~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

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~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Jukebox » Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:04 am

Scooby wrote:Well after hearing the entire new album all I can say is HOLY COW!!!!! Seriously this is by far the very best remix/remake/revamp (whatever you want to call it) album that Sony has ever released on Elvis! The musical backing and arrangements are as modern as you can get. It sounds like new age gospel. Here's my unbiased review track by track.

*I've Got Confidence - very urban, black gospel sound, just like Elvis grew up hearing only with a modern feel. Great track to open the album with.

*Where No One Stands Alone - very beautiful and moving. Sounds much better and dynamic on CD than online file.

*Saved - also sounds much better on CD. Very powerful beats and sound. Elvis sounds much clearer too.

*Crying In The Chapel - always a beautiful song but the new version brings more out of it. New drums are strong but not overpowering the lyrics. Love it!

*So High - very energetic remake with added music break to extend the originally short song. Backup singers sound much better on this new version.

*Stand By Me - love the original but this new version is much better and less operatic.

*Bosom Of Abraham - another energetic track, never before heard outtake that I know of. Elvis sings more soulful and bluesy. Cissy Houston sings on it.

*How Great Thou Art - love this new version! Arranged in the form of his live version. Heavy drums on the then sings my soul part.

*I, John - one of my favorites on this album. Extended and has female vocals instead of the male vocals on the original. Very funky.

*You'll Never Walk Alone - the original is a classic but this new version deserves recognition too. Very beautifully arranged.

*He Touched Me - never been a fan of this song but the new version and take is stunning. Very powerful lyrics and message.

*In The Garden - another beautifully arranged track. Nothing more to say.

*He Is My Everything - another song I never cared for but this version is way better. No high backing vocals singing alongside Elvis. Very contemporary.

*Amazing Grace - this take used is new to me. Very bluesy like the outtake already released but better vocally. Loved this and a great track to end this amazing album!

Overall I give it an A+++

The fans will always be able to hear the originals but for me this is my new go-to for Elvis gospel now. If this album is any indication of what's yet to come in the near future concerning new Elvis albums then we're in for some fun times!

Thank you Lisa Marie, Andy Childs and Joel Weinshanker!

Nice review, Scooby.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ I saw 5 copies of the new CD at my local Walmart. The price was listed as $11.88 (+tax) but I went to the customer service desk and they were willing to meet the Walmart.com price of $9.98 (+tax). I agree with Scooby that this is by far the very best remix/remake/revamp (whatever you want to call it) album that Sony has ever released on Elvis! The musical and vocal backings are done in a very tasteful and professional manner.
Elvis' singing sounds new and refreshing on most of the tracks.

I would've had the running order of the CD as follows (but it's all about personal choice)...

1 - I've Got Confidence
2 - Where No One Stands Alone
3 - Crying In The Chapel
4 - Saved
5 - He Touched Me
6 - So High
7 - How Great Thou Art
8 - Bosom of Abraham
9 - Stand By Me
10 - I, John
11 - You'll Never Walk Alone
12 - In The Garden
13 - He Is My Everything
14 - Amazing Grace


My rating for each song is 1 -thru- 5 ...
5 = Excellent (near perfection)
4 = Very Good
3 = Good/Average
2 = Average/Mediocre
1 = Poor

I've Got Confidence = 3.5
Not the best vocal performance from Elvis, but it sounds a little bit clearer now than on the 1972 He Touched Me album.
I loved the new female voices that were added. A fun track to start the CD with.

Where No One Stands Alone = 4
I don't think it could've been done much better. It was an ideal track for Lisa Marie because it wasn't too demanding on her vocally.

Saved = 5
I love it! The inclusion of the organ and piano sound great, as does the new female vocal backing. The bluesy ending is a knockout punch!

Crying In The Chapel = 5
I have nothing against the Jordanaires, but this track sounds much better without them (for a change). The new vocal backing is minimal and really draws attention to Elvis' fabulous 1960 voice!

So High = 4.5
Elvis left a lot for the backup singers to cover on this song. The new music is great, and the new voices sound really good as I could distinctly hear the Imperials. Elvis' voice is clearer and more upfront than what was released in 1967.

Stand By Me = 4
My thoughts are opposite on this one from "Crying In The Chapel". This time I missed the original vocal backup singers, but Elvis' isolated singing was very good, just not as great as it was in 1960.

Bosom of Abraham = 4.5
A very fine updated sound to this song. The new male vocal accompaniment is fantastic and the part from 1:17 to 1:31 has Elvis' voice sounding ghostly with a slight echo. What a great idea that was!

How Great Thou Art = 5
Elvis' voice is distinctly clear, and the female choir sounds very clear (My goodness, they sound like angels... if you can imagine what angels might sound like singing). The ending is fabulous and gave me goosebumps!

I, John = 3.25
This was a little bit of a letdown following the excellent "How Great Thou Art". However, I liked the new addition of the rhythm clapping.
I actually like and appreciate Elvis' original a little more.

You'll Never Walk Alone = 5
This one falls in line with "How Great Thou Art", but Elvis' voice seems stronger on this one. The new music is excellent.

He Touched Me = 4
Elvis' voice is heard more distinctly on this new track than what was originally released in '72. This one has a great ending!

In The Garden = 3.5
Perhaps one of the least exciting tracks on the CD, but there is a beautiful gentleness to Elvis' unique singing style on this one.

He Is My Everything = 3.5
This one seems to be an improvement over the original because there's more Elvis, less overpowering vocal backup. However, Elvis' singing isn't as loud and clear as I would've preferred on the part where he sings, "He is the King of all kings".

Amazing Grace = 3.5
Elvis' vocals are more distinct here than the version released in '72, and it is an over-all improvement. However, I found that the huge choir was too loud and overbearing from the 1:30 mark to 2:15. Unless someone already knows the words to the song, it's difficult to understand what they are singing during that 45-second time frame.

~ This CD left me wanting more,
and I'm already looking forward to what the next Gospel volume will have to offer!
8-)
Last edited by Jukebox on Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:17 am, edited 3 times in total.
I'm happy to be an Elvis fan! 8-)



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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Rickeap » Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:11 am

Some of the revamps are ok but I don'T share such enthusiasm. I like the attempts to inject something new to the uptempo songs but the music sounds a bit thin and even a bit dated. He Touched Me is one that is improved, but I don't think any others can claim that. The album fades away quite poorly with lesser songs In My Garden and He is My Everything. At least one of those should have been dropped in favour of I Got A Feeling in my Body to add a bit of tempo to the second half.
Gospel music is not likely to attract a young audience. I wouldn't buy any non-Elvis gospel music, They would be better served trying a country rock album


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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby WalterHaleJnr » Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:12 am

Jukebox wrote:
Scooby wrote:Well after hearing the entire new album all I can say is HOLY COW!!!!! Seriously this is by far the very best remix/remake/revamp (whatever you want to call it) album that Sony has ever released on Elvis! The musical backing and arrangements are as modern as you can get. It sounds like new age gospel. Here's my unbiased review track by track.

*I've Got Confidence - very urban, black gospel sound, just like Elvis grew up hearing only with a modern feel. Great track to open the album with.

*Where No One Stands Alone - very beautiful and moving. Sounds much better and dynamic on CD than online file.

*Saved - also sounds much better on CD. Very powerful beats and sound. Elvis sounds much clearer too.

*Crying In The Chapel - always a beautiful song but the new version brings more out of it. New drums are strong but not overpowering the lyrics. Love it!

*So High - very energetic remake with added music break to extend the originally short song. Backup singers sound much better on this new version.

*Stand By Me - love the original but this new version is much better and less operatic.

*Bosom Of Abraham - another energetic track, never before heard outtake that I know of. Elvis sings more soulful and bluesy. Cissy Houston sings on it.

*How Great Thou Art - love this new version! Arranged in the form of his live version. Heavy drums on the then sings my soul part.

*I, John - one of my favorites on this album. Extended and has female vocals instead of the male vocals on the original. Very funky.

*You'll Never Walk Alone - the original is a classic but this new version deserves recognition too. Very beautifully arranged.

*He Touched Me - never been a fan of this song but the new version and take is stunning. Very powerful lyrics and message.

*In The Garden - another beautifully arranged track. Nothing more to say.

*He Is My Everything - another song I never cared for but this version is way better. No high backing vocals singing alongside Elvis. Very contemporary.

*Amazing Grace - this take used is new to me. Very bluesy like the outtake already released but better vocally. Loved this and a great track to end this amazing album!

Overall I give it an A+++

The fans will always be able to hear the originals but for me this is my new go-to for Elvis gospel now. If this album is any indication of what's yet to come in the near future concerning new Elvis albums then we're in for some fun times!

Thank you Lisa Marie, Andy Childs and Joel Weinshanker!

Nice review, Scooby.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ I saw 5 copies of the new CD at my local Walmart. The price was listed as $11.88 (+tax) but I went to the customer service desk and they were willing to meet the Walmart.com price of $9.98 (+tax). I agree with Scooby that this is by far the very best remix/remake/revamp (whatever you want to call it) album that Sony has ever released on Elvis! The musical and vocal backings are done in a very tasteful and professional manner.
Elvis' singing sounds new and refreshing on most of the tracks.

I would've had the running order of the CD as follows (but it's all about personal choice)...

1 - I've Got Confidence
2 - Where No One Stands Alone
3 - Crying In The Chapel
4 - Saved
5 - He Touched Me
6 - So High
7 - How Great Thou Art
8 - Bosom of Abraham
9 - Stand By Me
10 - I, John
11 - You'll Never Walk Alone
12 - In The Garden
13 - He Is My Everything
14 - Amazing Grace


My rating for each song is 1 -thru- 5 ...
5 = Excellent (near perfection)
4 = Very Good
3 = Good/Average
2 = Average/Mediocre
1 = Poor

I've Got Confidence = 3.5
Not the best vocal performance from Elvis, but it sounds a little bit clearer now than on the 1972 He Touched Me album.
I loved the new female voices that were added. A fun track to start the CD with.

Where No One Stands Alone = 4
I don't think it could've been done much better. It was an ideal track for Lisa Marie because it wasn't too demanding on her vocally.

Saved = 5
I love it! The inclusion of the organ and piano sound great, as does the new female vocal backing. The bluesy ending is a knockout punch!

Crying In The Chapel = 5
I have nothing against the Jordanaires, but this track sounds much better without them (for a change). The new vocal backing is minimal and really draws attention to Elvis' fabulous 1960 voice!

So High = 4.5
Elvis left a lot for the backup singers to cover on this song. The new music is great, and the new voices sound really good as I could distinctly hear the Imperials. Elvis voice is clearer and more upfront than what was released in 1967.

Stand By Me = 4
My thoughts are opposite on this one from "Crying In The Chapel". This time I missed the original vocal backup singers, but Elvis' 1966 isolated singing was very good, just not as great as it was in 1960.

Bosom of Abraham = 4.5
A very fine updated sound to this song. The new male vocal accompaniment is fantastic and the part from 1:17 to 1:31 has Elvis' voice sounding ghostly with a slight echo. What a great idea that was!

How Great Thou Art = 5
Elvis' voice is distinctly clear, and the female choir sounds very clear (My goodness, they sound like angels... if you can imagine what angels might sound like singing). The ending is fabulous and gave me goosebumps!

I, John = 3.5
This was a little bit of a letdown following the excellent "How Great Thou Art". However, I liked the new addition of the rhythm clapping.

You'll Never Walk Alone = 5
This one falls in line with "How Great Thou Art", but Elvis' voice seems stronger on this one. The new music is excellent.

He Touched Me = 4
Elvis' voice is heard more distinctly on this new track than what was originally released in '72. This one has a great ending!

In The Garden = 3.5
Perhaps one of the least exciting tracks on the CD, but there is a beautiful gentleness to Elvis' unique singing style on this one.

He Is My Everything = 3.5
This one seems to be an improvement over the original because there's more Elvis, less overpowering vocal backup. However, Elvis' singing isn't as loud and clear as I would've preferred on the part where he sings, "He is the King of all kings".

Amazing Grace = 3.5
Elvis' vocals are more distinct here than the version released in '72, and it is an over-all improvement. However, I found that the huge choir was too loud and overbearing from the 1:30 mark to 2:15. Unless someone already knows the words to the song, it's difficult to understand what they are singing during that 45-second time frame.

~ This CD left me wanting more,
and I'm already looking forward to what the next Gospel volume will have to offer!
8-)


Good on you jukebox. While i have not heard any more from the album I would not have expected a great deal from "In the Garden". So i was not surprised at all with your ratings. To me , it's one of the more boring sacred songs Elvis ever waxed. Have not played it in years.

Which Gospel (or related) tracks should they touch for next album ? I'm thinking "Seeing is Believing" and "A Thing Called Love" would benefit.



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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Jukebox » Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:52 am

Rickeap wrote:The album fades away quite poorly with lesser songs In The Garden and He is My Everything.

Yes, the CD would have benefitted by ending on a higher note.

Rickeap wrote:Gospel music is not likely to attract a young audience... They would be better served trying a country rock album

A country rock album might be in their plans, but I'm guessing a second volume of Gospel tracks will come before that.


WalterHaleJnr wrote:Which Gospel (or related) tracks should they touch for next album ? I'm thinking "Seeing is Believing" and "A Thing Called Love" would benefit.

I agree with "Seeing Is Believing" and maybe Rickeap's suggestion of "I Got a Feeling In My Body" as a closer on the next volume.

Other probables... Run On , Joshua Fit The Battle , His Hand In Mine , I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs ,
Swing Down Sweet Chariot , Somebody Bigger Than You And I , By And By , We Call On Him ,
Lead Me,Guide Me , Reach Out To Jesus , If That Isn't Love , Who Am I? , Put Your Hand In The Hand ...

... and maybe they could do something worthwhile with "Where Could I Go But To The Lord" & "Up Above My Head"
from the Gospel medley of the '68 Comeback Special.

We will have to wait and see.
I'm happy to be an Elvis fan! 8-)


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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Colin B » Sun Aug 12, 2018 11:18 am

11th August 2018 - i Newspaper - 001.jpg


One small error there...
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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Pacer » Sun Aug 12, 2018 11:34 am

I am not commenting on the album itself.
But didn't nobody noticed that there is a picture error on the right side of his hair...a circle lining...like on old albums where the disc itself presses himself through the cover.
Very bad and sloppy effort on the cover.
Quality control ? Nobody cares?


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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Pacer » Sun Aug 12, 2018 12:52 pm

I mean this.
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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby John » Sun Aug 12, 2018 2:56 pm

I don't like that picture anyway. He looks like Noel Fielding, English comedian, for anyone who doesn't know.
Noel.jpg

https://www.unilad.co.uk/life/noel-fiel ... different/
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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Pacer » Sun Aug 12, 2018 3:25 pm

Yes, but such an obvious picture fault.
I don't understand.
I mean they Photoshop his eyes moremblue (so it looks fake to me,,,,,almost unnatural blue)....but don't bother to eliminate that very obvious line I pointed out?



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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Bob TCB » Sun Aug 12, 2018 5:14 pm

I think the whole album is great, except for "He Is My Everything" which was never one of my favorite Elvis tracks. I am surprised they did not choose "Let Us Pray" instead. The highlights start the album and then it gets a little strange, but "In The Garden" is the sleeper, but still beautifully sung by Elvis, while "Amazing Grace" benefits from the spare, stripped down approach.

If the album does well, I can imagine they will do a follow up second volume.



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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Jukebox » Sun Aug 12, 2018 7:42 pm

Pacer wrote:Yes, but such an obvious picture fault. I don't understand.
I mean they Photoshop his eyes moremblue (so it looks fake to me.... almost unnatural blue)....but don't bother to eliminate that very obvious line I pointed out?

The pic sort of has an intentional "sepia tone" look to it. The colors are obviously not totally natural.
I'm happy to be an Elvis fan! 8-)



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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby cadillac-elvis » Sun Aug 12, 2018 7:57 pm

Jukebox wrote:
Pacer wrote:Yes, but such an obvious picture fault. I don't understand.
I mean they Photoshop his eyes moremblue (so it looks fake to me.... almost unnatural blue)....but don't bother to eliminate that very obvious line I pointed out?

The pic sort of has an intentional "sepia tone" look to it. The colors are obviously not totally natural.


Like it was a black and white photo, and they tried to colorize it.



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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Scooby » Sun Aug 12, 2018 11:30 pm

The cd cover is filtered.



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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Jukebox » Mon Aug 13, 2018 8:36 am

I'm happy to be an Elvis fan! 8-)


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Re: ~ Reviews for "Where No One Stands Alone" Gospel CD

Postby Pacer » Mon Aug 13, 2018 5:21 pm

Jukebox wrote:
Pacer wrote:Yes, but such an obvious picture fault. I don't understand.
I mean they Photoshop his eyes moremblue (so it looks fake to me.... almost unnatural blue)....but don't bother to eliminate that very obvious line I pointed out?

The pic sort of has an intentional "sepia tone" look to it. The colors are obviously not totally natural.

I am not talking about that.
Look what i did pointed out,
It doesn't belong to the original picture and there is no reason to put via Photoshop a half circle on it,


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