SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: SONGS FOR OUR AMERICAN CULTURE- THE INSPIRATIONS

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justingilmore1992
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SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

SONG FOR OUR AMERICAN CULTURE

THE INSPIRATIONS

LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS

PRODUCER: ROGER TALLEY

RELEASE DATE: JULY 24, 2026

GROUP MEMBERS: ROLAND KESTERSON (LEAD), LUKE VAUGHT (BARITONE/PIANIST), ISAAC MOORE (TENOR), AND WYATT AUSTIN (BASS)

SONG LIST:

  1. O How I Love The Lord (Traditional)
  2. God’s Word Will Stand/ I Stand Upon The Rock Of Ages (Leonard Fletcher, Squire Parsons Jr.)
  3. Eye Of The Storm (Regina Stockdale)
  4. Then We’ll Be Glad (J.B. Spencer)
  5. Home Sweet Home (Jewell Kesterson Scott)
  6. Jesus Is Coming Soon (ft. The Oak Ridge Boys) (R.E. Winsett)
  7. One More Valley (Dottie Rambo, Jimmie Davis)
  8. In The Shadow Of The Cross (Bernice M. Brostrom, Wesley H. Daniel)
  9. Resting In The Arms Of A Never Failing God (Jack Campbell)
  10. Surely Goodness And Mercy (John W. Peterson, Alfred B. Smith)
  11. Lord Walk With Me (Dottie Rambo)
  12. I Mean To Be There (Jeff Steele)

BREAKDOWN:

The Inspirations are back with a special project that celebrates our rich Southern Gospel music tradition and its part in our American culture. Songs For Our American Culture features twelve songs that capture the classic Americana style, but done in the signature Inspirations style.

This exciting album opens with the energy filled, classic quartet style tune “O How I Love The Lord.” This song simply praises Christ for His Sacrifice and His Saving Grace. Roland Kesterson takes the lead on an Inspirations classic “God’s Word Will Stand,” which boldly proclaims: The can criticize and work their evil plans, but God’s Word will stand. They will never overcome His Word no matter how hard they try. The group also adds a chorus of the Kingsmen classic “I’ll Stand Upon The Rock Of Ages” to this track. Wyatt Austin and Isaac Moore take the verses of the mid-tempo tune “Eye Of The Storm.” This simple yet powerful track reminds us that: Though the storms are raging, we shall find rest in Christ, the eye of the storm. “Then We’ll Be Glad” is another fun, up-tempo quartet tune featuring Luke Vaught that looks to the glorious day when we enter Heaven. Roland Kesterson takes the lead once again on the tender “Home Sweet Home.” This country style tune tells of our longing for our home sweet home in Heaven. “Jesus Is Coming Soon” is a quartet standard that was made popular by both the Oak Ridge Boys and The Inspirations. It is only fitting that the two legendary quartets team up here on this version which is simply brilliant. Kesterson takes the lead again on the Dottie Rambo classic “One More Valley.” This tender, mid-tempo tune simply says: Keep on walking the narrow road. Keep the Faith. Do not let Satan steal your joy. Luke Vaught’s smooth baritone is featured again on “In The Shadow Of The Cross.” This country style ballad asks listeners: Are you living in the shadow of the Cross? By the cross, He will lead us to our Eternal Home. “Resting In The Arms Of A Never Failing God” is a fun, up-tempo tune, featuring Isaac More, that joyfully looks forward to Heaven and resting in His Arms. Roland Kesterson takes the lead on the mid-tempo “Surely Goodness And Mercy.” This well crafted lyric tells of the Lord’s guiding Hand on our loves. If we believe and trust in Him, surely His Goodness and Mercy will follow me all of the days of my life. “Lord Walk With Me” is a beautiful song that simply asks the Lord to show us His Way. Walk with me, talk with me, be every breath I breathe. I do not ask for wealth or fame. I just want to know Him. This incredible album closes with another fun, energy filled quartet tune “I Mean To Be There.” Each member shines on this catchy song that is an affirmation: I mean to be there when my name is called out.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

As Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys eloquently said: The Inspirations “have created their own ‘Culture of Music.’ A style that is all their own.” “A Culture of Music that is as warm and satisfying as mama’s home cooking. And their love for Jesus is embedded in every note.” I could not agree more. This album is one of their best to date in my humble opinion. Stellar vocals, top notch musicianship, and incredible songs. Highlights include: “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” “I Mean To Be There,” “O How I Love The Lord,” “Lord Walk With Me,” “Then We’ll Be Glad,” and “Surely Goodness And Mercy.”

5 out of 5 stars!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.theinspirations.com

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