The Statler Brothers Album: “Today's Gospel Favorites”

I first feel obliged to say that I have not yet purchased this particular album,however I have been listening for many years on various other albums. One thing is for certain, when someone down here plays this record (or other's with songs such as these), Our Savior, with a joyful heart and great big smile, is sure to be listening as well. Among the most impressive attribute's of this phenomenal foursome, is there honesty and integrity. For over 35 years they've shared the stage with one another and, while having need to replace only one of the original member's, the great counter tenor, Mr. Lew DeWitt, who took his last flight home some years back. Even with this vast expanse of time, through it all, there has been precisely nothing to cast a even the faintest of shadow's on themselves both as a group as well as in their own individual lives, their families or their music. As the mellenium was drawing closer and is now steadily on it's way, listeners of everything from the inspiration and hope of Christian & Gospel music, to the overwhelming anger and bitterness of Gangster Rap & Hip-Hop, are finding all too often that even though certain performer's are able to look and act with seeming sincerity the part on stage, the moment they step off, they become virtually unrecognizable. The Statler Brothers on the other hand, along with many other performers from that period, are who they are by the grace of God and nothing more, Sharing with others their simple secret, making no exceptions, changing nothing based on their surroundings or those who incessantly lurk about trying to . There can only be one conclusion when asking how they do it, and that is through their faith and trust in Christ. This faith and trust, coming from God the Father automatically lends itself to the trongly detected in nearly every song they've let the values instilled be Christ to anyone would say that. To end this review, allow me to just present a list of undisputible facts. 1)The Stat. Bro's have been working, virtually non-stop for better than 35 years. 2)Their has never been a member leave the group for any reason other than death. 3)The harmonies they produced in 1965, '68, '71, etc., are today just as crisp and beautiful, perhaps even more so. 4)Through the songs that Don & Harold Ried, and the other charter member Phil Balsley the world has taken posession of some it's most uplifting, tear-jerking and very often side-splittingly funny assets. In short, their is not, and will probably never be a vocal musical group, in any genre to have what these gentlemen have or do what theses gentlemen have done, and certainly not with the grace, style and integrity with which they've done it. This marvelous quartet, in late 2002, took the stage and grabbed their mic's for last time. I was never afforded the opportunity to see them live, but I will most assuradely continue to listen to their records, CD's, cassettes and maybe even an 8-track or two (this is a large, rectangular cartridge, made in much the same way cassettes and used for the same purpose), and maybe, if we all ask really nicely, after they've rested a bit they will again take their place up front to sarenade us once again. Until then, I guess we'll just have to count the flowers on the wall. My recomendation for this album "Todays Gospel Favorites" is that it's nothing short of must-have. Their other albums are quite good as well, try and get the whole collection if you can, you'll never tire of spinning them.

Michael N. Hawkins

Yes! This CD is a winner!! Cannot beat the harmony of the Statler Brothers and there were plenty of selections for wonderful listening. Buy it!!

For someone who's musical tastes range from the neo-Cajun Pine Leaf Boys to hard rockers like Def Leppard and Motley Crue to edge-of-Country bands like The Mavericks and the Desert Rose Band, you'd probably think that a review of a Statler Brothers' album would seem out of place. However, I must admit that I have a very soft spot in my heart for these guys. Growing up in southwest Louisiana, my dad ruled the radio and was the primary music buyer in the family. I was treated to acts like Merle Haggard, Jimmy Swaggart, Fats Domino, and Marty Robbins. I also got a healthy dose of the Statlers who, other than Merle, were probably my dad's favorite artists. My first concert was a Statler Brothers show and I would eventually see them again in Dollywood a few years later. Their sound has stuck with me forever.

This particular album shows the Statlers at their finest: singing Gospel music. I'm not talking about modern Gospel sounds. Nope, I'm talking about Southern Gospel, complete with four-part harmony, string pickin' and plenty of "oomph" to get you on your feet. Contemporary Christian artists can't hold a candle to traditional Southern Gospel sounds. From the wonderful "Just A Little Talk With Jesus" to the upbeat gem that is "I'll Fly Away," this album is wonderful. My personal favorite tunes include "Precious Memories" and "Turn Your Radio On."

Yes, a kid who grew up with Guns N' Roses, Whitesnake, and Metallica does know what good music is. You may not fancy my other tastes in music, but give the Statler Brothers a try. You might be surprised at how much you will really enjoy them.

Highly recommended.

These are very good songs. For a Statler Brothers fan, the harmony is so good and you can't beat gospel songs.

This is the best Gospel music CD I have ever heard. Great songs and wonderfull voices to make wish there were more to listen when it is all over.