Down East Boys “Ransomed” Album Review

Prime Cuts: A Reason to Sing, Pray, The Song of the Redeemed

Down East Boys know how to keep the majors major and the minors minor.  If you want an album that serves as the soundtrack to the grand themes of Christian theology, "Ransomed" covers the grounds with distinction.  "Ransomed," in many ways, is a Gospel-driven record where it hits right at the cynosure of what Jesus Christ has done for us on the Cross and its variegated implications for our lives now.  This is thanks in large measures to the prestigious crew of songwriters that have offered some of their most pristine works here; songwriters such as Dianne Wilkinson, Regina Walden, Ray Scarbrough, Wendell Dean Smith and others. Not only are the lyrics of this new Sonlite Records set top-notched, nod to producer Jim Collins, there's a freshness of sound to accompany them as well. 

The album opens not only with the best song on the album, but it's also their best in their entire oeuvre, "Song of the Redeemed."  Featuring a jazzy piano bounce that recalls those classic sepia tone movie tunes of the 50s, "A Reason to Sing" is a delightful call to dance and prance in the light of what God has done for us via the Cross.  If your feet are not dancing yet, you definitely will with driving country sound of "One Way, One Name, One Door" where you can get to hear some to-die-for fiddling licks. "Somebody Left the Door Wide Open," on the other hand, has a more black Gospel sound that even features the backing of a full-bodied sound choir, a rarity that you don't hear too often on a Down East Boys record.

Ballad lovers who like Down East Boys convicting harmonies will adore "The Song of the Ransomed."  One of three Dianne Wilkinson's co-compositions on the record, "Song" resonates with so many classic depictions of the Cross of Jesus Christ that it could easily rival the classic Newton/Watts/Crosby hymns. Delivered with a worshipful poise, the guys are at their convicting best (albeit with some eagle-high soaring notes to boot) on the Cross-centered "The Cross Speaks Louder."  Ray Scarbrogh's "Pray" is a hermeneutical gem. Flashing between scenes from the Biblical world of the prophet Daniel and our world, this call to prayer certainly grounds itself well in both worlds.

In a recent interview with us, Down East Boys have commented that they have searched over 100 songs and spent considerably more time in the making of "Ransomed."  And it shows.  All of the songs here show a deep sense of Biblical gravitas without losing sight of hoe they relate to us.  And with each paean donning its own identity, you will have to be tone deaf to get bored with listening to this release.      

 

 

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