Customer Reviews

Soldier Of The Cross

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ricky Skaggs, backed by his talented Kentucky Thunder, has produced yet another masterpiece. I have an extensive bluegrass gospel collection and I would have to say that this recording is definitely near the top of the stack. The entire album was superb (with the exception of one track), but some songs merit individual recognition.

As a traditionalist, I was glad to hear Ricky's recording of "Voice From On High", which owed much of its sound to an earlier recording by the Stanley Brothers (no coincidence, since Ricky got his start with Ralph Stanley as part of the Clinch Mountain Boys). The high tenor, sung by Paul Brewster, climbs right up your spine. If you've ever wondered what a bluegrass fan meant when they said high lonesome this is it.

"The Darkest Hour" is yet another old song. This selection, nonetheless, would merit buying the album. In many ways, the arrangement is reminiscent of "Walls of Time" that appeared on Ricky's second all bluegrass album, ANCIENT TONES. "Are You Afraid to Die" has been recorded many times before. This track begins with Dr. Billy Graham delivering his testimony followed by probably the best recording of this song to date.

There are no words for "Seven Hillsides" except perhaps "extraordinary". Have you ever wondered what preacers feel when tragedy occurs and they are left to help pick up the pieces? This song answers the question.

Finally, there is one track (the exception) that has been done better: "Lead Me to the Rock". A better recording of this acapella piece can be found on Don Rigsby's A VISION (an album I greatly recommend) under the title "Higher Than I". Ricky's vocals, at times, seem strained on this selection.

What makes this recording work is not just the talent of the band and Ricky's beautiful voice. It is the fact that the music MEANS something to Ricky; he believes what he sings. Buy it. Listen to it. You'll love it.

I have been a fan of Ricky Skaggs since the early 70's, when my husband played in a band with him. He was pure Bluegrass then.

He then had tremendous success with his angelic voice in crossover country. But, with Soldier of the Cross, Ricky steps out on faith and gives up these worldly riches to reach the unsaved with pristine Bluegrass Gospel.

Ricky Skaggs and the other members in the band are missionaries in their own field.

All praises go to Him, that Ricky is able to present the Gospel in the purest of Bluegrass style.

A must buy CD for anyone that is saved and has a loved one, who loves bluegrass and is not saved. In fact you better buy more than one copy as when you hear how wonderful Soldier Of the Cross is, you will want to have a spare copy for gifts!

I bought this CD because I knew if it was anything like Bluegrass Rules and Ancient Tones that Ricky and Kentucky Thunder recorded, it would be worth the money. And it was! Best cut on the album was a simple duo by Paul Brewster and Ricky Skaggs called Waitin at the Gate that Brewster had written himself. This is a work of art and bluegrass at its best. Hope to hear a solo album from him one day. I had perceived it being a bluegrass gospel album, but the only down side to this album was the two contemporary songs Ricky put on it. Should have been straight bluegrass or straight contemporary. Two completely different audiences. But luckily I have my one button control to skip those. Still the other 10 songs are worth the buy.

I have been a Ricky Skaggs fan since the days he sang backup for Emmylou Harris, but lost track of him when he went "country". I decided to give "Soldier of the Cross" a try. On first listening quickly through I was fairly disappointment (not sure why...guess I was expecting more "modern" bluegrass cuts, but then on a car trip listened to it in it's entirety. It is one of the best pieces of work that Ricky has every done! Listening to him again is like coming home. I love "A Voice from On High" which I heard performed first here by a local band in Virginia; "Seven Hillsides" is probably the most wonderful song I have ever heard, not only the lyrics but the melody and Ricky's powerful, pure voice. "Darkest Hour" is wonderful; loved it when Emmy sang it with Ricky on one of her older albums. The only song I don't care for is the Joshua Generation - a little too contempory (and I disagree with the review that it is like any CSN song). Overall, it is a wonderful CD, filled with powerful songs, wonderful harmonies and a "make you feel good" message.

I love bluegrass gospel, old and new, and Ricky Skaggs has combined both in this terrific CD. The messages of the songs have been carefully chosen and "Seven Hillsides" will touch your heart. The playing is perfect Kentucky Thunder and the harmonies make songs like "Are You Afraid To Die?" very special listening moments. I would not be surprised if this CD wins a Grammy. It is beautiful.

This is an awesome CD for anyone who loves Bluegrass Gospel music. The title track and Seven Hillsides give me goosebumps every time I hear them. They say Bill Monroe is the "Father of American Bluegrass". Ricky Skaggs Is the Son!

As I type this for you in December, 2002, I can assure you that all of the positives from the other reviewers are without a doubt true. Therefore, there are but a few things that I can add. I have always enjoyed Ricky Skaggs and his sound. I stumbled onto this CD one day while browsing the sale rack. What an incredible treasure it has turned to be! It combines my passions for bluegrass, SUPERB "pick'n", Southern gospel, and pure vocals with my deeply-held Christian convictions in such a way that if I were stranded on a deserted island, I would surely crave this CD relentlessly. "Waiting at the Gate" pays tribute to the brilliant and extraordinary Bill Monroe. If you are familiar with him, you will surely appreciate Skaggs and this tribute to his mentor. "Seven Hillsides" has played in my player at least a thousand times and it STILL never fails to give me chills and demand tears. While I respect the opinion of the reviewer who wrote that "Lead Me to the Rock" has been performed better by another artist, I must disagree. Skaggs IS one of the great Southern bluegrass singers, no doubt because of his longtime associations with Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe and his conviction that this form of American music should not disappear from our midst. His voice is beautiful enough to transport and mesmerize you while simultaneously reminding you that he, like you, is a straightforward and unapologetic Christian. Simply put, if you love bluegrass, gospel, and/or a truly American art form, you should really own this disc.

I ended up listening to this CD which my mother had bought and the first time that I heard it I knew that I had to have it for myself. I love the songs "A Voice on High" and "Are you afraid to Die." He just puts true meaning back into the word "Gospel." I would advise this CD to anyone who loves Ricky Skaggs.

This one has grown on me a little bit slowly. Now I like it every bit as much if not more than Bluegrass Rules and Ancient Tones. Ricky's roots in bluegrass go way back to the original masters (Monroe, Stanley) and I think he's now risen to the forefront of the genre. This CD has too many highpoints to mention them all, a few of the songs aren't quite the same caliber but I'm not complaining. And if you like the disc, you've gotta check Ricky and Kentucky Thunder out live. I just saw them recently at Wintergrass in Tacoma and they blew the roof off the place. It's a great inspiration to listen to such a talented musician who dearly loves the Lord and is serving Him faithfully. And Ricky's right, they must be playing bluegrass in heaven.

I have had this CD for several weeks, and I keep "discovering" new and wonderful songs on it. Another reviewer mentioned eclectic tastes - mine run from bluegrass and southern gospel to Jazz (especially Charley Parker, Ella, and Coltrane) and classical (especially Beethoven and Shostakovich - I love string quartets). However, I got it this album first for its traditional gospel songs, primarily "Hallelujah, I'm Ready to Go" (which I was working on for my own bluegrass group, where I play the string bass and sing). When it comes to gospel, I generally prefer the older songs.

Then, last weekend I "discovered" the lead song "Soldier of the Cross", which I had previously dismissed. This is what I mean: I am really starting to enjoy the range of different kinds of music on this CD, and you will too. I also really appreciate Ricky's obvious deep Christian convictions (of which I had not previously been aware); he writes a moving dedication to Christian warriors throughout the centuries that you've got to read.