The Christian Souls

The Christian Souls

Don't Give Up

"Live" In Indianapolis, IN

This month’s spotlight is on the group The Christian Souls of Indianapolis, Indiana. Their freshman project is “Don't Give Up - "Live" in Indianapolis, IN..” It is not often that a group’s first project that deserves national attention is a live recording. The Christian Souls went against the odds and came up with a great project. To really appreciate this project, it is important to know a little about the history of the group. The background information will give you a deeper appreciation for this project.

The group was founded in 1978 by Evangelist Genniffer Wiley to “keep her boys out of trouble.” The original members were 12 to16 years old. During those early years the group was influenced by and shared the stage with the likes of The Gospel Keynotes, The Violinaires, The Evereadys, and The Williams Brothers. The group was sharing their ministry with others regularly. Then the group members began to go their separate ways. Members became Pastors, Deacons and Ministers of music at various churches. Unfortunately, the “streets” began to influence some members. The group was reconstituted and under the leadership of Pastor Anthony Goines, one of the original members, began their current pilgrimage to save souls and tell of the goodness of our Lord and Savior through song. The current members of the group are Pastor Anthony J. Goines, Reverend Howard Richardson, Minister Brandon Hutchison, and Brother Greg Walker.

Upon putting the CD into your player you will immediately realize that these guys can sing. And although this is a traditional gospel quartet recording you need not worry about the group sounding like anyone else. Not only are the songs original, but the sound is also. All of the songs were written by members of the group.

The project begins with an introduction of the group that leads into the song “Jesus Is All I Need.” This upbeat tempo song was obviously intended to get the crowd immediately into the “Live” recording. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks to the entire recording is the lack of crowd participation. But, the lack of crowd participation is not a reflection on these guys singing ability. They are great vocalists.

The title track, “Don’t Give Up” is a mini-sermonette. It is a very powerful ballad. And the message is clear – your blessing is on the way, so “Don’t Give Up.” The next song, “In The Room” will probably be considered one of the two (2) drive songs on this project. There is heavy instrumentation, including a strong bass guitar. This song will certainly have you tapping your feet and clapping your hands. The background harmony on this track is very tight.

The next song, “What They Say,” is very slows and thought provoking. This is one of the songs that the more you listen to it, the more you will appreciate the message. The harmony is not as tight on this song as it could have been. But the message is a very powerful one – listen carefully.

The next track, “In His Hand” is a variation of the song He Has The Hold World In His Hand. Apparently, the group recorded this song before. The group tried to get the crowd involved in this song, and the recording at this point does not have that “Live” feel to it. But, we liked the song, because of the message and the tight background harmony.

The fellows really take you “to church” with “My Way Through.” They work this song. The crowd response is missing, but you will add your own to this song. If your feet are not moving on this one, check yourself. This is probably the song that will get the most airplay. And it deserves it.

The project slows down with the next track, “How Can You Say.” This two (2) part song is the longest on the project. This is followed by “Oh Lord Stop By Here.” This is another upbeat song that will cause you to play this CD over and over. It will probably be considered the other drive song on this project. It seems that all of the talents of the group truly come together on this song. If there were a jam session in gospel, this song would qualify. There is heavy instrumentation, but not enough to take away from the song. The guys sound like they are really enjoying themselves. We doubt if they could be on a program and not sing this song. It has a good biblical message, as all their songs do, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The project closes with a minute instrumental reprise of “Oh Lord Stop By Here.”

Overall this project is good. If the project is any indication as to how these guys are on stage, when they minister in song it is hard to believe anyone could stay in their seat. If you are a sincere quartet fan, you must add this project to your collection. You will not be disappointed.

On the whole this release from The Christian Souls is a great project. We give The Christian Souls “Don’t Give Up – “Live In Indianapolis, IN" an 8.5 out of 10. To order this project contact Deznell Music Group at (317) 823-3835. Click on the title to hear “Oh Lord Stop By Here.”

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