STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 7376-7149 LABEL: Sparrow SPD42949 FORMAT: CD Album RELEASE DATE: 2003-04-04 RRP: £4.59
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
Avalon are one of the classiest pop harmony groups ever to hit Christendom and although some of their concoctions are a little slick for UK tastes, no one can deny that their inspiring pop is beautifully performed and nimbly produced. Janna Long and Jody McBrayer, who take the bulk of the leads, bring a touch of R&B influence to the proceedings while many of the songs here – huge Christian radio hits in the US – have been crafted by top songsmiths. Nothing else quite reaches the heights of Paul Field and Ralph Van Manen’s “Testify To Love” here but none can deny that the very best of Avalon is a quality product.
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Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 13:59 on May 17 2011
This is the cd to have by this group if you do not have
anything by them; a nice collection of their best! The
first song that I heard by this group was the anthem
"Testify to Love"; from their 2nd cd "A Maze of Grace"
released in January of 1998: I have luved the song since
the first time I heard it. This song is top notch ccm! Not
long afterwards, Wynona Judd graced the tv screen performing
the song on the popular tv series "Touched by an Angel". I
also have the live concert video of the group performing the
song; just luv it!! 3 New songs highlight this collection;
great vocal harmonies are heard on every song. This is the
year that CCM artist Greg Long, who was married to Janna
Long (former member of long running group Truth) would join
the group; replacing Michael Passons. One of the new songs
"New Day" starts off the cd; a reminder for every believer
that every day is a "new day" to begin again. "Give it Up"
is totally ccm top material; great song! What believer
cannot relate to the words of "Everything to me"; another
new song, which is so beautifully recorded. "Adonai" is
another well-crafted song from their 1998 cd; another song I
love! There is a bonus Christmas song, which is kinda
unusal to add to a "Best of";it is a song of beauty for
Christmastime.
GOD Bless! - Don
This is the cd to have by this group if you do not have anything by them; a nice collection of their best! The first song that I heard by this group was the anthem
"Testify to Love"; from their 2nd cd "A Maze of Grace" released in January of 1998: I have luved the song since the first time I heard it. This song is top notch ccm! Not long afterwards, Wynona Judd graced the tv screen performing the song on the popular tv series "Touched by an Angel". I also have the live concert video of the group performing the song; just luv it!! 3 New songs highlight this collection; great vocal harmonies are heard on every song. This is the year that CCM artist Greg Long, who was married to Janna Long (former member of long running group Truth) would join the group; replacing Michael Passons. One of the new songs "New Day" starts off the cd; a reminder for every believer that every day is a "new day" to begin again. "Give it Up" is totally ccm top material; great song! What believer cannot relate to the words of "Everything to me"; another new song, which is so beautifully recorded. "Adonai" is another well-crafted song from their 1998 cd; another song I love! There is a bonus Christmas song, which is kinda unusal to add to a "Best of";it is a song of beauty for Christmastime.
GOD Bless! - Don