2024 IN REVIEW: MY TOP SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW:

2024 has been a somewhat difficult year for me personally. My mom has been experiencing health issues and I have been struggling at work. In addition, there have been other unspoken burdens throughout the year as well. There have been many times that I’ve come home from work with a nearly broken spirit. I cry to God asking why. Sometimes it feels like He is not listening. However, I am here to tell you HE HEARS EVERY WORD. God continues to bring me and my family through! He is always faithful.

This year has also brought many blessings as well. God has opened doors for me through this blog. I had the honor and privilege to attend and cover the Great Western Fan Festival in Visalia, California last May. At the event, I was interviewed by promoter Paul Pitts and was able to meet and interview Triumphant Quartet and Jeff Chapman of Gold City. I got to reconnect with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and interview Ernie Haase, a personal hero of mine. In addition, I was able to meet many of my favorite artists that I had not yet seen in concert including Liberty Quartet and Greater Vision. I also got to meet and hear some great groups from right here in California including the California Melody Boys, Herb Henry Family, The Lighthouse Boys, and Reliance Trio.

This event was incredible and had a profound impact on me. Beyond the fantastic music, the kindness that I experienced from the artists was special. These people truly live out their faith. When I met and talked with Jeff Chapman, it felt as if we’d know each other for years. Another highlight was meeting Gerald Wolfe and him knowing who I was through the site on Facebook. I also loved meeting the men of Liberty Quartet. Royce Mitchell (the founder and bass singer) took notice of my voice and said: “Now, that’s a bass voice. Do you sing?” As someone who loves to sing bass for fun, that meant the world to me. Triumphant Quartet also made a major impression on me. They have always been one of my favorite groups, but after meeting them and hearing them sing, I was even more impressed. They are the real deal both in terms of music and ministry. I cannot begin to thank The Hoppers and everyone involved in the event for making it such a memorable time.

Now, as usual, it is time to list my favorite Southern Gospel albums of the year. With the volume of albums released this year and the quality of each, this was the most difficult list for me to compile yet! Given this, I have decided to expand my typical top ten to a top fifteen.

So without further ado, here are my Top Fifteen albums of 2024! (Note: This was incredibly difficult and the order is not necessarily definitive).

15. A Story To Tell- The California Melody Boys

14. A Collection Of Favorites- Unity 4 Quartet

13. Unstoppable God- The Kingsmen

12. The Legacy Continues- The Inspirations

11. Life Story- The Erwins

10. Something To Shout About- Down East Boys

9. Once More- Tribute Quartet

8. No Better Time- Kingdom Heirs

7. 25- Legacy Five

6. Live In Memphis- Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

5. Living Free- Liberty Quartet

4. Right Now- Gold City

3. Loving You- The Nelons

2. God Is Listening- Triumphant Quartet

1. Praise And Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah- The Isaacs

FINAL THOUGHTS:

This year has had its ups and downs, but God has been faithful. Southern Gospel Music continues to thrive especially with the growing contingent of young people becoming involved with it both in industry and as fans. So many incredible albums were released this year! Many of which profoundly moved me. God has opened doors for me through this blog. I never thought in a million years that I would be invited to cover a Southern Gospel music event. But God! I continue to thank Him for His work in my life and His faithfulness. I’m not the best interviewer or reviewer, but it’s not about me. I share my love for this music to glorify His Name.

I’m truly appreciative of everyone who has read, shared, and followed this blog this year. I know I haven’t always been consistent in posting in the past, but this year has been one of renewed purpose and transformation. Next year, I plan to interview more artists and start a weekly or monthly podcast in addition to the reviews. I also hope to attend the National Quartet Convention for the first time as it has been another dream of mine.

With that being said, I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday and a blessed year. I am looking forward to what God has in store for the coming year. Here’s to an incredible 2025!

God bless,

Justin Gilmore