The bottom line is it's really very hard to review gospel music. It's difficult to keep the focus on the quality of the music without sounding judgmental of the subject matter. Fortunately, Mr. Locklin performs lovely, spiritual music with a warm, majestic voice that commands respect not only for the music, but also for the solemnity as well as the joy of the subject.
Hank Locklin has had a long and illustrious career as one of the finest tenor voices in country music. He sang his way to number one with "Please Help Me, I'm Falling", and stayed there for fourteen weeks. He wrote "Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On", which charted not only for Locklin, but also for many others. He's a long-time member of the Grand Old Opry, has won numerous singer and songwriting awards, and is one of the most influential singers in country music history, having inspired such diverse artists as Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Joe Diffie, Dwight Yoakam, and even Mark Knopfler. Now he takes up the sacred and raises his beautiful voice to the Lord with twenty-two songs, including twelve from his own pen and two from his son, Hank Adam Locklin. Joining Locklin are the "heavenly" quartet the Jordainaires, as well as the Oak Ridge Boys, Jeff & Sheri Easter, and Gold City. Along with some formidable players (including Jimmy Capps and Pete Wade on guitars, Hubert "Hoot" Hester on fiddle, and Homer "Boots" Randolph on sax), the final result is pure, spiritual gold. Locklin's honest, pure faith shines through on every track, making that joyous sound onto the Lord.
From the bright opening strains of "Gloryland Way", it's clear this is a gospel album that delights in spreading the word. It's a hand-clapping, rousing opener that leads into the softer, more solemn "Right Out Of A Clear Blue Sky", and on to the semi-autobiographic "The Bottle (For The Cross)". Locklin also performs several traditional tunes, with a jazzy, spirited version of "When The Saints Go Marching In" and an a cappella take of the old favorite "Amazing Grace". His southern roots come out strong in tunes like "Turn On To Jesus" and "Church Behind The Wall", with its sweet steel guitar opening riff. Five "bonus tracks" finish up the disc, all traditional tunes arranged by Hank Adam, including "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Lead Me Gently Home". In all, it's a lovely Sunday-best disc, a great one to reach for on spiritual occasions. Hank Locklin remains a marvelous singer and terrific entertainer, providing a simply lovely collection of sweet, sacred tunes.
Song List:
- Gloryland Way
- Right Out Of A Clear Blue Sky
- The Bottle (For The Cross)
- A Whole Lot Of Love (To Go Home To)
- When The Saints Go Marching In
- Amazing Grace
- My Valley
- Turn On To Jesus
- My Soul Is Strong
- Sweet Loving Word
- Today Has Already Come To Pass
- My Savior's Arms
- Church Behind The Wall
- Wisdom and Knowledge
- I Praise The Lord
- From Thorns to Feathers
- Are The Seeds Still In The Barn
Bonus Tracks:
- Have A Little Talk With Jesus
- Just A Closer Walk With Thee
- Nothing But The blood of Jesus
- Lead Me Gently Home
- Milky White Way
