SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
MAMA’S BOYS
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
LABEL: LIGHTNING ROD RECORDS
PRODUCER: DAVE COBB
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2024
GROUP MEMBER: DUANE ALLEN (LEAD), WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN (BARITONE), RICHARD STERBAN (BASS), AND BEN JAMES (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
- That’s The Way My Mama Made It
- Mama’s Boys
- Mama’s Teaching Angels How To Sing
- Ever With Me
- Her Voice
- Mama Sang For Me
- Come On Home
- I Thought About You Lord (ft. Willie Nelson)
- Sweetest Gift
- Divine Witness
BREAKDOWN:
The Oak Ridge Boys have been a mainstay in both Country and Gospel music for decades. The legendary group is currently on their Farewell Tour and celebrating over fifty years of the beloved vocal lineup of Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and the late Joe Bonsall. Bonsall retired at the end of 2023 due to his declining health. He went on to Glory in July after battling ALS. Former Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Dailey & Vincent member Ben James joined in late 2023 to fill the tenor position (handpicked by Bonsall himself). James brings a great new tenor sound to the group, while honoring his hero Joe Bonsall. The group also lost Duane’s beloved wife Nora Allen and William Lee’s son Rusty this year as well.
Despite these trying times, this legendary group continues to press on and bring their classic music to their many fans.
The group has teamed with producer Dave Cobb once again for this stellar new project entitled Mama’s Boys. This special album features ten songs celebrating mothers and their profound impact that they have on their children. They also pay tribute to their own mothers and the love they have for them. Ben James takes the lead on the fun, up-tempo tune “That’s The Way My Mama Made It.” This catchy song celebrates mama’s home cooking! The title track is a great groove that simply says: Mama taught us about love, grace, and forgiveness. We may be tough and brave, but at the end of the day, we’re all just mama’s boys. The group’s legendary harmonies shine on the Southern Gospel classic “Mama’s Teaching Angels How To Sing.” Ben James does an incredible job on the verse. His tenor voice is definitely different from Bonsall’s, but he fits well with the group. As Duane Allen has said in various interviews, Ben knows the Oak Ridge Boys sound and knows where to place his voice in that classic blend. Duane Allen’s signature lead vocal is featured on the beautiful and tender mid-tempo song “Ever With Me.” This incredible song reflects on all of the things that remind us of loved ones who have passed away. “ But I swear all the time, you are right by my side. For you are ever with me.” “Her Voice” is a fun tune that features each member and simply says: I hear her voice loud and clear. When I have a choice to choose, mama’s light comes shining through. In these moments, we are reminded of what our mothers taught us. “Mama Sang For Me” is a great story in a song. It tells of a man remembering how his mother sang to him. Even after he was grown, he would hear her voice echo through his mind. No matter where he went or trouble he would find, everything would be alright when mama sang for him. William Lee Golden is featured on the mid-tempo tune “Come On Home” which talks about leaving home and a mother’s words of wisdom and love.“If you get tired of running and this world starts feeling cold. Remember where you came from, and in Who’s name you pray. Because me and Jesus love you, and that’s never gonna change.” Golden’s signature voice fit this song perfectly. The lead single “I Thought About You Lord” features the legendary Willie Nelson (who wrote and originally recorded the song) on guest vocals. “Sweetest Gift” is a tender song that tells of a mother’s love and her sweet smile. This incredible album closes with another tender mid-tempo song entitled “Divine Witness.” Richard Sterban is featured on this great song that simply says: I’m a divine witness. I have seen things that only faith can explain. Thank you Lord for the miracles made every day and the power of love and forgiveness. Thank you for her hand on my heart when it hurts. Open your heart to Him and believe! His Love is free to receive! I’m a divine witness!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
HEARTFELT SONGS. RICH HARMONIES. THE OAK RIDGE BOYS HAVE AN INCREDIBLE GOD GIVEN GIFT OF CONNECTING TO LISTENERS THROUGH THEIR MUSIC. THIS LEGENDARY GROUP HAS HAD A STORIED CAREER FOR DECADES AND THIS IS YET ANOTHER GEM IN THE DISCOGRAPHY. A TRULY BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION AND TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS AND OTHER STRONG WOMEN WHO HELP SHAPE OUR LIVES. THESE SONGS REMIND US OF THE LOVE WE SHARE AND THE LASTING BOND BETWEEN US AND OUR MOTHERS. THIS WAS ANOTHER MUCH NEEDED ALBUM FOR ME PERSONALLY AS MY MOM HAS BEEN STRUGGLING WITH HEALTH ISSUE THIS YEAR. SHE MEANS SO MUCH TO ME AND I AM DEFINITELY A MAMA’S BOY.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “DIVINE WITNESS,” “MAMA’S TEACHING ANGELS HOW TO SING,” “EVER WITH ME,” AND “HER VOICE.”
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.oakridgeboys.com
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