Customer Reviews

Boys Are Back

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

 

 

They performed a couple of the tracks in their Christmas show in December and I could barely wait to get my hands on it. Especially after seeing and hearing Richard doing BOOM BOOM BOOM. This is absolutely the wildest the Boys have ever been. Received it at work and ended up driving the long way home to listen to a few tracks over and over again. So glad to hear Richard's solid bass featured in many of them. Seven Nation Army is super! The Boys REALLY ARE BACK!

In a sentence: This excellent CD shows that The Oak Ridge Boys are not resting on their laurels, but rather continuing to progress as a music act. This CD has a very unpolished sound to it. A couple of the songs sound as if they were purposly produced to have a very 'old' recording sound. This CD is very diverse in styles. The song 'Seven Nation Army' is the highlight of this CD, as it is so different and just amazing. The song 'The Boys Are Back' is an awesome opener to say the least. 'Boom Boom' is SO cool...it's a very fun song, and you can tell they are having a ball doing it. Possibly the best song on the CD for me is 'Hold You In My Arms'. Joe does a phenomenal job on this vocally, and it is the only really polished song on the CD. The studio version of 'Live With Jesus' is quite different than the live version on 'A Gospel Journey', but is still a powerful song. I'm very happy with this release, and I like the direction they've gone. It was worth the wait.

THE BOYS ARE BACK features The Oaks in a different light...the opening title cut is an aggressive/forward/in-your-face type of song - balanced with history (Wally Fowler even gets mentioned) and complete with hope - these guys are just getting started. Along the same path comes the much-talked-about "Seven Nation Army" (yes, the White Stripes tune); the hype is not hype - the Oaks do the Stripes and then rise above. Other selections show The Oaks taking a blues approach - from John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom Boom" to the blues of Gospel in "God's Gonna Ease My Troubling Mind" and "Live with Jesus." William Lee sings Neil Young; Joe Bonsall hits higher tenor notes and plays banjo; Richard Sterban anchors all this energetic singing. This CD is a must have for any Oaks fan - these four are no musical stereotypes; they are progressive, impressive, and expressive.

This album has the very best attributes as expected from the ORBs. The title track "The Boy's Are Back" written by Shooter Jennings proves the men are back for sure with a strong showing. There's a bass background if you listen closely that is synthesized enhancing Richard Sterban's voice. There's no question these men are Christian ministers as well as the best you'll find in music entertainment. Some tracks are clearly Christian in origin, some are country tunes. John Lee Hookers song Boom Boom is a treat thrown n that makes a song into a great song when done by the guys. Beautiful Bluebird, written by Neil Young is a really pretty song that will lose you in dealing with a special past relationship but in a Christians case you can't help but think about your relatonship with The Lord. Some songs are clearly secular which makes this album a standout buy for anyone. It's truly worth the purchase. The studio musicians are top notch, you wouldn't expect any less from an Oaks recording. For Oaks fans, a must. For Christians, a pure joy. For country music fans, one of the best you'll find this year. For gospel fans, you can't pass this up. For fans of hi hop and modern rock only, well, uh, purchase this as something a little different from your usual musical tastes. It's squeaky clean.

The Boys Are Back is one of The Oak Ridge Boys' strongest recordings in their decades-long history.

At first you might think they've deviated from their country roots, but listen again. The songs are strong and powerful and filled with their peerless trademark tight harmony. Almost every song is a 10 from the lyrics to their interpretation of those words, and the skillful use of the piano throughout the CD is equally powerful.

The Boys had the confidence to try new techniques and the wisdom to base it upon their traditional gospel and country foundation. Inspired by blues and spirituals, the theme of these songs is about strength that overcomes adversity. It is a pleasure to hear their joy and their confidence about who they are, where they've been and where they're going. This CD will inspire you to feel the same -- strong and empowered.

I believe this recording will blow away current fans and gain them many more. I can't wait to see them perform these songs in concert.

Top songs:

- The Boys Are Back: Builds to a powerful crescendo.

- Hold Me Closely: Minimal instruments emphasize Duane's soulful rendition, while Joe, William Lee and Richard provide tight harmony.

- Seven Nation Army: Very powerful. Duane and Joe provide contrast by singing an octave apart, while Richard emphasizes the deep bass chords of the piano.

- Boom Boom: Richard sings lead on John Lee Hooker's blues classic, and his on-target improvisations take him from his traditional romantic sound to playful and sexy.

- You Ain't Gonna Blow My House Down: These lyrics are an inspirational message for everyone, especially in today's tough times.

- God's Gonna Ease My Troublin' Mind: Another song where only minimal instruments are used, and the focus is on the Boys' impeccable harmony. This 1800's spiritual has the perfect melody for showcasing the unique voice of William Lee, and Duane, Joe and Richard build the crescendo with soul and strength. This song is one of their best ever.

The first song sets the tone - and it rocks. I saw the Boys live and this was their first song, it gets you going! Very well produced CD, you hear clean, crisp music. These guys have been around long enough to get it right, and they do. I'll listen to this over and over.

Recently saw the Oaks in concert and they sang some songs from this CD. Love all the songs included on this CD.

If you are an OAK RIDGE BOYS fan the is a must have. I enjoyed it immensely.

One of the best Cd's I own. Not a bad song on it! Would recommend to anyone.

We saw the production from which this came and just had to have it! It has something for everyone and the voices are GREAT.The Boys Are Back