Texas country singer Wade Bowen released his first Gospel album Then My Sings My Soul… Songs For My Mother earlier this month. Bowen wanted the album to be a gift for his mother, her friends and family, but with such great response and positive feedback, Bowen says he decided to release the album for his fans. “I am at such a good spot in my career right now with a lot of freedom, so this felt like the perfect time to release such a meaningful project.” The idea of the album came from Bowen’s father. “My dad came to me a few years ago and really wanted me to record a gospel album. It sounded like a fun idea but I didn’t put much thought into it because my schedule was so crazy busy. This past year he came to me again and asked if I would finally make the album so we could give it to my mother for a combination 70th birthday and Christmas present.”
I was first exposed to Bowen’s music when I was assigned Hold My Beer, Vol. 1 to review. The album found Wade collaborating with fellow Texas country singer Randy Rogers. I thoroughly enjoyed the record, which led me to check out Wade’s solo offerings. I’ve been a fan ever since. I have to admit, I hadn’t heard that Bowen was releasing a new record, let alone a gospel record. I found it while scrolling through the new releases on iTunes. I sampled the 11th track on the record, “Saved”, which was the only one available at the time. I absolutely loved it and immediately pre-ordered the record.
Then Sings My Soul… features 12 tracks – 11 traditional hymns and 1 original. Now, first off, I should state that I love traditional gospel music. I spend a great deal of my time switching back and forth between Gospel and Country music throughout the day. I am always on the lookout for new (and good, properly done) gospel music, which is one reason why I was so excited when I saw that Bowen was releasing one. I had just finished reviewing Joey + Rory’s new gospel record, and I admit to thinking that there was no way an album released this year was going to top that one, but Wade’s comes very close to it. If I had to pick my top 5 albums of this year right now, Joey + Rory’s would be #1 and Wade’s would be #2… And I don’t honestly see another album upsetting those standings.
The album opens with the classic, and my absolute favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace”. Bowen does this song every bit of justice it deserves, his gritty vocals adding a rawness to it that complements the theme/mood of the song perfectly. Bowen’s version has earned a place as one of my three favorite renditions of the hymn, with Alan Jackson’s and Joey + Rory’s being the other two. Wade brings even more energy to the energetic “I’ll Fly Away”, a hymn that some have said has “tacky” lyrics, although I honestly don’t know where they got that idea. It’s clear that those people have never listened to “I’ll Fly Away” if they think the lyrics are “tacky”. I mean really, what’s tacky about singing about eternal life and going to live in heaven some day?!
Bowen brings a beautiful tenderness and rawness to favorites “Softly and Tenderly”, “In the Garden”, “How Great Thou Art”, while bringing a sweetness to “Farther Along”, “Peace In The Valley”, and “Precious Memories”. Admittedly, “Old Rugged Cross” isn’t one of my favorite hymns. The hymn carries a beautiful and powerful message, but personally, I just can’t seem to truly get into it. For me, the delivery is the issue. I think it’s a bit too slow, tends to end up sounding more like a dirge than a praise song. That being said, Wade’s version is actually one of the better ones I’ve heard.
The standout on this record is, by far, the original track “Saved”. There’s an energy, a spunk, a wonderfulness about this track. It just soars effortlessly above the rest. Combining a swampy, southern gospel with a rockabilly swing sound, Wade truly outdoes himself on this one. Trust me, all you have to do is listen to this one and you’ll know right off that it’s the standout. You won’t be able to keep yourself from jamming out to this song.
The record closes out with a beautiful rendition of “Take My Hand Precious Lord”. This song is such a poignant song, made even more poignant by Wade’s humble delivery, the delivery from that of a sinner, just like the rest of us. It’s an excellent way to close out a truly wonderful record. I think it’s safe to say that we are all thankful that Wade was able to be convinced to release this record to the public! This is a must buy for anyone looking for awesome gospel music.
“I was blinded by the devil/ born already ruined/ stone cold dead as I stepped out of the womb/ by His Grace I have been touched/ by His word I have been healed/ by His hand I have been delivered/ by His spirit I have been sealed.”
Originally posted here.
