Beating Time
BEST OF FRIENDS
Joyce, Karen and Sheri (Spring Hill Music Group)
There are perhaps a few things that would put a person off this CD at a first glance. The cover depicts three platinum blonde, mumsy Americans laughing and joking around a table in a faux-natural shot; their names are Joyce, Karen and Sheri... I have to confess that my tardiness in reviewing, listening to, even, Best of Friends is primarily from these things.
There may be a few tracks on the album that, in their over-enthusiasm, make a reserved and cynical native of the British Isles like me cringe a little, but, at the same time, this slice of countrified southern gospel has some very uplifting elements so I have swallowed my pride and decided to share it with you.
The CD is actually a collaboration of Joyce Martin (of The Martins), Karen Peck (of Karen Peck and New River) and Sheri Easter (of Jeff and Sheri Easter), three big-name, award-winning vocalists within their field. The music reflects this in its professional and musically tight production in a range of styles from full-on country-rock to big soft-rock ballads. If you find this kind of music all too much, then you probably won't like Best of Friends very much.
However, if you get past all these potential barriers, Best of Friends contains some beauties. The instant stand out track for me was 'Chains gone, set free', a joyful, line-dancetastic song about the miracle of salvation each time it occurs. On a quieter note, the very pretty 'God Of All' is a comforting song about God's supremacy and the security that gives us.
I have found this a very edifying listen, and if the musical styles I've mentioned float your boat, go check it out!
Carruthers
