CD Review: Carry On (United)

Some of you may have noticed a new group gaining attention lately. Why? Because said new group is comprised of some familiar faces. All of the members formerly sang with the Crossmen, a group which disbanded in 2016. So just who are these members? Scott Flener sings tenor, Darren Doyle sings lead, Darren Lawrence sings baritone and Jason Brooks sings bass. Scott is brother-in-law to Triumphant baritone Scotty Inman, and Darren D. is the oldest brother of Dustin Doyle, the baritone singer of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. These four guys are, therefore, no strangers to gospel music, which is further evidenced by this CD.

1: I Wanna Get What That Man's Got- This was written by Darren D. and talks about what happens when others see God evidenced in the lives of believers. It's a great uptempo song and a great introduction to this group.

2: Roll Away, Troubled River- This one sounds like a convention tune, but I'm not sure if it actually is or not because I had never heard it before. Jason gets the bass lead. What a fun song! :)

3: I Am Alive- Definitely a stand out; this song is all about salvation and the changes that come into a life made whole by Jesus. Darren D. turns in a strong performance on this must-listen, but what's even more incredible is that bass vocalist Jason Brooks co-wrote the song!

4: You Sho Do Need Him Now- This was written by Thomas Dorsey (think "Precious Lord, Take My Hand”) and is another great bass lead by Jason. Then Scott takes the lead at the end to give the rest of the track a different feel. Super fun.

5: My Shelter From the Storm- The second original song (and second feature) from Darren D. This mid-tempo song speaks of how when we trust God, we have a safe haven where we can heal from whatever storms we face in life. Definitely sounds like something Signature Sound would do!

6: Carry On- Darren D.'s third original, featuring Scott, and also the title cut. In a similar vein to the previous track, this song encourages us to keep pressing on, no matter what we face. Sounds like a simple concept, perhaps, but just wait until you hear it for real!

7: You'll Find Me There- Originally recorded by Triumphant on their 2010 release, Love Came Calling, and was co-written by Scotty Inman. Darren D. covers this song and totally knocks it out of the park! For those of you who haven't heard it, it's about how, despite all the things that will be in heaven, God's throne should be the first place to look in order to find me. Another standout but for a different reason than I Am Alive.

8: Almost Home- Not to be confused with Scotty Inman's uptempo original song recorded by Triumphant on their Songs from the Heart album (2011), this is a slower, more thoughtful song written by Darren D. and featuring Darren L. It starts out with a girl at a birthday party and the girl's mom calling to make sure the girl's dad (the narrator of the story-song) will make it on time. The second verse, conversely, changes gears a bit and we're transported to the bedside of a loved one who is about to make his final journey. I just love how the song ties together!

9: I've Got Something to Shout About- Another quartet-tune-sounding song. It's fun, snappy, and overall... something to shout about! (Sorry, just had to!) Nobody's "featured" per se, but I think it sounds like Darren L. is actually singing lead on this one.

10: Swing Down Chariot- A song originally recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band, and this version is very close to the same caliber! A few minor changes were made to the arrangement (e.g. an extra verse and a different chord progression on the end) but these changes make the song sound uniquely "United". (That has a nice ring to it!) *I also forgot to mention that Darren L. is featured.*

11: Yesterday- Penned by legendary bass singer George Younce and originally recorded by the Cathedrals, this song has been kept alive by such groups as Signature Sound and now, United. This arrangement is a calm, introspective one and is a nice pullback from the faster/louder ones. Not that those are a problem, but variety is nice. :) Ironically, the song talks about how Jesus never changes. Go figure...

12: Jesus Is Mine- To close things off, we're treated to another traditional-quartet-sounding one, which is fast, fun, and prone to get stuck in your head! I don't think the title leaves any need for explanation.

The takeaway from this CD is that you absolutely MUST give this talented new group a listen! They bring a fresh sound that's sure to have you hitting repeat! If you remember the Crossmen, you'll be glad to see some of the former members making a comeback. If, however, you're like me and you didn't get a chance to check them out, you'll just be impressed by their talent. There's no way to lose! Check them out!!!!