| Length: | 39:47 |
|---|---|
| Cuts: | The Heavenly Parade |
| Have I Got A Song For You | |
| I'm Doing This For You | |
| I'm Living Well | |
| It's Still My Father's World | |
| Who Is This King | |
| What A Difference A Day Makes | |
| Sign Me Up | |
| Gone At Last | |
| So We Could Become Like Him | |
Medley:
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Meticulous production pays off, particularly in Southern Gospel where so many recordings are produced on small budgets and under enormous time constraints. Fans of this genre demand a continuous supply of product, so some groups on wealthier labels will produce an average of one higher budgeted album per year to push to radio and one less expensive project mainly for sale at concerts. Last year's two albums by Brian Free and Assurance were of this sort with 4 God So Loved being elaborate and A Glimpse Of Gold being a cost cutter. Their most recent recording Doing This For You unites them again with producer Garry Jones for a White Field first quality project.
The album has a cappella book ends, beginning with "The Heavenly Parade" and ending with a medley of hymns. In between is a collection of mostly up tempo tunes along with two slower Easter tunes in "I'm Doing This For You" and "So We Could Become Like Him." An outstanding version of "Sign Me Up" that compares well with the version recorded a few years ago by The Gaither Vocal Band has been included on Doing This For You. Although the arrangement is perhaps too similar to the GVB's, there are a couple of surprises thrown in. "I'm Living Well" and "It's Still My Father's World" are rolicking tunes in a fairly traditional quartet style.
Doing This For You is solid. The arrangements, mix, vocal performance, lyrics, etc. are of the best quality. Brian Free and Assurance could achieve a front runner position in Southern Gospel music if they would move outside of their safety zone, though. Last year's 4 God So Loved surpasses Doing This For You in this respect with the whimsical lyrics of "Don't Be Caught Dead Without Jesus," the mainstream country arrangement of "The Seed Of the Righteous," and the minor verse/major chorus contrasts of "Jesus Came Out Alive." One can't help but feel Free and Co. were playing it safer this time, focusing on techniques and stylings they knew were acceptable in the genre. This being the only exception, Doing This For You is very good.