Ever since the release of the hit song, "Is Anything Too Hard for God?", this group has become a household name. The Whisnants released their latest effort in May 2009 entitled, Life Worth Living. Like the majority of their past projects, this was produced by Mylon Hayes of the Hayes Family. This album features a mixture of musical styles, but leans mostly toward the open-air Country sound. 1. Nothin' But the Blood (Marty Funderburk, Bill Filer, Chris Filer)
The song at first glance appears to be the hymn; and with the first few lines of the first verse did remind me of the hymn, "Nothin' But the Blood." This could work for the group, but it borrows too much from the hymn to set it apart.
2. I Am Persuaded (Geron Davis)
Jeff Whisnant has the feature. Though I am not particularly a fan of Jeff's voice, he does carry the message throughout the song and performs with conviction and personal testimony. The group sounds well on the ensemble parts until the ending when they modulated higher. Susan's voice seemed a bit strained. But overall, the song is an excellent performance.
3. The Center of Your Will (Sandy Blythe)
The Whisnants shine on the ballads. If you check their #1 registry, all but 3 of their #1 songs have been ballads. That's a remarkable count of 7 ballads that have been requested at radio for the top spot. "The Center of Your Will" is no exception. Similar to Susan's last big ballad, "A Greater Yes", this song closes in and focuses on the will of God and being fully surrendered to God's will. Unlike "A Greater Yes", the song focuses more on the Christian's prayer to the Father more than the Christian trying to understand God's plan. I'm sure we'll hear more from this song. Definitely the highlight of the album.
4. King Jesus Is Coming (Chris Binion, Dianne Wilkinson)
Although the Whisnants' area of expertise is the ballad, they do find some really great uptempo numbers. This is 1 of 2 new Dianne Wilkinson songs on the project. Out of the more uptempo songs, this is the highlight. The song has all a concert needs. An encouraging word for the saint in addition to an invitation to the sinner. Excellent addition to the project.
5. Send Me (Sandy Blythe)
I've seen videos on YouTube of the songwriter performing this song; and it seems to have received great response. The message goes along with the theme of "Center of Your Will" with the picture of Isaiah telling God he was ready and willing. The performance is weakened due to a higher key placement. But overall, the message is conveyed in the light of its theme.
6. When He Calls Us Away (Sandy Blythe)
The hope for Christians is that we will see Christ when our earthly ministries are completed. This is an excellent reminder to Christians to hold on and wait for Christ to come back. I particularly like the lines, "Fight on wounded soldier, hold on a few more days. It won't be very long, 'till He calls us away." The song also borrows a tag from the song, "Press On; It Won't Be Very Long." Excellent performance; a highlight of the recording.
7. I Wanna Die Living (Sandy Knight)
Due to the title of this album, Life Worth Living, several of these songs pertain to our lives as Christians. This uptempo, brassy song places the Christian's desire to "die living for the glory of God; and not dying everyday that I live." Susan shows her versatility in bringing this peppy number to the surface.
8. I'm Saved (Sheri LaFontaine)
No matter how long a person has been labeled a Christian, this is the ultimate area with which everyone can agree. Aaron turns in a superb performance of the song. Mr. Hise is definitely one of Southern Gospel's most underrated vocalists; and he shows just where his voice has been all of these years. I have 2 minor issues with this song. Some of the phrases seem vaguely familiar though I do not know from where. And it's too short. But other than those issues, the song is an excellent performance.
9. He Crossed out My Sin & Shame (Kyla Rowland)
The Whisnants proved on their last cd that they can handle a Kyla Rowland ballad with the song, "The Past Is a Promise." This new Kyla song definitely portrays the harmonies of the group. I appreciated the vocal arrangements of the song. Radio would treat this song well.
10. I'll Never Get over the Cross (Donna Beauvais, David Webb)
This is another feature from Jeff. Straight ahead Southern Gospel singing about a rule we Christians should all adopt. Good, solid vocals.
11. Arise (Dianne Wilkinson)
The cowboys have come to town! This pace of this song is reminiscent of a laid-back, Country sounding song. Dianne knows how to write fresh, new perspectives on old stories. The use of her songs on this project is a real boost and can be seen greatly with this track. Enjoyed the harmonies from Jeff & Aaron.
12. I'll Pray for You (Marcia Henry, Barbara Huffman)
So far, this has been the most talked about song on the project. After securing the #1 spot in the March 2010 Singing News Top 80 Charts and gaining a Song of the Year nomination, it has every right to be placed in that regard. So many times, we fans possibly take it lightly and sometimes forget to pray for the groups whom we pay to perform. "I'll Pray for You" is a great reminder of the fact that we as Christians need to pray for each other. Because of those prayers, anything can happen. I stated earlier that "The Center of Your Will" was the highlight; and I will stick to my post on that statement. For the album, it is. But in concert, this song receives greater response. I've heard Susan Whisnant share in interviews how the song has been used to encourage others to actually get out of their seats, walk to others, and share the exact message of this song. This song is the most unique from this album in the regard that it's simple and almost the shortest; yet has had the most lasting impact in concerts so far. I appreciate songs like this that just get back to the core of encouragement and remind us Christians just what we are to be doing.
Life Worth Living is an album that typifies the Christian's walk with God and others. No song on this recording is weak to the point of pending removal. I will say that this project is by far the finest project the Whisnants have released. The Whisnants are a great group; and I hope and pray for many more great albums to come. If they follow this album's outline for future albums, they're sure to have winners.
Personal favorites: The Center of Your Will, King Jesus Is Coming, When He Calls Us Away, I'll Never Get over the Cross, and Arise.
Overall rating: 4/5 stars.
The Whisnants are: Susan Whisnant (alto), Aaron Hise (lead/tenor), Jeff Whisnant (Baritone), Eric Ollis (Pianist), and Austin Whisnant (Bass Guitarist). Album copy purchased by reviewer. Album Production: Mylon Hayes. Available from: the Artist & Springside.
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