CD: On the Sunrise Side, Inspirations

On the Sunrise Side: Inspirations

Change has affected nearly every group in the Southern Gospel circuit. Back in March, when I learned that Jodi Hosterman was joining the Inspirations, I was unsure of the direction of the group’s sound. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy Jodi’s singing just as much as the past two tenors for the group. But given that Jodi’s voice was a different style, I didn’t quite know how the group would sound with a different type of tenor. On the Sunrise Side is an excellent project showing how the Inspirations have maintained the quality of singing, while revamping in some areas.

On the Sunrise Side gets off to a mid-tempo song of testimony, “I’m Saved.” David Ragan carries the lead effectively through the song, making the song even more personal for the singer and listener. He holds the lead through the song until the turn-around when Jodi Hosterman takes the lead and drives it home. This song was an excellent opener for the project because of its display of the project’s theme. Next is “Kneel at the Cross.” This straight-ahead message reminds the sinner of his/her destination without Salvation. The inclusion of the old hymn of the same title seemed a tad bit unnecessary. For the song to have the same title, people are going to immediately associate the two. I’m not exactly sure why the hymn had to be included in an extended style, because the song can stand on its own without it. The Salvation message continues with the title track, “On the Sunrise Side.” This, the first solo for Hosterman, is another reminder similar to the previous one. The last line of the chorus seems to be unpolished, “While we’re on the sunrise side of heaven, get before we cross.” What is the last line of the song, actually is a stronger wording of the last line of the chorus. It makes the listener wonder, “Why wasn’t it used in the beginning?”

Considering that the first three songs were mid-tempo, it’s a welcomed change to a peppy tune called, “Heaven By and By.” Mike Holcomb, the Inspirations’ bass vocalist, is featured throughout the chorus on the lead-in lines. The unison lines throughout the song seem to be a bit of a departure for the group’s normal style. However, the unison lines used draw people into hearing the full blend the group has. The vocals on this song are similar to groups like the Kingsmen or Kingdom Heirs from the early 2000s. Coming next is the first of three songs referring to heaven, “The More I Think about Heaven.” Because of the way Campbell delivers this tune, the song’s message of hope in death becomes effective. Campbell will be well-known in concert for “The More I Think about Heaven.” Since it touches every aspect of the Christian’s faith, “The More I Think about Heaven” could do well at radio. Next is the group’s first single, “I’ve Never Known a Day.” Once again, the unison vocals are provided, but are used at a minimum. I appreciate how Ragan carries the lead through the entire song, even though he doesn’t carry the features on the verses. “River of Mercy” follows, featuring Ragan and telling of a sinner’s inability to reach Christ. The song, similar to the first three, is farther along in the project to keep from sounding redundant from the first three.

The “song” of the album comes next, “That’s Why I Call It Home.” I appreciate how the song shows our reasons for reaching our Earthly home while not having to explain how the feelings for heaven are equal and greater. Both Ragan & Campbell’s mature vocals guide the listener on an established journey to what makes heaven home. This should also do well on radio, given its strong response at the 2010 National Quartet Convention and its excellent performance in the studio. The final lines of the songs are highlighted with Ragan’s reaching for a higher vocal and Holcomb’s march down to a lower vocal. This is a worthy addition to the Inspirations songbook. Following “That’s Why I Call It Home” is a rendition of “When God Dips His Love in My Heart.” Holcomb’s lead vocals are lively, but the remaining members’ vocals lack that spirit to match the lead to create an exciting sound. The final song, “The Redeemed”, shares a listing of several sights and sounds to see and hear when we reach heaven. Judging by the pace of the song, it feels as if it didn’t sound like a strong note on which to end the album. But the entire song makes the close of the album just as effective as its start.

The Inspirations have worked fervently to maintain the high level of consistency with their sound. Many of their songs are recognizable from the first few bars of the tunes. On the Sunrise Side allows the listener to join along on a journey to hear a more mellow side of the Inspirations. With several laid-back tunes, the Inspirations recorded an album that isn’t too high in energy, nor too low in energy. The group’s blend is thick, unlike some groups travelling today. With On the Sunrise Side, the Inspirations have reminded Southern Gospel fans of their roots, while continuing to expand their musical boundaries.

Overall Rating: 4 /5 Stars

Personal Favorites: I’m Saved, Heaven By and By, The More I Think about Heaven, I’ve Never Known a Day, River of Mercy, and That’s Why I Call It Home.

The Inspirations Quartet is: Jodi Hosterman, David Ragan, Melton Campbell, Mike Holcomb, Martin Cook, and Myron Cook. Track Listing: I’m Saved, Kneel at the Cross, On the Sunrise Side, Heaven By and By, The More I Think about Heaven, I’ve Never Known a Day, River of Mercy, That’s Why I Call It Home, When God Dips His Love in My Heart, and The Redeemed. Album copy purchased by reviewer. Available from the Artist or Crossroads Music.