The Kingsmen

When God Ran
Horizon

With “When God Ran,” The Kingsmen are exploring (what is for them) new musical territory. “The Cloud He’s Coming Back On” and “Fight to the Finish” are cut from the same cloth as the upbeat country cuts Gold City and Palmetto State have recorded in recent years. “Gospel Road” is subdued with light banjo picking as the accompaniment for the first chorus before settling into a mid-tempo groove. You may recall that Mercy’s Well introduced Benny Hester’s classic “When God Ran” to southern gospel audiences last year. This arrangement features Bryan Hutson and weds pop-ballad production with traditional four-part harmonies. Ray Reese takes the melody for a verse of “Road to Glory” and then takes another verse on “Big Enough.” He sounds classy on both cuts.

“When God Ran” is the best CD I’ve heard thus far in 2008. I believe The Kingsmen have a real winner on their hands.

By David Bruce Murray