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The Bibletone label is probably known for their
Southern Gospel releases. The label have ventured into traditional gospel music
with the release of Closer To Home by
The Sensationals. This is a group that
many may not know. However, in time, they could become a household name.
When we first received the CD, we wonder if it was a reincarnation of the group
Jimmy Jones & The Sensationals. Well,
we quickly realize that is was not.
This group is from Cedartown, Georgia. The members of
The Sensationals
are Maurice Whatley, Steven Whatley, Bruce Whatley, Sharon Whatley, Steven
Whatley, Jr. and Jarmarcus Whatley. Immediately you notice that the group
members are from the same family.
This is the group's third
recording. In 1999, they released the CD titled I Can Do All Things
Through Christ. Their 2004 CD is titled Second Time Around.
What we like about their new CD is that it is a refreshing change from many of the
projects being released today. For instance, there is really not much
instrumentation. Listen closely and you will not hear any synthesizers.
No fancy chords. No heavy drum lines. Even the bass and lead guitars
are in the shadows. The group also uses some of the colloquialism of the
40s and 50s quarter singers, like I Done Done and Mama/Papa done prayed for
me.
The CD begins with Sharon Whatley leading on Time Like This.
Maurice Whatley takes over lead duties on Need Somebody On Your Bond.
This song conveys the group ability to handle ballads. And, they do it so
well. Touch A Dying Man is a mid-tempo song led by Maurice. The
background harmony is great on this track. This is followed by Peace
With You. Guest artist Zachary Washington is the lead singer on
this track.
There is a down home feel to a lot of their songs, none more representative of
this than I Done, Done. This song has been recorded by
numerous gospel artists.
The Sensationals
somehow have managed to make this song their own. Maybe it is the
background singers, or the guitars in the background, or just the fact that they
are at their best in singing the old songs. Another example of this fact
is Closer To Home. The arrangement will be familiar to
many. The arrangement will remind you of
Darrell McFaddens "I Cant Even Walk"
or some of the great songs by
Slim & The Supreme Angels. Listen
attentively as Maurice provides great lead vocals.
"Jesus Is Waiting" is another upbeat song with great background
harmony. Steven Whatley, Sr., can be heard singing lead on this song, as
well as on "I Done, Done."
If you remember "Resting Beyond The Sky" by
The Five Singing Sons of North, youll really
appreciate "Resting In My Home."
The
Sensationals
have taken the lyrics and added an mid-tempo arrangement. Maurice provides
the lead vocals on this song and the remaining two tracks on this project.
Lay Down My Burden is another song from years ago that
The Sensationals
have turned into a ballad. They have added lyrics to this very traditional
song. It is an interesting arrangement. This is another of the songs
that show the group's ability to handle ballads just as easy as they do any other
tempo. The final song on the project is "Mama/Papa, Pray For Me."
Radio Angels will probably like this song. It should get plenty of
airplay.
It is always good to receive a quality recording
from an unknown group. This one is certainly a well put together project.
In years to come, you will be disappointed if you do
not have this CD in your collection.
You may not be able
to find this CD in your local record store. To obtain your copy of this CD
contact the group at (678) 925-9781. We give
The Sensationals
Closer To Home an 8.5 out of 10. Click on the
title to hear
"Resting
In My Home." |
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