Colors - Oak Ridge Boys

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Reviewed by Jolene Downs

The Oak Ridge Boys have done it again with their latest release. The theme of this album, released by Spring Hill Music Group, is most decidedly Patriotic. They have included two former releases and ten new recordings. This group has performed at the White House on many occasions and they continue to do what they can to promote Patriotism among American citizens. The end result of this album is something that you will sincerely enjoy. It will also make you contemplate what being part of America is all about.

They start out with "Colors." This is a song in which the group goes over what the flag means to them. "Red as the bloodshed, Blue as the wounded and White as the crosses on our soldier's graves" is how they describe what the colors mean to them. It starts out with the first glimpse of a flag on a stage and how they have pledged allegiance ever since. It is a great song.

"The Absence of Love" is one of my favorite songs on the album. As a parent of two young children, it really hits home for me. So much blame is placed on different people and different things in society for how our children are turning out, that we forget where the blame starts. It starts and ends at home with the parents and how they raise their children. If children are not loved at home, there is virtually nothing anyone else can do to improve the actions of those children. Without love and guidance in the home, the hands of teachers and everyone else are tied.

"American Beauty" is a song that just takes you down memory lane with different things that we associate with America. They mention landmarks such as the Rocky Mountains, Statue of Liberty and the general American landscapes. Other fun things that we associate with America are Nascar racing, Levi's, hot dogs, baseball and apple pie. It is a fun song that just lets you remember the "good old days."

"This is America" is unique because the rich bass of Richard Sterban is the main vocal. The group joins Richard for the chorus, but he sings the verses solo. This song talks about the things that make us stand tall as a country. Even though violence may strike, our people band together to keep us all strong.

Joe Bonsall, Jr. wrote the song "G.I. Joe and Lillie." It is the story of the deep love shared by his parents. A streetwise city kid joins the army to fight a war and falls in love with the pretty young nurse escorting the wounded soldiers home. They get married, buy a house and raise a family. Then the war comes back to the veteran soldier, but the love of his life helps him deal with it. It is a song that makes you reach for the tissues.

The Oak Ridge Boys included two fan favorites on this album. "An American Family" and "Thank God For Kids." Both of these songs have long been a staple on country radio. It was great to see them on the album.

They close the album with an acapella version of "The Star Spangled Banner." It has been arranged beautifully and their unique harmonies lend the anthem that little something extra that will make you remember it as sung by The Oak Ridge Boys.

Bottom line is that this album will be a treasured part of your album collection. The Oak Ridge Boys are part of the American tradition. It is only fitting that they have released a project that shares with their fans how they feel about our great country.

Song List:

1. The Absence of Love
2. The Home Stretch
3. American Beauty
4. This Is America
5. An American Family
6. Let It Ride
7. Sincerely, I Remain
8. G.I. Joe and Lillie
9. Glory Bound
10. Thank God For Kids
11. The Star Spangled Banner