Marty Robbins Album: “What God Has Done”

This collection of old and new gospel songs (two of them penned by Marty Robbins) is quite representative of early-1960s country gospel, if less plastic than Elvis Presley's more famous pop-gospel efforts and unusually well-produced. The older numbers work the best, probably because they ARE the best. These include the Charles H. Gabriel classics "An Evening Prayer" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" (from 1913 and 1907, respectively), Lewis E. Jones' rollicking 1899 "Power in the Blood," and Philip Paul Bliss' elegant cautionary revival ballad "Almost Persuaded." The newer material pales in comparison, with the exception of the rocking "You Gotta Climb" and Robbins' own "A Little Spot In Heaven," a competent bit of tune-writing whose cliched lyrics hang together more literately than what passes for same in modern praise music. Robbin's other number, "With His Hand On My Shoulder," is a forgettable exercise in nautical spiritual-journey cliches and melodic repetitiousness, and Eddy Arnold's "Who At My Door Is Standing" is similarly mundane, however sincere. Still, this is a most enjoyable collection for the wonderful singing of Marty Robbins, the pristine production standards and super-slick studio musicianship, and the evenly balanced mixture of old and new. And the composer credits are better than usual, with the only gaffes being the crediting of "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" to "Traditional" (George C. Stebbins wrote the music, and Adelaide A. Pollard the words), and the use of the Carter Family lyrics for "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" vice Ada Habershon's. Worth getting.

Marty Robbins fans will not want to miss out on this one. Once it has been recorded/sang by Marty - it's his. Anyone else that comes along - it just doesn't sound right. For those who purchase this, you will not be disappointed.

Marty did a superb job on this Gospel CD. The music is inspiring. We think Marty has the God given voice to proclaim Gospel music in it's finest. We heard Marty sing at the Salt Palace in the early 70's. Amazing performance! We truly miss him.

Once again, another great album from Marty Robbins. This album is tranquil, relaxed and definitely slept on. I've enjoyed it and have found myself listening to it when I'm driving home from a long day at work.

Wonderful renditions of "An Evening Prayer", "Almost Persuaded", and "Great Speckled Bird", and wish I could obtain the accompiment music to be used in Church. I tried to get vocals removed but since it was not recorded in stereo it didn't work. Anyone have a way of doing this?