Marty Raybon

Item: Marty Raybon
Author: Vanessa Crooks

(1995)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

Discogs YouTube

Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseOctober 1995

country gospel southern gospel

In a statement of exaltation on his new self-titled album, Marty Raybon "pray(s) that this music would be worthy of encouragement for those who need to be lifted up, a seed to the lost and bring glory and honor to You." These are lofty goals for a first-time gospel project; but Raybon, who is both a talented artist and a passionate seeker, accomplishes just that. Many who know Raybon as the lead singer of Shenandoah, one of country's chart-topping groups, will be surprised by just how much "preachin' and testifyin'" this album contains.

The disc opens with "Master Of Wood," which links the story of the Son of God's ministry on earth to His "working" with wood. It chronicles Jesus' life from a twelve year old carpenter's son, who gained notoriety for "mending things He crafted with His hands," to a thirty-three year old carpenter, "convicted for the crime of love and sentenced to a tree." "Show 'Em Your Sermon" is an admonition about the power of example and the need for believers to live out the faith.

Indeed, Marty Raybon is a strongly scripture-infused work. "The Peace Of Loving You" shares that the Lord, who is "the Manna" when we "need the bread of life" is also the "well within [our] souls" when the "rivers have run dry." "When He Reigns" uses the children of Israel during their desert wanderings and the five thousand on the hillside to illustrate God's provisionary nature. Where many in the Christian country genre sing about family values, Raybon focuses on a gospel message and an exhortation to discipleship.

Sonically, this recording is one of the finer country/gospel albums I have heard. Raybon's longtime cohorts from Shenandoah all play on the album, giving it a tight and cohesive sound. There have been several projects recently that highlight the connection between country and gospel music, but none with a more seamless blend than this one. There is a natural ease and genuineness to his delivery and approach. Adding to this authenticity is the fact that Raybon co-produced the project (with John Guess) and contributes to the writing of eight of the album's ten songs. "Get Up In Jesus' Name" is a kicking, Pentecostal-styled anthem that expertly combines piano, steel, fiddle, and B-3 organ with the amazing choir-like voices of Kim Fleming and Vicki Hampton. "Harvest Wind" has a lonesome edge which fits its farming imagery and the reminder that every day is a harvest day. The musical backdrop and production efforts complement the strong lyrical content on Marty Raybon.

Solid and sincere are the two words that best summarize Raybon's first gospel album. Drawing on both his church upbringing and country music experience, he presents a warm collection of songs that should encourage the Body and point the way for the lost. Clearly, Raybon sees not only the plight of our human condition, but the vision of our eternal hope as well.