Producer: Jeff Collins
Label: Sonlite Records
Website: www.downeastboys.com
The Down East Boys are no strangers to Gospel Music. They hail from Reidsville, North Carolina and have been singing for over 30 years all across the US, Canada and Mexico. The current members are Ricky Carden, Manager and lead singer; Daryl Paschal, baritone; Steve Lixey, tenor and newest member, Rick Walls, bass.
To me, Down East Boys have raised the bar with this 11-song project entitled Ransomed. It is my favorite so far from them, and the title says it all. This project contains excellent song selections that are solid in biblical lyrics. The great arrangements; clear, crisp, and solid vocals; high energy and tight harmonies will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to hear the next song. This is their 23rd project with 40 songs over the years topping the charts. You will be captivated from start to finish!
Starting off the project, “A Reason To Sing” features Ricky and tells that Jesus brings us joy and He is the reason to sing. That’s what this group’s call is every week when they climb aboard the bus and hit the highways and byways to spread the Gospel in song. “Somebody Left The Door Wide Open” is a rocking, energetic tune with a choir backing them on the chorus proclaiming Jesus’ sacrifice that opened the door to Heaven for all who believe. Harmonies and blends are incredible on the selection “I Still Remember” as they sing about our freedom in Christ. Steve and Rick get in some licks on this one.
Slowing down the pace, Ricky does an excellent job on “The Song Of The Ransomed.” Once again the choir backs them on this song of hope and forgiveness. The pace picks back up on “That’s What You Get For Loving Him,” and Daryl does a great job delivering the message that tells of happiness and peace of mind for loving Jesus. Steve does a great job on “A Thief’s Paradise.” This song tells how the thief was redeemed and awake with Christ in Paradise. “One Way, One Door, One Name,” an up-tempo tune with a country flavor only Daryl can deliver, tells that there is only one way to get to Heaven, and that is Jesus Christ.
“That Wonderful Land,” another Ricky feature, tells about Heaven with excellent harmony. Daryl has an outstanding delivery on the ballad “The Cross Speaks Louder” about the power of the cross. Another up-tempo quartet song, “Now A Witness Am I,” has a message of being a doubter, but now a witness of how the power of Christ can transform all of us. Rounding out this amazing project is “Pray”. You get to hear Rick do a little bass singing at the beginning on this one. This song is a great reminder for all of us to get down on our knees and pray. What a timely message for today’s sin-sick world. The Lord still answers prayer.
This is a 4 ½ star recording. If you are a fan of traditional southern quartet singing, this project is a must for your collection. This group will sing their way right into your heart! There are way too many good songs to denote favorites as they all have stars in my book. I hope you enjoy this CD as much as I did; it is one that will be played many times over. Great job guys….keep on singing!
Song List:
A Reason To Sing
Somebody Left The Door Wide Open
I Still Remember
The Song Of The Ransomed
That’s What You Get For Loving Him
A Thief’s Paradise
One Way, One Door, One Name
That Wonderful Land
The Cross Speaks Louder
Now A Witness Am I
Pray
