CD Review: Keeping On (EHSS)

Here's a review I've been wanting to post for a while, but haven't gotten around to it until now. So, the lineup of EHSS that did this CD was Ernie Haase on tenor, Devin McGlamery on lead (who has since left and has been replaced by original EHSS baritone Doug Anderson), Dustin Doyle on baritone, and Paul Harkey on bass. Interestingly, some of these songs were originally featured on EHSS's Friday Night Sing series, and I will note each of those (and the episode each appears on) as I discuss them.

1: Morning Song (Thank You Lord)— This one is probably one of those more self-explanatory titles. Ernie co-wrote it and it features Dustin, who gets to show off his impressive upper range on this one! The intro is pretty cool, too, and starts off this CD on somewhat of a dramatic note (that was a bad pun. Sorry. Ahem...)

2: Good to Be Home— This fast song features Ernie (who co-wrote it as well) and is the theme song for another video series EHSS did this year, which I will be reviewing eventually. It starts by discussing our earthly homes and how nice they are, but the bridge shifts gears and turns our attention to the fact that this world isn't all we have and that heaven is our true home. Such a fun song!

3: Keep On Keeping On— This mid-tempo, inspirational song is another Ernie co-write and puts a new, Christian spin on a motivational saying we've all heard countless times before. Things might be tough, but with Jesus on our side, we can have the strength we need to make it. This song also features Dustin, who pulls out the falsetto on this one. This makes for a great effect! Seriously, this one is AWESOME!

4: I Know My Savior Cares— Now we've reached the first song that was introduced through the FNS series. It was debuted on episode 10. It's a slower-tempo song that Ernie co-wrote and continues the message from the last song, reminding us that God cares for us enough to redeem us and bring us through trials we face in everyday life. The guys all sing the first verse together, and Dustin sings the second verse. Another great one!

5: Terminal in the Sky— I would say that this song is probably the most interesting perspective on the CD. It's about going to heaven and uses a train as an analogy for the trip to heaven and a conductor as an analogy for Jesus. You'd better believe the intro includes train whistle sound effects, and the guys also do their own "train whistle" impersonations. Quite entertaining, and the soundtrack is way too cute and sounds like it came straight out of a '50s musical or something. Paul is featured on this one.

6: Make Us One— Continuing with the movie soundtrack feel, this one is about Colossians 3:14, which has become a theme verse for my family over the past 11 months or so. This song, which Ernie co-wrote, is fun and bouncy and reminds us to live in harmony with one another. Great reminder, great message, great feel, great song! The style also kind of reminds me of another song EHSS recorded, "As For Me and My House."

7: Overcome— As far as I'm concerned, this one is the standout track. It features Devin and talks about how it might be hard to believe that God is going to deliver us when we go through trials, but it's still true. We just need to remember that and praise God when things get tough. This one is the very definition of a power ballad!

8: Not That Far Behind You— Ernie co-wrote and is featured on this one, which is a thoughtful, reflective song about remembering those of our loved ones who have gone to heaven. Actually, this song reminds me of a couple other songs EHSS has previously recorded. If you ask me, if you mix the message and perspective of "Sometimes I Wonder" with the style of "Longing For Home," you've got this song.

9: Ready— This song is a fast one that talks about the different things Christians need to be ready for in our daily walk with Christ: witnessing, sharing the light of Jesus, and and finally, Jesus' return. Devin, Dustin, and Paul all have solos on this song, and to be honest, I had a hard time telling Devin and Dustin apart at first. Oh well. Another one that combines a fun beat with a great message. Can't go wrong!

10: The Ground Is Level— Mark Lowry's late mother, Beverly Lowry, wrote this song. It features Paul and talks about how we are all different, but in Christ, believers are all the same. This song has an "elevator music" feel and is more laid-back, but still really thought-provoking. Another great listen!

11: What He Says to Do— Devin is featured on this song, which he also co-wrote and which continues the message of obeying God. It's not always easy, but it's worth it in the end because blessings will follow. It's a super fun song that showcases a lot of fiddle and is also really encouraging. I was going to say it was bluegrass, but now that I think of it, it might be more of a Cajun style. Hmm. Whatever. Did I mention it's fun?

12: Good Friend— Another song that was debuted on an episode of the FNS series... episode 11, to be exact. :) When I first heard this song, I wasn't sure if it was directed toward a friend who died or just a friend who moved away. Some of the lines could go either way, I guess, but I'm more inclined to think it's the latter. At any rate, it is another Ernie co-write and feature and discusses how friendships last forever. It's one of the slower, more introspective ones, which is probably to be expected given the message. Love it!

13: When We Fly Away Home— Given the title, I assumed that this song would be an old quartet classic. In fact, it is a new song that Ernie co-wrote, but I still love it even though it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It's a fun, stick-in-your-head, feel-good song about the joy Christians will experience when we go to heaven. Another one of the fun, encouraging songs!

14: Wake Up— This one was actually the FNS theme song, so it's probably no surprise that it opened episode 1. Actually, the guys released it as a single prior to the release of the CD, and I also did a separate review of the song. The message of the song is that we shouldn't just live in the past and wallow in our regrets all the time. As I mentioned, I'm a perfectionist, so I need a LOT of help with that! If that description fits you, you need to hear this song. I think it's my second-favourite song on the project and it's a great way to end it. It features Ernie, who also co-wrote it.

There you have it! If you haven't heard this CD, you need to ASAP! It is AWESOME. Whether you love fun songs with great messages or prefer encouraging ballads, this album has something for everyone. If you love quartets, you're sure to love this CD!