Their last recording was a testament as to where they came from (Cathedrals’ legacy) and this newest release show where they are going. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound has really covered a lot of ground (musically and physically) since their first recording came out 9 years ago. Each recording has been a forward progression and has been a musical expression and a manifesto (so to speak) of who they are and what they want to say through their music. This latest release is simply a continuation of that forward progression.
The recording starts off with a really fun, infectious rendition of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”. This is a song you can have so much fun with, and EHSS really have a blast with the song before moving on to the uptempo, “Singing in the Midnight Hour”. Ably sung by Doug Anderson, this song penned by Dianne Wilkinson would make a great radio single and I’m sure it goes over very well in a concert setting.
Things slow down a bit for the country sounds of the worshipful, “Here We Are Again”. With its pointed lyrics to Christ, “here we are again, dwelling in Your Presence, basking in Your Glory, lifting high Your Name...Here we are again, thanking You for mercy and blessings from Your hand, Lord here we are again...”. Newest member, Ian Owens does a superb job on the first verse, and the song sounds reminiscent to something the Cathedrals would have sung.
Speaking of Ian, he also does a great job interpreting the lyrics of the classic, “I Believe” before moving on to the funk feel of “I’ve Been Here Before”, penned by Ernie Haase along with Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun. Featuring Devin McGlamery, the song reminds us that in our time of trouble that “time after time, God steps into the fight...I don’t fight alone...I’ve been here before”. Speaking of Wayne Haun, he is featured vocally, on the following song, “You Are Welcome Here” and is followed by the power ballad, “Love Carried the Cross”.
EHSS went back and completely revamped their first hit song, “Stand By Me”, and quite honestly, I don’t like it. The arrangement just doesn’t work for me and is actually painful for me to listen to. And if that isn’t enough, three false endings make it even worse.
Things really pick up for the infectious “Every Time”. Ernie is featured on this high energy tune that sounds like Southern Gospel meets Motown. While enjoyable, the song borders on being comical, but I still can’t help but hit the repeat button with it.
The pace slows back down for a song that has a slight disco feel to it and waxes nostalgia entitled, “Sometimes I Wonder” before moving on to the worshipful, “Thankful to You”.
The recording closes out with a bonus cut, “Any Other Man”, recorded live from Bucharest, Romania and sounding more like a live show from a CCM band (ie-Third Day, Newsboys, Imperials back in their hey-day, etc.). I actually really enjoyed the song and its rock opera/power ballad feel, and would love to see how the song would do at radio. It’s different from a lot of EHSS songs and showcases them with a different sound.
There is a lot to enjoy about this latest release from EHSS. Is it their best recording to date? That’s biased towards each listener, but I wouldn’t say it is...but it does stretch them musically as they explore some new territory while still remaining true to who they are and the huge fan base they’ve acquired. It also shows that they aren’t pigeonholed into one style or sound, and I can appreciate that!
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 02/01/2012
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 1
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I agree with the Stand By Me - really bad. I hate Every Time, and am pretty much un-impressed with the whole CD. Maybe not their worst, but definitely not their best
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