The Browns “Aim Higher” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Know You Now, Soul on Fire, Aim Higher

The Browns have taken to heart the titular of their brand new StowTown Records release "Aim Higher."  While many Southern Gospel releases are content to recycle the same old repertoire of standard hymns and Gospel oldies, the Browns have set their aim a little higher (and broader).  Trawling beyond the expected confines of the genre, here you will find them broaching into classical music (Beethoven's "Fur Elsie"), contemporary Christian music (Third Day's "Soul on Fire"), African-American spirituals ("Sinners Come to the River") as well as brand new compositions coming from a joint effort between the Browns and the StowTown team. "Aim Higher" is the follow-up to their StowTown Records debut "Love Loud."  Just like "Love Loud," this is not a monochromatic record; variegated brushes of emotions, genres, lyrical themes, tempos are used to paint a cohesive picture of the kind of life God has called us to live.  A life that is rooted in the richness of Christ far beyond the cumbersome cares of negativity, sins, and defeats of this world.

The Browns comprise of Shelly Brown and her three adult children, Michaela, Adam and Andrew.  Musically, they have been described as having a progressive sound of the Martins meeting Point of Grace and FFH.  The Browns have been touring across the United States since the group began its full-time ministry thirteen years ago. The heralded group began on the local and state level and has expanded and grown into a national touring group.  Last year, the Browns received the prestigious honor of Top 10 Mixed Group of the Year for the fourth year in a row.  Starting off the proceedings is "On the Winning Side," a marching order from Captain Jesus, reminding us that victory is imminent for those who trust in His name.  Following on similar lyrical trajectory is the inspirational title cut "Aim Higher" punctuated with some delightful blaring brassy horns blasts.

Fans of StowTown releases know that no record that bears the imprint would ever be complete without a big ballad.  "Aim Higher" is no exception.  The piano-based gem here is Rachel McCutcheon's "Know You Now."  Performed with a heartfelt cadence that does a home run for the heart, "Know You Now" is a thoughtful and meditative devotional prayer for greater intimacy with Jesus.  Third Day's "Soul on Fire," on the other hand, gets such a bluegrassy treatment that it sounds like a brand new piece altogether.  If that doesn't blow you away, then the rap and the steely bluegrassy execution of the traditional "Touch of the Master's Hand" will.  With a Celtic bagpipe-led sound, "Sinners Come to the River" has that alluring "O Brother, Where Art Thou" swampy feel.

As far as creativity, ingenuity, and talents go, "Aim Higher" certainly raises the bar so much higher than what we would expect from a Gospel release.  Kudos are in order to the Browns and Wayne Haun for releasing yet another stellar album.

 

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