Roarks - Brand New Now, CD Review

Jun

2004

Roarks - Brand New Now

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[6] Comments

Producer: Shane Roark
Label: Church House Music
Website: www.theroarks.com

Hailing from a town in the southern eastern part of Kentucky called Middlesboro; the Roarks have a very strong and distinct country sound. Featuring mom and dad, Paul and Jetta Roark, along with their son Shane, this mixed group has put together a rather lengthy recording featuring several new songs, mostly written by Shane, along with several older songs and aptly titled the recording, “Brand New Now.”

Featuring nearly 20 songs, I felt it was a little much. Unless the recording is a Greatest Hits recording for some major artist, a CD featuring 20 songs for a regular mainline recording can be a bit overwhelming. A couple titles I did find on some older Roark recording, but most songs seem to be new recordings. The overall quality of the recording is mediocre at best; the songs are very well written and sung with great conviction, and the musicians did a splendid job, but the overall quality of the recording lacks a bit.

There are several shining moments on this recording however. Songs such as “GOD SAVES OLD SINNERS” (one of my all time favorite Kyla Rowland songs) , “TELL ME THE STORY AGAIN”, “BRAND NEW NOW”, “MY FOOT IS ON THE ROCK”, “ONE GAVE ALL” (wonderful patriotic number tying in with what Christ did for us) and “HELP ME NOT TO FALL” are all great songs in their own right . I have to mention the ever popular recitation, “JOHN 3:16” as a favorite as well. I always felt that recitation was a bit sappy, but Paul delivers this recitation with such feeling and emotion, you can't help but be drawn in and hinge on each and every word he is saying. I have a new respect for that recitation. Thanks Paul!

Other new or newer songs include “GREAT BIG GOD”, “WHO SAID MIRACLES DON'T HAPPEN ANYMORE”, “THE GLORY OF IT ALL”, “OLD TIME RELIGION (IN THIS MODERN DAY)” and “MAMA CAN PRAY” (I have to admit, I like the thought process behind this song).

Classic songs include “BUILD MY MANSION”, “HE TOUCHED ME”, “WHEN GOD DIPPED HIS LOVE IN MY HEART” (along with a reprise featuring the grandchildren of Paul and Jetta Roark), “LIFE'S RAILWAY TO HEAVEN”, “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS” and “FAR AWAY”. One unique thing about their renditions of these older songs is their unique arrangements, which is a plus.

While I wouldn't call this the greatest recording to come down the pike, I will say it definitely has some wonderful qualities, and some truly great songs. The group sounds best when Shane takes the lead. Shane is an excellent songwriter (penning 6 of the tunes) and is a very good singer and musician (playing several instruments on this recording including piano, guitar, mandolin, harmonica and banjo). The cover graphics are pretty interesting, and I love the CD itself…resembles a small replica of a 33 1/3 LP. I think in the right production environment, this group would have a sound that would blow everyone out of the water. But it's the actual quality of the sound on this recording that I think hurts the group and this recording the most.

Reader Comments

I THINK THE ROARKS ARE A GREAT FAMILY AND THIS IS A GREAT PROJECT THE BEST ONE TO DATE.IF YOU GET TO GO SEE THE FAMILY LIVE YOU WILL RECIVE A TRUE BLESSING.LOVE YOU ALL KEITH

Commented by On 07/14/2004

I have been a long time fan of The Roarks. Going way back to about 1996 when they had this awesome single out called "I've Just Seen Jesus".

Shane is a great songwriter and singer, and I always look forward to hearing what will come up with next.

I do have to say that this recording just didn't have the "umph" that I have come to expect from The Roarks. Something was just different and IMO not up to their "standard" in this one.

I Think the cover of this one is awesome! Very Neat Idea with The graphics.

I have to agree with James rating on the project.

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

Commented by Karen_ptl On 07/14/2004

Regardless of what the reviewers have stated, the Roarks latest is a very enjoyable recording. They have a great song selection and have recorded it well. I know these people personally and you will not find a bunch that is friendlier and dedicated to their music. Give this recording a listen, you'll not be unhappy. Get to know them and you be even happier.

Commented by On 08/04/2004

Rick, The reviewer did not give the Roarks a bad Reivew. A three star rating is an above average recording. It's a good recording, but there is room for improvement. In fact the reviewer said that there are some wonderful qualities about this recording.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown

Commented by On 08/04/2004

I`ve found this recording to be very enjoyable, all of the songs.For myself anytime I can get a Good quality CD for the price of a 8 or 10 song recording is a great deal.My wife and I have purchased every CD the Roarks have on the market and await their new release.We have found the Roarks to be real.So many today talk the talk but don`t walk the walk.The Roarks do and live what they sing about. Good Job !!!! Keep Them Coming.

Commented by Ed Ford On 08/06/2004

I think The Roarks are a wonderful group of people with a powerful message to get out to people throught their music. I have known this family for 12+ years and nowhere have I ever found anyone so dedicated. And if you like Shane's singing you should hear him preach. Now there is a true blessing.

Commented by On 12/06/2004

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