CD Review: Lift His Name (Karen Peck and New River)

I've been meaning to write this review for months now, but I've been so busy that I haven't had the time until now. Fact is, the review released in February, so I was debating whether it was too late to write this review. However, I've decided it's not. Today's review is of Lift His Name by Karen Peck and New River. New River is a household name in Southern Gospel Music, and the current lineup is Karen Peck Gooch (soprano), her sister Susan Peck Jackson and daughter Kari Gooch (both alto) and Grant Gibson (tenor), whom many of you will recognize from 11th Hour. I saw the lineup live at NQC 2019, and I could already tell then that this was something special. (Let's be real... I could already tell it was special when it was announced!) That said, this CD... well, let's just get on with the review. You'll find out soon enough. :)

1: The God I Serve- This was the first single from the CD and just the perfect teaser. It's also a perfect song for the times, given the pandemic and the fact that we need to remember that God is still in control.

2: Made Right- If I remember correctly, this is their current single. It also features Karen and reminds me very much of the CCM hit Chain Breaker. I was not surprised at all to learn that Mia Fieldes was a co-writer of both songs. It talks about how God can make right whatever is wrong in your life.

3: I Know Jesus Lives- This is Grant's one and only feature on this CD, which is a pity because he is just such a talented singer. However, I think this song is the standout track on the CD, which probably makes up for it. This song is about how a trip to the Holy Land is evidence that Jesus is alive (although I'm one to talk because I haven't been there...) The most important thing is I believe Jesus is alive, and that's enough for me at this point... that and the fact that this is a must-listen! :)

4: The Book- Another Karen feature and the only upbeat song on the CD. It's about the Book of Life and how you need to make sure your name is in it. It's a lot of fun and also thought-provoking. :)

5: The Love of Jesus- This is Susan's only solo, and has a fun Blues beat. I guess I don't need to say what this one's about... it's just one of those self-explanatory titles, y'know? :)

6: Messiah Overcame- Karen is featured on this one too. This song talks about the Resurrection and is such a stunning lyric. If I remember correctly, it was written by a student of Liberty University, which is significant to me because I'm weeks away from starting one of their online programs! However, even before I knew that, I knew that this was an amazing song. Another must-listen. :)

7: When I Lift Up The Name- This one features Kari, and is another one that's especially relevant to these times because it speaks of how God is still good, even when life isn't. Absolutely another must-listen.

8: All About Yes- Ok, I'll admit it. That's not the type of title you see every day, so I think I need to explain it a bit more. It's a song about surrender, and how we need to be "all about yes" which just means to surrender to the call. Quite an interesting perspective. :) It also features Karen.

9: Ain't No Grave- The Bethel version, not the usual one, but it's a great rewrite. It features both Karen and Kari. Yes, this means Karen was featured on the vast majority of the CD. Not that that's a bad thing but I would have loved another feature from Grant. At 9 songs, this CD is a little shorter than I would have expected, but given that this track is six and a half minutes long, it probably makes up for that, timing-wise.

This CD is easily a must-buy! If you like Southern Gospel Music, and especially New River, you'll LOVE this album!