SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: THEN CAME THE MORNING- GAITHER VOCAL BAND

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by

justingilmore1992
in

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

THEN CAME THE MORNING

GAITHER VOCAL BAND

LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP

PRODUCER: GORDON MOTE AND BILL GAITHER

RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 29, 2025

GROUP MEMBERS: BILL GAITHER (BASS/BARITONE), WES HAMPTON (TENOR), ADAM CRABB (LEAD), TODD SUTTLES (BARITONE/BASS), AND REGGIE SMITH (TENOR)

SONG LIST:

  1. It’s Beginning To Rain (William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Aaron Wilburn)
  2. There’s A Hole In The Heart Of This Country (Larry Gatlin, William J. Gaither)
  3. Jesus, I Believe What You Said (William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither)
  4. Since Jesus Passed By (William J. Gaither)
  5. Hard Trials Will Soon Be Over (ft. Chris Blue and Gene McDonald) (Mosie Lister)
  6. I’m Gonna Sing (William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Woody Wright)
  7. Questions (Woody Wright)
  8. No Shortage (ft. Chris Blue) (Gary S. Paxton)
  9. Then Came The Morning (ft. Gloria Gaither and the Voices Of Lee) (William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Chris Christian)
  10. When Jesus Breaks The Morning (William J. Gaither)
  11. Your Grace And Mercy (ft. Chris Blue and the Voices Of Lee) (Franklin D. Williams)
  12. Sweet, Sweet Spirit (ft. Gene McDonald) (Doris Akers)
  13. Whither Thou Goest (Guy Singer)

BREAKDOWN:

The Gaither Vocal Band has been a standard bearer since its inception forty-four years ago. This beloved, award-winning quintet is back with a new collection of uplifting songs of hope and faith. Then Came The Morning features a great mix of Gaither penned classics as well as a few other nostalgic tunes. Since 2017, this legendary group has featured the stellar voices of Bill Gaither (Bass/Baritone/Founder), Wes Hampton (Tenor), Reggie Smith (Tenor), Adam Crabb (Lead), Todd Suttles (Baritone/Bass). On this exciting recording, they are joined by several guest vocalists including: the Voice winner Chris Blue, longtime Gaither Homecoming bass singer Gene McDonald, and the Voices of Lee. Gloria Gaither is also featured on a recitation on the classic title track and “Whither Thou Goest.”

This incredible project opens with a lush arrangement of “It’s Beginning To Rain,” which reminds us to listen for God’s Voice. “There’s A Hole In The Heart Of This Country” is a powerful anthem that affirms that only God can heal our broken nation and this world of sin. This song also was recorded on the last album by the Nelons which makes this a fitting tribute to the members who passed tragically last year. “Jesus, I Believe What You Said” features Todd Suttles and is a groovy tune that simply says: I believe that You really love me and that You died to save me. This is the first of several songs that pay tribute to the legendary group The Imperials. Bill Gaither and Wes Hampton take the lead on the tender classic Gaither ballad “Since Jesus Passed By.” This is one of my all-time favorite songs and this version is simply brilliant. Gene McDonald and Chris Blue join the GVB on the up-tempo quartet tune “Hard Trials Will Soon Be Over.” This fun song is a quartet classic that looks to the day when the Lord comes back to take us Home. The group revisists another classic GVB tune “I’m Gonna Sing” giving a fresh new arrangement. Adam Crabb’s soulful lead shines on this groovy song that simply says: I’m going to sing about the Lord all my days and point others toward Him. “Questions,” written by Woody Wright, is a beautiful ballad featuring Todd Suttles that says: Jesus is everything to me. He is the answer to all of my questions. He is the theme of my song. “No Shortage” is another groovy Imperials classic that reminds us that there is no shortage of God’s Mercy and Love. Gene McDonald and Chris Blue join the group once again on this fun track. The group delivers an epic new version of the classic “Then Came The Morning” featuring lush harmonies, powerful orchestration, and a beautiful recitation from Gloria Gaither. “When Jesus Breaks The Morning,” another Gaither classic, showcases the group’s stellar harmonies as well as Reggie Smith’s crystal clear tenor. “Your Grace And Mercy” is a truly moving and special track that praises Christ for bringing us through the tough times. Todd Suttles and guest vocalist Chris Blue deliver incredibly moving vocals on this powerful song. The GVB pays tribute to the Imperials once again with a beautiful rendition of the Doris Akers-penned hymn “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” based on the group’s original arrangement. This incredible album closes with the tender ballad “Whither Thou Goest” which is adapted from Ruth 1:16-17 and expresses loyalty and devotion.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

THE GVB ONCE AGAIN DELIVERS A SIMPLY BRILLIANT RECORDING. TOP NOTCH ACROSS THE BOARD. STELLAR VOCALS, INCREDIBLE SONGS, AND MASTERFUL MUSICIANSHIP. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “YOUR GRACE AND MERCY,” “IT’S BEGINNING TO RAIN,” “SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT,” “THEN CAME THE MORNING,” “QUESTIONS,” AND “HARD TRIALS WILL SOON BE OVER.”

I WANT TO ALSO CONGRATULATE WES HAMPTON ON CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH THE VOCAL BAND! HERE’S TO MANY MORE YEARS TO COME!

ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!

5 OUT OF 5 STARS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.gaither.com

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