SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION- THE LIGHTHOUSE BOYS

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by

justingilmore1992
in

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

AND A BONUS REVIEW OF: HE’LL CARRY YOU- THE SINGLE

THE LIGHTHOUSE BOYS

LABEL: TLB RECORDS

PRODUCER: MARK UNDERWOOD, STEPHEN UNDERWOOD

RELEASE DATE: 2016, 2022

SONG LIST:

  1. Greatly Blessed
  2. From Heaven’s Point Of View
  3. The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
  4. The Dark Haired Man
  5. When The Saints Of God Are Called T’ward Heaven
  6. His Love Won’t Let Me Go
  7. I’m Gonna Praise The Lord
  8. He Raised Me Up
  9. The Happiest Feelin’
  10. For My Sin
  11. I Can Do All Things
  12. Old Campmeeting Style
  13. Sweet Beulah Land
  14. I’m Free Again
  15. Sho’ Do Need Him Now
  16. Three Days Later
  17. Just Call On Jesus
  18. I’m Gonna Dance
  19. Don’t Give Up
  20. Midnight Cry

THOUGHTS:

Southern Gospel Music is not just confined to the south.The west coast is also home to some great Gospel groups. There are quite a few groups based in California and the surrounding areas. Before my trip to the Great Western Fan Fest in Visalia, I had only heard of a few namely: Evidence Quartet, Reliance Trio, the Herb Henry Family, and Solid Ground Trio. At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Underwood of the Lighthouse Boys.This legendary group hails from Bakersfield, California and has been in ministry for fifty years (having formed in 1974) and are considered the progenitors of “The Bakersfield Sound.” Underwood (Tenor Vocals) started the group with his late brother Bill Underwood, who sang baritone until his passing in 2021. Many vocalists and musicians have been part of the group in its storied career including: Steve Johnson, Frank McNinch, Ken Edwards, Tim Cantu, Joe Underwood, and Kala Underwood. The current lineup features Mark Underwood, Bill’s son Stephen Underwood, bass singer Lee Hulbert, and baritone Mike Tweedy.

This landmark recording features classic recordings from the group compiled by Stephen Underwood. Among the twenty selections are some of the group’s hits including: the tender ballad “From Heaven’s Point Of View,” “The Happiest Feeling,” the groovy “Don’t Give Up,” the fun “I’m Gonna Dance,” and their cover of the Gold City classic “Midnight Cry.” Also included are great covers of other classic Southern Gospel songs: “Sho’ Do Need Him Now,” “Sweet Beulah Land,” “I’m Free Again,” and “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.”

FINAL THOUGHTS:

THE LIGHTHOUSE BOYS THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION IS A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THIS STELLAR QUARTET. GREAT SONGS, SOLID VOCALS, AND A UNIQUE SOUND. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “SHO’ DO NEED HIM NOW,” “I’M FREE AGAIN,” “I’M GONNA DANCE,” AND “HIS LOVE WON’T LET ME GO.”

4 OUT OF 5 STARS!

BONUS REVIEW:

The group’s latest recording is “He’ll Carry You,” a song written by Mark Underwood. This single was released in 2022 and featured then baritone Joe Underwood. This tender ballad reminds us that God is faithful and will carry you through the trials you face. This single also features another track: “What A Friend We Have In Jesus/Sweet Sweet Spirit.”

4 OUT OF 5 STARS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thelighthouseboys.com

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