Resolution
Mercy's Well
Resolution was released by Mercy's Well in 2002. Normally, I try to review CDs around the time of their release, but this is one I found buried in my stack of "to be reviewed" stuff. Upon listening more closely, I knew I had to let the readers of Sogospelnews know about this excellent recording despite the two year lag since its release. Aside from the vocals being mixed too soft at the beginning of "It's Different Now," there's not a weak moment on Resolution. The recording is bookended at the beginning and end with an a cappella version of the hymn "I Am Resolved." Another hymn "Softly and Tenderly" is also included, and "Oh Holy Night" is inserted as a bonus Christmas track. The remainder of this project is made up of Southern Gospel standards, but Mercy's Well puts a fresh touch on each one. They do it with class, too . . . no cop out type attempts at note for note duplication of previous recordings by established artists. Most of the songs on Resolution are upbeat. Examples include "Standing Once Again," "Will You Be Among The Missing," and "He Was A Preachin' Man." A few slower numbers like "The Battlefield" and "Streams Of Mercy" add balance to the pace of the recording. The most consistent element of this recording is the energy, though. Even though it's more subtle on the slower tempo songs, the trio conveys a sense of forward momentum from beginning to end on this CD. The best compliment I can make about Mercy's Well is they sound great not just on solos, but also as a blending three voice vocal unit. Many groups can do one or the other, but struggle to do both. The packaging quality is outstanding, including song lyrics and a creative design. If male trios like Greater Vision and the Booth Brothers are your cup of tea, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of Resolution.
--- by David Bruce Murray
Producers: Terry Carter and Mercy's Well
Website: http://www.mercyswell.com
Songs: "I Am Resolved," "It's Different Now," "Have Your Way," "Will You Be Among The Missing," "Jesus Will Outshine Them All," "Standing Once Again," "Streams Of Mercy," "He Was A Preachin' Man," "The Battlefield," "Oh, Daniel Prayed," "Mighty Is The Word," "Softly And Tenderly," and "I Am Resolved (Reprise)" plus a bonus track "Oh Holy Night"
Rating: 4½ stars