Customer Reviews

Best of the Gaither Vocal Band

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is everything I hoped it would be and more! Being in my late 40's most of these songs are from my teens/early adult years. The arrangements, superb smooth harmonies [accompanied and acapella], and uplifting individual voices make for a moving, spirit inspired, joyous and worshipful CD. These guys aren't merely performing songs for entertainment's sake but sing with passion, from the heart and their obvious love for the Lord. They are gifted worship leaders singing for all they're worth and take me along with them. I have thrashed the CD since I got it last week and can't get enough of it. As enjoyable as the Homecoming series is, to have only the GVB do their finest is something I have longed waited for. Group memebers may have changed over the years but the sound is enduring. Please Bill give us another - some of my favourites are missing!

This 37-song, 2 CD collection contains fun, upbeat songs, traditional southern gospel, and lovely worship songs. You'll find classics written by Bill Gaither such as "He Touched Me" and "The King is Coming" (co-written with Gloria Gaither.) The most modern song on the collection is "Second Fiddle" written by David Phelps.
The GVB has changed membership many times over the years, and you will hear from the likes of Mark Lowry, Michael English, Guy Penrod, David Phelps, Russ Taff, and the newest member, Marshall Hall. The vocal harmony is impeccable...especially heard on the acappella songs.
One disclaimer: If you are looking for very early GVB material, it's not on this collection. Most of the songs are from the 1990's to the present.

For those not particularly interested in gospel singing, this CD may not appeal to you. We do enjoy the Gaithers and have several DVDs and CDs in our collection. We have especially enjoyed David Phelps who is no longer with the group, and we do miss his high tenor stylings that just make you want to stand up and clap.

I have been listening to the vocal band for 10 years now and absolutely love the CD because it allows me to have all my favorites in one place and gives me a few new ones to listen to also. I aboslutely adore Guy and David and couldn't wait to buy this CD. Hope it brings joy to everyone else like it does me.

Let me first start by saying that I've been an amateur studier of southern gospel music since I was just a kid (about 30 years now). I'm not a professional, but I am a lover of music, and even more specifically Southern Gospel. I'll get right down to my thoughts on each song. Please forgive any typos you might find.

CD 1:

Get Together With The Lord - Not one of my favorites, but more about my personal preferences, because the song has some great vocals and very nice sounding harmonies.

Hide Thou Me - I'm not normally one who goes for the "organ" sound, but this is one of my favorites for this CD - There is something about this song that touches me on a very personal basis. I think I might utter this same plea often in my life. A very soulful rendition of the song that you can feel deep into your core.

Lo Down the Chariot - I can't help by snap my fingers along with the music. And I find myself wailing "Ride Onnnnnnnnnnnn" right there with them.

I Heard it First on the Radio - very soothing, peaceful song that tends to draw one's mind back to a quieter, gentler, less complicated time in life.

Second Fiddle - Even before I knew that David Phelps had penned this song, it was already one of my favorites. The sound is sharp and edgy, and it tells a story that our mind can follow....and how true....God don't play second fiddle......with all the economic woes we are facing today, the second verse about the man being betrayed by his money god sooooooooo hits home.

There is a River - a different twist on a song I've heard from childhood. Again, so peaceful and inviting to listen to. Very pleasant harmonies.

A Few Good Men - while this song does not have the strong vocals that some of the songs on this CD have, this is one of those songs that is strong in and of itself. What a call to men today to understand what God can do with a man who has a willing heart.

A Brand New Song - Of all the songs in this set, this is probably my least favorite of all of them, and I admit that sometimes I even skip past this one. Not sure why, and please do not skip it because of me, as it could be a song that God will use to touch you.

He Touched Me - This classic Gaither original never gets old, and the GVB does a very nice job at placing just hte right emphasis where it needs to be to make the song extra powerful.

Good Good News - Another of my lesser favorites on the CD, but this song has a good beat and a very good message.

Alpha & Omega - This is one of my two favorite songs on CD1 of this set. The structure of the music is such that it builds throughout the entire song to the point where one is in full praise and worship mode when the chorus hits. I would LOVE to sing this song at church. David Phelps has such a God-anointed voice that really just turns this song into a special worship experience all of its own.

Can't Stop Talkin About Him - I think Marshall Hall does the lead on this one, and I just love this song....It's got a little funk in the beat, and I really like it from start to finish. When the chorus hits the first time, I find myself in a full smile. Sometimes I wonder what my co-workers think when they walk by and see me sitting at my computer with this ear-to-ear grin on my face...

The Love of God - an old standard that is done quite nicely by the GVB...I especially enjoy the chorus of this song and what they have done with the arrangement of it. There really is something precious about the old standards of the Southern Gospel genre.

Daystar - Okay, this is the other of my two favorite songs. I can't choose between it and Alpha & Omega....Two very different songs, two very different worship experiences when I listen to them. This is my anthem to God ... "Lead me Lord, I'll follow anywhere You open up the door...Lord, I want to be a witness that you can take what's wrong and make it right"....what a powerful prayer this song can be for those listening to it who really do choose to make it a sincere prayer to the Lord.

My Lord & I - another catchy tune that makes you want to tap your toes, bounce your knees and clap your hands. I think Marshall Hall is singing lead on this one - if so, I just really do enjoy his voice.

Baptism of Jesse Taylor - Okay, who could ever NOT love this song - Guy Penrod lays down a fabulous lead on this song and before the first chorus hits, I am already swaying with the music and ready to throw my hands in the air. And when Guy hits the big notes as the end of the song nears, goosebumps EVERYWHERE.

Star Spangled Banner - God Bless America - the GVB does a nice job on our national anthem. Nice harmonies and I really like this one when the voices separate out.

Heaven's Joy Awaits - a fun little rendition of this one....seems so formal during the verses and then just lets go when it gets to the chorus.....For me, the absolute best harmonies on CD1.....a snappy little tune.

Knowing You'll Be There - Having lost my dad several years ago, verse 1 holds a very special meaning for me, but then , in listening to verse 2, I am reminded that it's not just my dad that I look forward to seeing again, but my savior, Jesus, who gave so much more for me than my earthly father ever could. A beautiful song, and one that is sure to pluck the heartstrings of anyone who's ever said goodbye to a loved one knowing that they will be reunited again someday.

Lord, Feed Your Children - the lyrics of this song, combined with another powerful, yet serene, musical arrangement, creates another beautiful work. I can close my eyes and almost imagine hearing this song in Heaven.

CD 2:

I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary - An excellent way to start off the second CD in this set. Powerful, powerful, powerful....a great song to use to put yourself into the mood to worship......."When time has surrended and earth is no more, I'll still cling to the old rugged cross".....what a blessing to know that forever and for always, we can cling to Christ's redemptive work completed on that cross.

Loving God, Loving Each Other - This is another of my lesser favorites....not saying there is anything wrong with it, just saying that it does not stir much up in me, personally. Again, don't skip it, because it might be the one song that DOES stir your heart.

Mary Was the First One to Carry the Gospel - I really like this song...not just the message of the song, but good harmonies and jsut a very unique sound.

The King is Coming - Very bold and regal sounding....another Bill Gaither classic

Singing With the Saints - This is probably the closest to "Country" Music that there is on the CD, and I can imagine that this song would be one that lovers of that genre of music would connect with. It has a good beat, and it's really hard not to be happy when you are singing about Heaven.

I'll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus - another wonderful, powerful, serene, peaceful song....So many of us have been where this song's narrator has been, and that, along with the beautiful melodies can draw us deeply into this song and make it very personal for us.

Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go - very formal sounding, and not one of my favorites, but I will give credit to the vocalists as the melody and the harmonies are spot on, and I am relatively certain that this might be one of the more difficult songs in the entire set to perform.

At The Cross - a nice take on one of my favorite hymns from childhood. We never sang it this slow, but I really did find myself liking the pace at which the GVB sang it. Brought back many wonderful memories of going to church with my family growing up. I think we sang this song at least once a month at our little church.

A Picture of Grace - another lovely song performed nicely by the GVB, but I have not yet found myself able to actually "get into it" with this one.

He Will Carry You - see my note for "A Picture of Grace"

I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy - I know this is a Michael English standard, but I don't think this version is Michael English (If someone knows for sure, please let us know). Whoever sings the lead on this version, this song is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE and I vote it to be my favorite song, not just on CD 2, but on the entire set. When he sings about telling Timothy he wants to see Jesus.....oh man, do I feel that in my spirit.......Cause He's the One who died for me. I can listen to this song over and over and over again numerous times and still want more....more of the song, and more of the Holy Spirit. What a blessing this song is!!!!!

John the Revelator - another country-themed song....kicking on the back-beat a little bit. A catchy tune. Does not do anything to me like I Bowed on MY Knees and Cried Holy, but it does make me want to clap my hands.

Yes, I Know - I really like this song...more of that tranquility in the actual music. This would be a nice song to teach children. It's got an easy beat and would be very easy for them to learn.

Let Freedom Ring - It took me a few times of listening to this one for it to grow on me. It's a pleasant enough song, and as the chorus hits, the vocal strengthen. The message of the song is the important part of this song, and the vocals and harmonies take a back seat to that message.

What A Time - While the GVB did not do anything extra special to this oldie,but goodie, the song itself is strong enough in and of itself. Love the piano on this song. Of course, this song has a great beat made perfect for clapping your hands and tapping your toes along.

Sinner Saved By Grace - This song touches my heart because it really does get down to the core fact that, despite our differences of size, age, social status, whatever, Christians all have one thing in commong: we are all nothing more than sinners saved by grace. Very nice harmonies on the chorus.


Mary, Did You Know - perhaps one of the greatest TRUE Christmas songs ever written. What a blessing for Mark Lowry to be chosen by God to write this beautiful song, and an additional blessing to perform it as part of the GVB. The words are very insightful.....you can't help but wonder how much Mary knew about God's plan for her son's life.....at his birth, as a youth, as a young man, and in the weeks and days before His death.

As you can see from my review, I've tried to comment on each individual song. I hope I did not over-do it, but in a nutshell, like my tital says, this is the best southern gospel CD I've ever owned. I would highly recommend it to others and I really do doubt that anyone who purchases it will be unable to find something about it that they like. This CD is a very good representation of the talents that have abounded throughout the years in the various version of the Gaither Vocal Band.

I tried to break it down to my Top 5, but I could not get past a Top 8. I've already revealed that "I Bowed on my Knees and Cried Holy" wins my top spot for the set. Here are the other 7 that I have deemed my favorites: Alpha & Omega, Daystar, 2nd Fiddle, I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary, Knowing You'll Be There, Baptism of Jesse Taylor & Hide Thou Me

Really is almsot "The BEST" and yes, there are a few cool tunes missing....."I'm Gonna Sing" and "On The Authority" are strangely missing, though I'm guessing thid disc is about the best VOCAL arrangments, and not the all-out most enjoyable tunes......but just about there , the bad parts stop....this is an amzing collection of songs!!!! "Second Fiddle" is just spectacular. 4 and a half stars!

I tell ya, if you are a fan of gospel music you gotta have this CD in your collection. My wife and I have been to a Gaither Concert, seen "Jerusalem" and "Israel," and this CD puts it all together.

I am so glad I purchased this CD. I love the new vocal band with its 5 members, but it is always good to hear what the band sounded like in the beginnings. David Phelps' accapella arrangement of "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" is beautiful and shows David Phelps' skill as an arranger as well as an exceptional singer.
There were several songs that I had never heard before, but were just beautiful. I am so thrilled with this CD and I have played it several times.

This was a gift for my sister, a longtime fan of Bill Gaither. It was a complete surprise when she received it vial mail, and I think she has played it enough to wear it out already. Her delight is worth every penny!!!

i own alot of cd/dvds of the gaither vocal band music, but this one is one of my favorites. I love the harmoney in all their songs. Awesome singers and gifted as well.