Music Review: The Martins New Day
January 21, 2012 in: Book Reviews
I just found out The Martins are coming to St. Joseph on Feb. 17. I am thrilled to see them in concert and if you listen to this CD, you will be, too.
In the first line of the first song, Joyce Martin sings, “If we could clear the stage, if we could kill the lights, I’d walk down these steps and stand right by your side.”
I know it’s more than a song lyric, it’s the truth.
I spent my birthday, Oct. 26, 2010, at the Missouri Baptist Convention, covering news stories for the Pathway. My birthday often falls during the convention and my dear friend Becky had come prepared with presents, a cake and even party hats. It was a party, but also a difficult day, for this was a birthday that I accepted some dreams wouldn’t be coming true.
The Martins were the special musical guests of the convention and performed during the afternoon and evening sessions. I sat on the front row at the media table and felt like every song they sang and the testimonies they shared ministered right to me. After the session was over, I found Becky hanging out at The Martins booth. But when I walked up, they treated me like I was the celebrity. The two sisters and brother gathered around and sang “Happy Birthday.” Becky bought me a CD that The Martins thought would be perfect for me. It’s called Dream Big.
New Day is their first new album in six years. And, wow, does it pack a punch. The first six songs are absolute solid gold. Love Enough, as I mentioned, kicks of the CD with a powerful tune. The title track enough is worth the price of CD and will help you get through the toughest days. The song Somebody Like Me gets bonus points for the line “Ain’t that just like a bunch of Baptists.”
The Martins are considered Southern Gospel, but their sound on this album is very fresh; probably more like contemporary country than anything else. The harmonies are incredible and each member of the trio takes a turn singing lead. The music is infused with such truth and conviction, you grasp that not only do they believe every word they’re singing, they also live it.
Tears streamed down my face the first time I heard Unredeemed. But I think my favorite is Tell Them That I Love Them, a touching song about “an old-time preacher in a small-town church.” One song blends their contemporary sound with the traditional theme of trains. It’s the only song on the album that doesn’t quite work. But trust me, the rest of the album works beautifully.
Click here to purchase New Day and show up at the Missouri Theater on Feb. 17 to see The Martins in person.
