Bottom Line:
Gospel music has always played a big part in country music for many different reasons. Most country fans have a strong sense of religion so it helps inter-twine the two genres of music. Most people would agree southern gospel and country music have been combined together since Mother Maybelle of The Carter Family. Fans from both music styles have always had a close relationship, so it was no surprise to hear the duo Joshua Creek mix them together for an album filled with strong Christian family values.
It is a nice change to hear independent artists simply because they have a different sound than most mainstream country stars. There is a duo that is signed to Covenant Records, which is a Christian based record label, that also has a country sound. This duo is Joshua Creek and consists of Jeff Hinton and Quint Randle. The whole album has a refreshing sound and shows off their crystal clear voices. It is obvious from the first song that they have a strong respect for family values, respect for their fellow man and a solid relationship with God. One thing that is great about this duo is they do not preach or shove their beliefs down your throat, instead they express their views through their music. Each song has a great acoustic sound that you are sure to love. It seems these days when albums are released there may be ten or eleven songs on the album, but only a couple songs have the quality to be listened to more than once. Jeff and Quint made sure it wasn't the case for their latest project Heaven's Not That Far.
There are thirteen songs total on this record, all having different meanings and outlooks on life. It is very clear that Jeff and Quint hold the women in their lives on a pedestal for the things they do. There are numerous songs on this record that helps you identify to that feeling. "She's My Everything" describes everything they feel about their wives and how much they mean to them. "The Quilt" brings back a lot of memories of growing up. It always amazes me how a song can flood your mind with so many different feelings. For the most part, everyone has had a grandmother who was into quilting or sewing and then as time goes by those quilts are passed down. They hold different meaning for everyone, so this is what "The Quilt" describes. "Honey Do List" is the fourth track and is by far the most "country" tune on the album. I don't know a man alive who has not felt the same way when they are handed the list of chores for the weekend. "Mornin' Dad" is a true tribute to their fathers. With all the different songs today, some people forget where they came from or will even blame there parents, but not these guys. Jeff and Quint seem to really appreciate the up-bringing their fathers gave them. Now, just because this duo is full of Christian family values, they also express their interest in warmer climates and vacations in "Weekend In Rio." "The Human Race" is a personal favorite mainly because it deals with life and how everyone always wants more. This whole album is full of positive view points and makes you thankful for the things we have in our lives.
Track List:
- Sacred Ground
- She's My Everything
- The Quilt
- Honey Do List
- The Women In My Life
- Last Chance, Colorado
- Mornin' Dad
- His Girl
- Weekend In Rio
- The Human Race
- Life's Parade
- Let Go
Bonus Track:
- If Any Of You
