Gene McDonald has become a well-known name in Southern Gospel music. From being with the Florida Boys to now, making special appearances on Gaither Homecoming concerts.
He starts the album off with an old song, “I Have Returned”. He does a great job on it. Things slow down with, “Shadow Of The Steeple”. This song has a great message about reaching out to others. Beautiful song. The pace gets picked up with an old Goodman song, “The Sweetest Song I Know”. I love the higher range in the beginning of the last two choruses. It shows off his talent. The well-known tune, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, brings things back down to a slow pace. It’s very laid back and gives you that peaceful, easy feeling.
The project continues with the traditional, “How Great Thou Art”. I love how smooth he is. I love how it ended up on a high note. Great! Things get a little jazzed up with, “When They Ring Those Golden Bells”. This song really shows off Gene’s range. He’s just right on it. I love it! “The Greatest Love Story”, brings us to a medium/slow rhythm. It’s got good words, but I got a little bored with this one. It’s a little repetitious. Ronny Hinson’s, “The Cross In The Middle”, and the old song, “When He Reached Down His Hand For Me”, leaves things on a slow note. Next is, “Who Am I”. He picked a great key for this song. It’s right in his comfort pocket, even after the modulation.
Number eleven is, “That’s No Hill For A Climber”. This song finally picks up the pace a little. He sings it in his higher range. I like it. I’m glad he did the whole song that way. Things slow back down with, “Ten Thousand Angels”. The words to this song presents a good thought. I like how he stayed up on the end of the last verse. “The Lighthouse”, ends up the album. We’ve all heard a million versions of this song, but Gene sings it real smooth to where you don’t mind hearing it again. He does a good job on it.
I have worked with Gene in the studio and watched how he takes a song and makes it his own. He’s got a great bass voice and an awesome range that allows him to do more than just that as well. The mix on the project is great. Nick Bruno always does great work. If you like to listen to a CD that you can sing along to, you’ll love this one. Most every song on here is a familiar song. My only complaint is a few too many slow songs. Other than that, it’s great. I give this project an overall 4 ½ stars. I’ll leave room for the next album. Awesome job, Gene!
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Written: 07/14/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 1
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I bought this CD and love it. 4 + Stars.Gene is one of the best bass singers today.
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