Best of 2010 – #8

Continuing with the countdown of the top 10 albums of 2010, landing at #8 is the latest recording by the Freemans.  Evidence was the first new recording by the Freemans since 2007.   I reviewed this album several weeks back.  As I mentioned in the review, the mainstream country melodies and strong gospel lyrics is the reason this album found its way into the top 10.

Personal favorites from the recording include:  “I Know My Way”, “The Father And The Son”, “Land Of Beulah”, “God That Never Changes” and “Sending Me Angels”.

Strong vocals, great country melodies and a sound that is one of a kind.  Evidence, #8 for 2010.

The Bowling Family landed in the Southern Gospel news in 2010 and unfortunately it wasn’t for their music.  Their bus accident back in July took them off the road for the remainder of the year.  They were touring up until the accident showcasing songs from their 2010 release, Shine. 

After picking up four #1 hits from their previous release, Faith To Believe, Shine has the potential of doing the same.  The #8 song for 2010 is “This Is Your Moment”.  The group was using this as their opening number in concerts.  That introduction song in the concert setting is so important.  It sets the mood for the entire program and “This Is Your Moment” was one of the best concert intro songs for the year.  Take a listen.

Best of 2010 – #9

The album I chose as 9th among the best albums of 2010 comes from the Hoppers.  Something’s Happening didn’t seem to create as much buzz as their previous release The Ride, but the recording is still full of great music.   The combination of Lari Goss (as producer) and the Hoppers have been a winning combination.

Personal favorites from this recording include:  “Something’s Happening”, “I’ve Been To Heaven”, “Victory Shall Be Mine”, “Nobody’s Too Bad Or Too Good”, “Could It Be I’m Dreaming” and “Living In The Arms Of Mercy”.

Another quality recording in line with previous releases and #9 among the best of 2010.

#9 among the top recorded songs of the year is “Hold On To Jesus” by Austins Bridge.  I know many will argue that Austins Bridge is not even a Southern Gospel artist, but this particular song was released to Southern Gospel radio and I believe it was a top 40 hit on the Singing News chart.

Austins Bridge just picked up a Grammy nomination for the recording, Times Like These, which contains this song selection.  The group has been staging this song in concert now for a couple of years, so I have been familiar with it for quite some time.  The song’s simple acoustic accompaniment and country vocal made it a favorite of mine.  A short clip is provided.

Best of 2010 – #10

Top Southern Gospel Albums of 2010

Starting Monday (12/13/10) I will begin to count down what I feel to be the top 10 albums and top 10 recorded songs of 2010.  I am listing the (40) albums I received in 2010 that the top 10 will come from.  2010 releases are based on record company release dates (release date listed).  The top 10 recorded songs will be songs recorded from the list of 2010 albums, not 2010 radio singles.  Here is the list of 2010 albums in alphabetical order.  What will be named the #1 album of 2010?   Tune in.

Biggest Southern Gospel News Stories of 2010 – Part 2

Today I will conclude the biggest Southern Gospel news stories of 2010.  As I had already concluded before I began this series, personnel changes do matter to the majority of Southern Gospel fans.  From someone who doesn’t find personnel moves all that important I would like for everyone to give me some insight on why it is important to you.

AUGUST

• It was announced Ernie Haase & Signature Sound would perform the national anthem at a NASCAR event in Atlanta.  The group received large praise from track officials after their performance.

 

SEPTEMBER

• Tony Greene passes away.**
• Karen Peck & New River was also involved in a bus accident.  While no one on the bus was seriously injured, the damage to the bus was extensive.
• Tracey Stuffle of the Perrys underwent successful heart surgery.
• The 100 year celebration at the National Quartet Convention was heralded as one of best moments of the week-long event.

 

OCTOBER

• Eric Hinson, who was a part of the Hinsons in the early ’80s, was involved in a major car accident.

 

NOVEMBER

• Fire broke out at a Southern Gospel concert in Ohio that featured the Nelons and Beyond the Ashes.  While no one was seriously injured several were taken to an area hospital for smoke inhalation.
• Singer/Songwriter Squire Parsons was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia. 
• Reunion in order as Jerry Goff announced a reunion concert for Jerry & the Goffs.

 

DECEMBER

• Close out the year with the announcement that Karen Peck would have a minor role in an upcoming movie featuring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.

 

**Tony Greene’s passing would also be one of the biggest news stories of 2010.  It is still hard to believe he is no longer with us.  I want to thank everyone who has dropped by in the last six months since starting this blog.  Your kind words and dialogue will keep me doing this into the new year.

Next up on the 2010 year in review:  Counting down the top 10 albums and top 10 recorded songs of 2010.

Biggest Southern Gospel News Stories of 2010 – Part 1

The sad truth about Southern Gospel news stories is that they are mainly dominated by personnel changes of who went where.  I don’t consider personnel changes to be news worthy so no personnel change will be included in this list of the biggest Southern Gospel news stories of 2010.  I am providing a time line of the biggest news stories of the year.  I will list part one today and finish up with part two tomorrow.

JANUARY

• Southern Gospel meets pop culture as Bryan Walker shows up on American Idol.  Even though he made it to Hollywood, he didn’t advance to the final 24.  Bryan now sings baritone with the Perrys.
• It was announced the Fan Awards would leave the National Quartet Convention for Dollywood.

 

FEBRUARY

• Jason Crabb’s Grammy win for his debut recording (added as a result of a viewer’s comment).
• The Hoppers had their first west coast tour in nearly a decade.

 

MARCH

• Southern Gospel’s 100 year celebration kicks off in Lawrenceburg Tennessee.

 

APRIL

• Politics meet Southern Gospel as it was announced that Sarah Palin would speak at the National Quartet Convention.
• Priscilla McGruder passed away after a long battle with cancer.
• Dove Brothers announced that they would be performing with a live band, something unheard of among today’s artists.

 

MAY

• Major flood damage in Nashville affected many within the music industry.

 

JUNE

• Ernie Haase & Signature Sound announced they would be doing a Cathedrals Tribute tour and recording.

 

JULY

• Bowling Family involved in major bus accident.**
• Doug Oldham passes away.

 

**I consider this to be one of the biggest news stories of 2010 in Southern Gospel music with the sheer coverage and use of social media to get news out to the public.  What do you think?  Of the months already covered (January to July) what do you consider the biggest news story?  Part two in this series will come tomorrow and will cover the remainder of the year (August to December).

Southern Gospel’s 2010 Year In Review

The year that was in Southern Gospel music is coming to a close.  Starting this week I will begin a series of posts that will place the spotlight on 2010.  I will provide a little commentary on all the highlights of this year in Southern Gospel music.  I will also be providing my list of the top 10 albums of the year, the top 10 recorded songs of 2010 and some of the top stories of the past year.

I will also take a glimpse at 2011 and offer a few predictions of what to look for in the new year.