Reviewed by Dave Brassington

The Oak Ridge Boys started out in the 1940s as a Southern gospel group to became, in the '70s, a successful mainstream country act, and have now reverted to their gospel roots in some of their later recordings. Long time member Duane Allen has written some very interesting sleevenotes, but unfortunately there are no recording dates on any of the 13 tracks on this interesting compilation, nor is there any indication as to the line up on each recording. The album kicks off with "King Jesus", a track I first heard by a Swedish country gospel group, the Samuelsons, when they appeared at the Wembley Country Music Festival many years ago. I particularly enjoyed "The Flowers Kissed The Shoes (Jesus Wore)". The only other songs I knew previously that are featured on this album are "I Know" (from Wanda Jackson), "Daddy Sang Bass" (Johnny Cash) and Gene McClelland's standard "Put Your Hand In The Hand" (George Hamilton IV). Whilst I enjoyed this album, I didn't find it particularly exciting.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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