SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: FORGIVEN AND FREE- GENE MCDONALD

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by

justingilmore1992
in

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

FORGIVEN AND FREE

GENE MCDONALD

LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP

PRODUCER: KEVIN WILLIAMS, BILL GAITHER

RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

SONG LIST:

  1. Feeling At Home In The Presence Of Jesus
  2. This Could Be The Dawning Of That Day
  3. He Touched Me
  4. Getting Used To The Family Of God
  5. How Great Thou Art
  6. Child, You’re Forgiven
  7. I’d Rather Have Jesus
  8. Thanks To Calvary (I Don’t Live Here Anymore)
  9. Sinner Saved By Grace
  10.  Since Jesus Passed By
  11. The Love Of God
  12. Going Home

BREAKDOWN:

Gene McDonald’s unmistakable bass voice has been a mainstay in the Gaither Homecoming choir for over thirty years. McDonald’s latest album serves as a beautiful tribute to two of his most significant role models: George Beverly Shea and Bill Gaither.

This incredible album opens with a jazzy rendition of “Feeling At Home In The Presence Of Jesus.” McDonald effortlessly hits some impressive low notes throughout this fun tune. “This Could Be The Dawning Of That Day” and “He Touched Me” are given stellar treatments here as McDonald’s unbelievable range is showcased. “Getting Used To The Family Of God” is a tender, mid-tempo Gaither classic that tells of the journey of life and learning to love one another as God loves us. Gene then delivers a simply brilliant version of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.” George Beverly Shea would be immensely proud. This is one of my favorite tracks that McDonald has ever recorded. He also pays tribute to Shea with stirring renditions of “I’d Rather Have Jesus” and “The Love Of God.” His rich vocals shine on other Gaither classics (and some of my personal favorites) including: “Since Jesus Passed By,” “Sinner Saved By Grace,” “Thanks To Calvary,” and “Going Home.” Another standout track is the soulful “Child, You’re Forgiven.” This incredible song, originally recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band, is a powerful anthem that proclaims: I am forgiven and free in Christ Jesus! Gene delivers an incredible version here showcasing his massive range once again.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

GENE MCDONALD DELIVERS A STELLAR TRIBUTE TO TWO GOSPEL LEGENDS WITH THIS PROJECT. MCDONALD’S SIGNATURE BASS VOCALS FIT THESE TIMELESS SONGS BRILLIANTLY. HIS VOICE BLOWS ME AWAY EVERY TIME. THIS IS ONE OF HIS BEST RECORDINGS TO DATE! HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “HOW GREAT THOU ART,” “I’D RATHER HAVE JESUS,” “GOING HOME,” “CHILD, YOU’RE FORGIVEN,” AND “SINNER SAVED BY GRACE.”

5 OUT 5 STARS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.genemcdonaldmusic.com

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