For this the last month of the year we take a look at one of the most popular projects of the 2001. Though this group has been traveling and singing God's praises for well over 25 years this their newest project takes their style and message to higher heights. The group I am referring to is none other than Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites. For some time now Doc has been known for his laid back yet explosive style on the stage. With a definite admitted influence from Mighty Clouds of Joy lead man Joe Ligon, Doc's rather smooth singing style is highlighted with bursts of Ligon like screams. With a somewhat revamped group The Hi-Lites have a very powerful sound that is highlighted even more by the slick production that has become synonymous to MCG recordings.

This project offers probably one of the largest varieties I have seen since Darrell McFadden's "Two Sides To Every Song" project released last year. The project takes the listener from Inspirational R&B with the title cut "Hold On" to quartet drive with the remake of "Use Me Lord". Though the title cut does carry a powerful and true message, I do have to say the Gospel message is definitely minimized. While this song is definitely ripe for cross over appeal the rest of the project caters to the quartet fan. This "Live" recording opens in grand fashion with an up-tempo version of the late Rev. Paul Jones' "I Won't Complain". This song enlists the help of each background singer taking a stab at a verse. With full band in place this classic selection has already become a radio favorite.

As is the case with most projects reviews here at Gloryland Gospel this release has plenty of standout selections. The first real standout selection is the powerful praise ballad "I'll Do Your Will". This tearful altar call selection is a call to Christian service that each and every one of us should be able to relate with. Though we are not all we think we should be we must daily avail ourselves to the service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "The Other Shore" and "Use Me Lord" take Doc McKenzie fans back to his last 1999 release on the First Lite record label. Both of these selections are given new life as they are sung before a very lively audience at the Louisburg College Auditorium. It is also during these selections that the listener can't help but notice the smooth production that has made Doc such a sought after Producer as well as guest vocalist.

Other songs of note include a great remake of Sister Lucille Pope's "Somebody's Gone". This selection brings back memories of Sister Pope sweeping across the floor as the Pearly Gates bear down on unearthly falsetto notes in the background. The selection has a very interesting mid-tempo beat that seems to stand on the verge of slowing down to ballad speed. Doc's vocal presence is definitely noted as well as the smooth baritone driven background sounds of the Hi-Lites. While most of the selections noted have been strictly traditional the project does offer its share of the contemporary quartet sound. One of those selections is the slick "I Feel Him Moving". When one first looks at the title you might remember the Hi-Lites drive song "Can You Feel God Moving". If you do remember that, this song is a far cry from that style of singing, yet by the end it shifts into a slow version of that very song. To have craftily put together such an arrangement is just the genius that Brother Doc possesses. This song comes complete with electronic voice machine and all. I do admit this song had to grow on me, but as is the case with many songs the words are very powerful and true to my life and the life of any Christian for that matter.

While the project does have some slower portions I do have to say that there are very few recordings that are all around perfect. The major factor that comes into play in the rating of this project is when one looks at this project in the whole of The Hi-Lites recrding career it is a definite step up to greater excellence. I give Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites "Hold On" a 8 out of 10.