Joyce Martin - Diamonds On a Dusty Road, ReviewsCD Review

Sep

2004

Joyce Martin - Diamonds On a Dusty Road

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[10] Comments

You might have seen an ad for this album already. It says something along the lines of "multiple dove awards, several grammy nominations, national tours, and this is her DEBUT!" You were probably thinking, WHO? "Who" is none other than the remarkable voice behind the pop/country favorites The Martins. Going just on The Martins history alone, Joyce has racked up numerous #1 songs on both Southern Gospel and Inspirational charts, as well as already charting Adult Contemporary radio. However, Joyce is starting anew as a solo artist, charting new waters without the help of her uber-talented siblings. If you are coming into this CD expecting the same pop/country with a few southern tracks thrown in, you're in for a big surprise. Joyce Martin has made the album of her career. One that showcases every style under the sun, and one that shows that Joyce is worthy of being named one of Gospel music's most talented voices. The album kicks off with the soft inspirational feel of "Diamonds On a Dusty Road", with only a slight country feel to the song. The album then moves on into one of the more passionate vocal moments, the praise song "To See the King", penned by Kevin Stokes. "For Goodness Sakes" is an acoustic r&b ballad, showcasing Joyce's unmistakable voice with Gospel artist Darwin Hobbs doing fill-ins that only highlight Joyce's vocals even more. "Big God" is a funk-based pop number that utilizes both Joyce's upper and lower range. "God Did It" is about the only song that would be found right at home on a Martins disk, with it's infectious modern-country sound and Wynonna like vocals. "I Have" is a nice lyric, as Joyce co-write the song with acclaimed songwriter Joel Lindsey. It's one of the few moments on the disk where Joyce actually dives into her own personal testimony. It's one of the moments that you wish would last a little longer. The two highlights of the disc are the modern-pop of "This Is My Prayer" and the tender balled "A Whisper Is Enough". The Cindy Morgan and Joe Beck penned "This Is My Prayer" sees Joyce at her best vocally, soaring across a big chorus and being tender enough on the verses to make it memorable. "A Whisper Is Enough" was written by Lindsey and Larnelle Harris, featuring a lyric that speaks of needing only a whisper from God to satisfy an anxious heart. It's pretty rare that a soloist can come along and tackle as many styles that Joyce does on this, her solo debut. Hopefully, it won't be the last we hear from this talented artist. She's great with The Martins, and she's great as a soloist. Diamonds On a Dusty Road is a fitting debut for such an established artist.

Reader Comments

SHE IS THE QUEEN!! There are alot of people that think they sing with her passion or her sound She's the best..everyone else can only hope to be as good as she is!

Commented by On 09/02/2004

this cd is awesome, i think joyce done a wonderful job on it. i listen to it over and over. #4,#5 and #7 are my favorites.joyce keep up the good work!!!

Commented by On 09/02/2004

Awesome review Chris! I totally agree that the highlights of the cd are "This Is My Prayer" and "A Whisper Is Enough". Amazing songs!!!! I was not disappointed in this album.

Commented by On 09/02/2004

Great review! I LOVE this CD and have been a die hard Martin fan FOREVER! No one can sing like Joyce & tackle so many styles...my faves are "Big God", "I Have" and "God Did It". I was SO glad to see some songs that were penned by Joyce on it...I love her lyrics....I SWEAR that she can read minds and hearts! "I Have" really spoke to my heart...I wish that the website would update with this as well as her tour schedule....I have always loved to see the Martins live, and want to continue to support her. The shows were always gorgeously sung, choreographed through, and well-paced with a perfect blend of mostly singing with some testimony. I know that she will continue the family tradition! JOYCE YOU ROCK!!!

Commented by On 09/02/2004

Hey Bro!
I agree with you that this CD is great! Imagine that, brothers agreeing on something... Joyce is one of my top three favorite altos. Rosemary Clooney is at the top of the list so, Joyce is with good company in my book. Like Rosemary Clooney, Joyce is a fantastic communicator. She phrases things in a way that comes across conversational instead of filling up a song with unnecessary vocality or wordy lyrics. What I'm trying to say, in so many words(too many)is, she is a great singer. She does the little things that make a singer a SINGER as opposed to somone who can sing.
In my opinion there isn't a bad song on the whole CD. I like some better than others but overall I think she chose well. The songs she wrote or co-wrote are well crafted. She is a very capable lyricist. She has a way of writing a lyric like its front porch rocking chair conversation...with depth. Ya know?
Overall, I have to say my favorite song is "For Goodness Sake"(which is probably no surprise to you Chris...). The choice of BGvocalist, Darwin Hobbs, was fantastic. I really like his voice. If anyone can match Joyce's sassiness with soulfulness it's Darwin Hobbs. That song (For Goodness Sake)has a "country funkabilly-cool" groove so tight it could hold water. Love it! I could go on...but I won't. Suffice to say, this is a great project...

BTW, pray for us. If hurricane Ivan comes anywhere close we're comin' to see ya!
Aaron

Commented by On 09/10/2004

I don't know what I think of this CD yet. I just got it on Friday and have only listened to it once. I love Joyce as a vocalist (which is the reason I bought the CD), but unless this thing grows on me like so many others have, I may be giving it to a friend who I know will love the styles of music presented on it. Honestly... I was surprised that it was on the SG music isle at the local Christian bookstore.

Commented by On 12/05/2004

I got this cd for christmas and it rocks!
I have been a Martin fan since i was 7.
My favorite songs are Somebody saves, God Did it,
Big God, And Diamonds on a Dusty Road.
Is she making any more?

Commented by On 01/14/2005

Up unitl a few years ago, way after my 40th birthday, I didn't appreciate nor really know Southern (Contemporary) Gospel music. The Martins changed all that the first time I saw them and I have been hooked ever since. Joyce's new CD is absolutely one of the best musical recordings I have ever heard, including Celine, Barbra Steisand, whoever. I just wish I could see more concerts. I have been lucky enough to see her (w/The Martins) 8 times. She is as good a minister as a singer, and I really miss that!

Commented by On 03/10/2005

Our family loves this CD! It is the only one we can all four agree on listening to at any given time. ; ) I bought it just because of the song "A Whisper is Enough," but listen to it frequently because the whole "thang" is so good!
Faves are "A Whisper is Enough," (You can hear a pin drop in the van while this is playing) "Big God," "For Goodness Sake" (I love the guitar here), "God Did It," (We rock on this one!) "I Have" - good job, Joyce!

Commented by Sally Quick On 03/10/2005

This CD is the most inspiring of all. I am so glad Joyce decided to do this project. I have always been a big fan, but this is #1.

Commented by On 08/04/2005

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