Gaither Vocal Band

Lovin’ Life
Gaither Music

“Lovin’ Life” introduces six new songs by the Gaither Vocal Band. Another six are fresh recordings of songs you may have heard before. Of those, “I’m Forgiven” and “Lonely Mile” are Imperials covers while “Build an Ark” is a song they’ve recorded at least twice before — most recently on 1994’s Testify. “Go Ask,” “The Diff’rence Is in Me” and “Then He Bowed His Head and Died” are from Bill and Gloria Gaither’s songwriting library. The Gaither Vocal Band also sings a karaoke recording of “Search Me Lord” using the track from their “Southern Classics, Vol. 2” CD released in 1995.

Let’s focus on the new songs.

The title of “Jesus and John Wayne” immediately demands attention. The lyric tells one man’s story of being raised by a godly mother and a tough-as-nails father. His challenge is finding the proper balance between the extremes. Guy Penrod is perfectly suited for the lead vocal role on this song.

Penrod is also featured on “I’m Loving Life,” which is the most energetic cut on the CD. “Prisoner of Hope” showcases him on a more sophisticated arrangement.

Baritone Marshall Hall is featured on “Home of Your Dreams” and “When I Cry.” He also co-wrote “When I Cry,” the first radio single from Lovin’ Life. Wes Hampton steps out front for “There’s Always a Place at the Table.”

“Lovin’ Life” is another high-quality collection of songs from the ever-versatile Gaither Vocal Band. “When I Cry” should do well on radio. “Jesus and John Wayne” is the best song they’ve introduced since 2002’s “I’m Gonna Sing.”

By David Bruce Murray