The one thing that you can always depend upon on any recording by Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites is that it will be different than the one before.  Well, “different” is certainly one of the adjectives to describe the group’s new CD. Other words would be “awesome,” “powerful,” “great,’ and “remarkable.”  In other words, this CD was well with the wait. 

Some may recall that we started getting rumors of a new recording by The Hi-lites about four (4) years ago.  As the rumors persisted, and about two (2) years ago the group released a three-play that received some airplay.  None of the songs on the three-play are on the new CD.  The rumors continued and with much fanfare on January 26, 2008, the group released their CD titled The Answer Is In The Music.

Why is this CD different?  Well, the group’s last full project was Standing On The Rock.  It was released in 2003.  That CD was accompanied by a DVD.  In other words, it was live recording.  There were twelve (12) songs on that recording.  Several had been recorded before by the group.  The new CD is all studio recordings.  None of the songs had been previously recorded by the group.  And, several of the songs have a rhythm and blues (R&B) feel to them.

The CD begins with "Let Him In."  This song was written by Doc and recorded previously by Leomia Boyd.  It is on her CD and DVD titled On Time.  Both were released by Hi-Lites Music Ministries in 2005. 

The next song is "Don't Forget The Bridge."  This song has been recorded by numerous gospel artists.  One of the best known versions of this song was done by The Five Singing Sons of North.  The Hi-Lites have put an arrangement to this song that is sure to make it a favorite with Radio Angels around the country.  It definitely has a bluesy feel to it.

"Just One Lifetime" is the adaptation of J. Blackfoot's version of this song.  This is one of those songs that have been recorded by Southern Gospel Artists, Country Music Singers, as well as R&B Singers.  The Hi-Lites’ version is one of the best.  It is another song that should be a favorite of Radio Angels.

The next song, "Pouring Water," was also previously recorded by The Five Singing Sons of North.  There is no doubt that Doc and the guys put a lot of forethought into the arrangement of this song.  The arrangement is like nothing that has been presented before by The Hi-Lites.  It is rare that there are guest artists on any of The Hi-Lites’ recording.  However, this song would have really been something special had its writer, Jessie Jeffcoat, been invited to share lead duties with Doc.

"I'll Go" was written by the Luther Barnes.  Doc seems to be at his best when he is singing a song that really ministers to the listener.  This is one of those songs that should really minister to you.  It also contains a powerful and timely message.

The remaining songs are “Let's Talk About Jesus,” “Good News,” “You Been So Good,” “Jesus Is Protecting Me,” “You Brought Me Over,” “Close To Thee,” and “Nothing Will Happen.”  "Let’s Talk About Jesus was written and arranged by Darryl Henley.  While “Jesus Is Protecting Me” and “Nothing Will Happen” were written and arranged by Stu Gardner.  It also should be noted that “Close To Thee” was written by Carolyn Turner and arranged by Darryl Henley.

On the whole The Answer Is In The Music is a good project.  You will not be disappointed by adding this CD to your collection.

The project should be available everywhere so, if you have not purchased it, head to your local record store, or click on The Answer Is In The Music to purchase it online.  We give Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites’ The Answer Is In The Music a 9 out of 10.  Click on the title to hear “Let Him In."

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