CD: Joy in the Journey, McKameys

Joy in the Journey, the McKameys

The McKameys have been known for more than 30 years for their spirit-filled singing and down-to-earth sentiments. Each project shows their talent at choosing scripturally based songs. Joy in the Journey is no exception. All of the vocalists are featured throughout the recording, while Eli & Roger perform on Eli’s solo.

Sometimes groups release efforts that are nonetheless strong, and, then, they tend to take a break and release something more relaxed. The McKameys have used this format for a few recordings (i.e.- The Old Path [2005], and Trophy of Grace [2002]). These albums followed particularly strong recordings and therefore didn’t show much in the arrangements and such. Joy in the Journey is that type of recording. After following, The Message, which featured two #1 songs, the group has taken a laid-back approach with no real in-your-face up-tempo numbers, several ballads, and mid-tempo songs.

While there are certainly highlights of the album, there are some questionable points pertaining to the recording. The first song, “I Have a Great Savior,” features the entire group throughout and gives Sheryl Farris the lead vocal through the chorus. The lyrics are good quality, but the voices aren’t mixed well to balance the harmony with the melody. And choosing to start the album with this song makes the project appear imbalanced. Also, “All Is Well” seems to struggle between becoming a ballad or a mid-tempo number. There are instances of slowing down, then speeding up, leaving the listener confused on the song’s direction.

Other highlights include the classic ballads, “When Faith Steps In” and “God Doesn’t Think like Me.” Both of these songs feature Sheryl Farris predominantly with Peg and Connie taking the feature or lead at certain parts. The former was written by Leigh Parsons Sexton (the daughter of Squire Parsons) and tells the Christian journey as it occurs from when “faith steps in” to the time when “faith will end.” This unique look at faith is fantastic and will do well as the project’s first single. “God Doesn’t Think like Me” is a unique ballad discussing man’s epic failure trying to make material possessions work for him, however, realizing the need for ultimate interference from God. Sheryl Farris wrote the song and portrays the song’s hook and idea, next by expounding upon man’s thoughts and inferiority, and eventually bringing the thought full circle. I can see this one electrifying audiences similar to “I Keep Praying” and “I’ve Won.”

In addition to the ballads, there are a couple of great mid-tempo numbers. The title track, “Joy in the Journey,” features the entire group at the start and goes on to feature Sheryl.  Like “When Faith Steps In” and “God Doesn’t Think like Me”, this song could do well at radio. Using this song’s title as the album title was an excellent choice. “Joy in the Journey” has the convention style singing that brings their roots to the forefront. I also like the surprise key change when Connie takes the lead. Another noteworthy song is the Dallas Holm classic, “All That Matters,” which is Eli Fortner’s only feature. In the past 5-6 years, his songs have featured him and his parents, Roger & Connie. For this album, they added Sheryl to make a unique second & third generation mixture of the McKameys. This song clocks in a little over 2 minutes, but it fits the theme of the project and could become Eli’s signature song. The unexpected arrangement and Eli’s more mature vocals on this tune set it different from all of his past features as well as the other mid-tempo numbers on the project.

The McKameys have accomplished their original intentions, a laid-back album taking a break from their regular style. With this project, they scored well with unique vocal arrangements, but some were left with the typical treatment. This, in turn, makes the listener want more. On the other hand, it seems that Sheryl’s vocals are transitioning and adapting more to the family harmony producing much smoother vocals than their last project, The Message. Joy in the Journey may not win new fans, but it will continue to whet the appetites of current fans as well as prove to the Southern Gospel community that the McKameys are still alive and well.

CD rating: 3.75/5

Personal Favorites: “Joy in the Journey”, “When Faith Steps In”, “All That Matters”, “God Doesn’t Think like Me”, and “I Made It by Grace.”

The McKameys are: Peg McKamey Bean, Ruben Bean, Connie Fortner, Roger Fortner, Sheryl Farris, and Eli Fortner. Producer: Jeff Collins. Track list: I Have a Great Savior (Rebecca J. Peck), Glorify the Lord in the Fire (Sandy Blythe), All Is Well (Sheryl Farris), Joy in the Journey (Sheryl Farris), When Faith Steps In (Leigh Parsons Sexton), Remember When (Sheryl Farris), He Gave (Barbara Huffman), All That Matters (Dallas Holm), God Doesn’t Think like Me (Sheryl Farris), and I Made It by Grace (Kyla Rowland). Purchased by reviewer. Available from the artist or Crossroads Music.