Give It Up

This year's last Independent CD review of 2002 features one of the most respected female family groups on the road today.  After a three year absence from the recording scene the McDonald Sisters have returned with their newest release "Witness" from  the Shur-Fine Gospel camp.  While I can literally say right now it is very rare that you will be disappointed with something from the McDonald Sisters, we'll continue with this brief review just the same.  Probably one of the most notable changes in this project is the improved quality on the production side.  This project has a very full sound that is a trademark of the Sisters "Live" concerts, but has been missing from their last few studio projects (Excluding 1999's Witness project).     

As usual, lead vocalist Valerie McDonald handles most of the lead throughout the project, but there is also some great lead by Pam McDonald.  The question has often been asked as to who the hardest working female lead vocalist is on the road today.  While I will not disclose my opinion, it would suffice to say that this conversation can not even come forth without the name Valerie McDonald being mentioned.  From the strum of the guitar on the project's title cut and first selection "Give It Up", you realize that you have something special in your CD player.  Val's lead is gritty yet distinct and her vocal clarity is unmatched.  Her conviction and true Christian spirit can be felt in ever verse she sings.  On top of having one of the hardest singing lead vocalists the background of the McDonald Sisters is always and I mean always in order. 

"Give It Up" is a slick mid-tempo groove that calls sinners to repentance and the renunciation of their sinful ways.  While listening to this selection all those who are supporters of programmed drums will understand why I so adamantly insist on "Live" drums on studio recordings. The slick use of the open high hats on this song literally drives the vamp portion home. While "Give It Up" is one of the toughest mid-tempo songs on the project the McDonald Sisters take it to the listener with the soul wrenching reading of "Father Along".  All that can really be said on this song is and I quote, "Lord Have Mercy!!".  Those who follow quartet probably know that "Father Along" has been a favorite recording hymn for many groups recently.  From George Dean & The Gospel Four to the late Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, it seems as if everybody has recorded an arrangement of "Father Along" recently.  However, if the group sings it like the McDonald sisters you'll get no complaints from this critic. 

By now I'm sure someone is wondering where is the drive song.  Well, wonder no longer.  The two serious drive songs on this project are the classic "I'll Be Listening" and the Sister's recent crowd favorite "Remember Me".  These two songs are smokin'.  They are a little over the perfect radio length coming in at about five minutes. However, they are packed with screamin' background vocals and hard lead singing. One of the sweetest slow ballads on this project is the smooth arrangement of "God Is Real" lead by Pam McDonald.  As the background climaxes on "Real" their harmony literally bring chills up your spine.  While Pam is not as gritty as Val, the listener will enjoy the change in vocal texture that she brings to the project. 

By all means one of my favorite cuts on this recording is the beautiful "McDonald Sisters' Prayer".  This song of praise and thanks to God has all the elements of a good quartet group prayer. No matter what type of group you may hear their group prayer (in song) tells you a lot about the group. Val's beautiful incorporation of Psalm 91 into this song and various other Psalms of praise and worship, show the group's deep faith commitment and explains exactly why this CD has so much power.