John Berry “Find My Joy” Album Review
Prime Cuts: Find My Joy, Something Bigger than Me, Blessings
Overall Grade: 5/5
Those who grew up on 90s country will remember the multiple octave voice of John Berry. With hits such as "Your Love Amazes Me," "You and Only You," and "She's Taken a Shine," Berry has had a corner on country music. Even when he was in his commercial prime, he had a penchant to record songs that give expression to his faith. Songs such as "The Richest Man," "Salvation," and "My Heart is Bethlehem" are some that come to mind. Then in 2012, Berry partnered with Gaither Music to release his first full-fledged Gospel album "Real Man. Real Life. Real God." Ten years later, Berry follows up with his sophomore Gospel output, also released under the Gaither imprint.
Other than 3 original songs and one cover, "Find My Joy" finds the coroner putting his signature vocals on some of the most cherished hymns of the church. Berry gives his heartfelt best on the string laden "It is Well with My Soul." He is resolute in his worship on "How Great Thou Art." Pay attention to the gorgeous piano backing on "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," it is purely mesmerizing. Then he peddles a countrified version of "I Surrender All," which is another highlight.
The three new songs all come from the pen of Steve Dorff. Having crafted George Strait's "I Cross My Heart," Clay Walker's "Hypnotize the Moon," and Kenny Rogers' "Through the Years" among many others, Dorff has a way with memorable ballads. Here he spins his magic with "Something Bigger than Me." Formerly recorded by Dolly Parton, "Something Bigger than Me" is a palatable reminder of how God looks after us even when we don't realize it. The title track "Find My Joy" is a popish-country ballad that would have been a #1 hit if it were released in the 90s.
The upbeat "Live Like You" is the weakest track among the new songs. Fortunately, it is redeemed by Berry's cover of Laura Story "Blessings." The song brings to shame those preachers who only advocate the view that God's blessings are only about our material prosperity and comfort. With words like What if Your healing comes through tears/What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near/What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise, this is such a theological and visceral treasure. In fact, the same can be said about the entire record.
Tags : John Berry “Find My Joy” Album Review john berry John Berry “Find My Joy” John Berry Christian album john berry new album Gaither Music
Hot Trends
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Hillsong Church and Brian Houston Respond After Being Accused of Money Laundering and Fraud
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
Bethel Music's Kalley Heiligenthal Reflects on Her First Valentine's After the Death of Her Daughter Olive
-
Faith-Based Thriller, "NEFARIOUS," Receives Rave Reviews & Endorsements
-
Jaquita Lindsey Leaves Southern Gospel Trio 11th Hour
-
Luke Wareham On His New EP, Writing Congregational Songs, and Singing the Bible
-
NF is a Christian But Don't Call Him a Christian Rapper
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates As She Takes Her Final Post-Cancer Pill
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Join Lauren Daigle's Choir as She Performs at the Carnegie Hall
-
Brandon Lake Releases His Latest Single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah"
Most Popular
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Hillsong Church and Brian Houston Respond After Being Accused of Money Laundering and Fraud
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
Bethel Music's Kalley Heiligenthal Reflects on Her First Valentine's After the Death of Her Daughter Olive
-
Faith-Based Thriller, "NEFARIOUS," Receives Rave Reviews & Endorsements
-
Jaquita Lindsey Leaves Southern Gospel Trio 11th Hour
-
Luke Wareham On His New EP, Writing Congregational Songs, and Singing the Bible
-
NF is a Christian But Don't Call Him a Christian Rapper
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates As She Takes Her Final Post-Cancer Pill
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Join Lauren Daigle's Choir as She Performs at the Carnegie Hall
-
Brandon Lake Releases His Latest Single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah"