SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
GOOD ANSWERS
KAREN PECK & NEW RIVER
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN, KRIS CRUNK
RELEASE DATE: MAY 16, 2025
GROUP MEMBERS: KAREN PECK GOOCH (SOPRANO), SUSAN PECK JACKSON (ALTO), GRANT GIBSON (LEAD/TENOR), KARI GOOCH BAUCOM (ALTO), AND MATTHEW GOOCH (GUITAR)
SONG LIST:
- God Gives Good Answers (Karen Peck-Gooch, Kenna Turner West and Jimmy Yeary)
- Mama Knows (Karen Peck-Gooch, Don Poythress and Kenna Turner West)
- Ain’t No Satisfaction (Karen Peck-Gooch, Wayne Haun, Kenna Turner West)
- Nail-Scarred Hands (Travis Cottrell, David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith)
- River Of Life (Karen Peck-Gooch, Mia Fields, Mitch Wong)
- That’s What Faith Looks Like (Karen Peck- Gooch, Dave Clark, Wayne Haun)
- Just Getting Started (Hunter Leath, Nathan Woodard)
- Be Ready (Karen Peck-Gooch, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey)
- Always For You (Karen Peck-Gooch, Dave Clark, Wayne Haun)
- I Speak Jesus (Abigail Benton, Kristen Dutton, Raina Patt, Carlene Prince, Jesse Reeves and Dustin Smith)
BREAKDOWN:
Multi-award winning Karen Peck & New River is back with their thirteenth studio album, Good Answers. This deeply personal recording is inspired by the final words of Karen and Susan’s mother: “God gives good answers.” Featuring ten songs of hope and inspiration, Good Answers is sure to be a blessing to all who listen. Karen Peck-Gooch co-wrote several songs on this incredible recording produced by Wayne Haun. Peck-Gooch is joined of course by her sister Susan Peck Jackson, her daughter Kari, son Matthew, and lead singer Grant Gibson to round out the vocal lineup.
The album opens with the energy-filled title track that reminds us that God has everything under control. He gives us exactly what we need, not always what we ask for or think we need. God gives good answers to our prayers, so keep praying. “Mama Knows” is a beautiful mid-tempo track that looks forward to the splendor of Heaven. We will reunite with loved ones who already know how it feels to be in His Presence. Grant Gibson and Kari Gooch take the lead on “Ain’t No Satisfaction.” This bluesy tune simply says: the only satisfaction you will find is in the Lord. “Nail-Scarred Hands” is a beautiful mid-tempo tune that praises Jesus for His Mercy and Grace! Oh what Love! My hope began in His Crimson Flood. Kari Gooch takes the lead on the catchy mid-tempo tune “River Of Life.” This song invites listeners to run to the River Of Life. There is a sweet Joy that awaits! His Mercy flows and it won’t ever run dry! Karen Peck Gooch delivers a stellar vocal on that powerful ballad “That’s What Faith Looks Like.” If you face the storms of life and know somehow that everything is going to be alright. That is what faith looks like. Leave it all in His Hands! Put your faith in Christ and live for Him unashamed! “Just Getting Started,” featuring Grant Gibson, praises Christ for His Sacrifice. He made a way for us! The first single, which has already been rising the charts, is the groovy “Be Ready.” This fun tune reminds us to be ready for Christ’s return. No matter what you do or say. Be ready! We know not the hour or day so believe in the Lord and be saved! Susan Peck Jackson takes the lead on the tender, mid-tempo track “Always For You.” This beautiful song reminds us that God is always faithful. He will always go with you. This stellar album closes with a powerful rendition of the worship favorite “I Speak Jesus,” which boldly proclaims the name of Jesus! His name is Power, Healing, and Life! Shout His Name everywhere! I speak His Holy Name!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
KPNR DELIVERS YET AGAIN WITH THE HEARTFELT AND INSPIRATIONAL GOOD ANSWERS. TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP, INCREDIBLE SONGS, AND STELLAR VOCALS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “BE READY,” “RIVER OF LIFE,” “THAT’S WHAT FAITH LOOKS LIKE,” “I SPEAK JESUS,” “MAMA KNOWS,” AND “GOOD ANSWERS.”
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.karenpeckandnewriver.com
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