  The Appalachian mountain style vocal delivery defines the McKameys.  As soon as one of their songs come on the radio there is no denying who is performing.

Joy In The Journey starts with the weakest song on the entire recording, “I Have A Great Savior”.  The ultra slow melody never melds with the vocal delivery.  It is time for the group to re-record one of their classics “Victory Is Sweet”.  Maybe that should be a consideration for the next album.

The gems on this album pick up at the title cut, “Joy In The Journey”.  I enjoy the rich alto tones of Sheryl Farris.  She was featured on the group’s #1 hit from last year “The Shepherd’s Point Of View”.  Her vocal delivery on “Joy In The Journey” could find the McKameys with another #1 song.  This should definitely be considered for a radio single.

Two other songs that are #1 potentials for the McKameys are “When Faith Steps In” and “God Doesn’t Think Like Me”.  “When Faith Steps In” has one of the best lyrics on the entire recording.  Driving home the point of trusting God now when we just don’t understand but then closing the song with finally getting to the place (in Heaven) where faith will end.  This song was an immediate repeat when listening to the recording.

Eli Fortner has a feature on this new recording, “All That Matters”.  The only song that really steps away from the McKameys style and is presented with more of a country sound.  The final song on the recording, “I Made It By Grace”, is going to work well in the live concert setting.  I can see excitement already with this tune.

Are the McKameys going to pick up any new fans with Joy In The Journey, probably not.  But the group’s current fan base will not be disappointed with this newest recording.  The likelihood of a couple more #1 songs are not out of the question.  The McKameys continue to present their brand of Southern Gospel music just as they always have and their fans wouldn’t have it any other way.  

SONG LIST: 1. “I Have A Great Savior” 2. “Glorify The Lord In The Fire” 3. “All Is Well” 4. “Joy In The Journey” 5. “When Faith Steps In” 6. “Remember When” 7. “He Gave” 8. “All That Matters” 9. “God Doesn’t Think Like Me” 10. “I Made It By Grace”