Three Bridges

Promises
Sonlite Records

Three Bridges has a strong following, but you don’t have to be a fan to buy this album. That’s because “Promises” is a “specialty project” on which every song is introduced by a promise from Scripture, read by a well-known personality.

The Gaithers employed a similar device on their “Heaven” video, but “Promises” sticks with “guaranteed material” by asking celebrity readers to present a Scripture verse instead of sharing their own thoughts.

Some of the most outstanding selections are introduced by the songwriters themselves — including Gloria Gaither, Donnie McClurkin and Jimmy Fortune, whose song “I Believe” is one of the highlights of this remarkable collection. Other presenters have a natural affinity with the songwriter — Ricky Skaggs, for example, presents “I’m Going to Wait,” a great tune from fellow country-superstar Lyle Lovett.

The promises themselves are powerful — but some of the readings are unremarkable. If there’s one really good reason to include so many high-visibility names on the project, it’s that it might motivate someone who’s unfamiliar with Three Bridges to “discover” them. Listen to cuts “Yesterday” or “Stand,” and you’ll probably agree that this is one of southern gospel’s finest vocal groups (no bass required).