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Produced by Bubba Smith
Executive Producer:  Dottie Leonard Miller
Label:  Daywind Records
Website:  http://annieandkellymcrae.com

It’s always an amazing thing to watch and see how an artist develops through the years.  There are a few groups that I have kept a close eye on through the years to see just exactly what their next move is.  I’ve done it with the Martins, the Crabb Family, and the LordSong to name a few.  The McRaes are another group that I’ve watched since their humble breakout a few years ago. 

The McRaes’ first couple records found the girls singing traditional Southern with a small flare of country thrown in for good measure.  They took a huge leap forward on the Kevin Stokes produced Traveling On – a watershed album for the girls – earning them numerous new fans and their first #1 hits (“If It Had Not Been the Lord” and “There Is a Remedy”).  Traveling On was a southern-influence country record that mainly showed off the vocal prowess of Annie McRae as well as the songwriting talents of the sister.  The sisters earned themselves the Female Group of the Year award the SGN Music Awards this year as well as several other nominations for the album.  In addition, they sang before thousands this past year as a part of the extremely successful CrabbJam tour (with the Crabb Family & CrossWay).

Perfect Love is their sophomore release for Daywind Records and finds the girls right at their musical home.  The album is pop-country through and through – resembling the likes of mainstream artists like Sara Evans or Rascal Flatts.  Produced by Bubba Smith (most known for his work with traditional Gospel artist Shirley Caesar throughout the years), Perfect Love stretches the girls vocally to grand proportions.

The album kicks off with the Shania Twain-esque “A Way Through” featuring Kelly on lead vocals in which she has never sounded more confident.  “Perfect Love” finds the girls on a more acoustic musical backdrop showcasing strong guitar work and a wonderful banjo driven sound.  “Like a Flood” and “Low & Down” (the first single) have  more pop-country driven sounds which the girls pull off flawlessly.  “Let Him Shine” features a rock-a-billy influenced track and showcases Kelly’s amazing blues-like vocals.  “Let It Shine,” “Low & Down,” and “A Way Through” in particular feature some strong background vocal work which is quite a bit different for most Southern Gospel recordings.  The BGVs on this record do more to accent the vocals of the sisters rather than take away like some would fear. 

The McRaes have always been known for their more ministry oriented numbers that tug at the heart and spirit, and those types of songs are in full force on Perfect Love.  “Hand of Grace” is the first ballad and the only song not written by Annie McRae.  Kelly McRae’s songwriting on this number is just as strong as her sisters as is an album highlight.  “The Word of the Lord” is sure to be their “There Is a Remedy” for this album as its lyrics feature words of hope and healing for the soul.  “Saved” closes the album out with a soft melody-driven acoustic number simply showing off the beautiful harmonies of the sisters.  “Saved” also features one of the strongest lyrical hooks on the entire album.

While Traveling On was the breakthrough record for the sister-duo, Perfect Love is their career recording – one that sees them at their strongest in every area – vocally, lyrically, musically, etc.  While always being known as capable singers, Annie & Kelly McRae are extremely strong vocally on this record – Kelly in particular turns out some amazing vocal expressions.  The girls seem more confident in themselves and who they are as artists with this recording.  It will no doubt continue to earn the girls more fans. 

Reader Comments

Do you have a copy of the album, because it hasn't even hit the streets yet...

I got the entire project yesterday. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. There is one thing...I wouldn't have chose "Low and Down" as my first single. But that's just me. I loved...I mean loved "He knows my name" and "A way through". I think I sense a #1 coming on the charts soon!

Yeah, this project rocks my socks off lol. Honestly, it's amazing. I can't quit playing it.

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