The LeBeaus - Life’s Railway, CD Review

May

2006

The LeBeaus - Life’s Railway

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Website: http://www.thelebeaus.com

Produced by: Jeff Collins

Hailing from North Carolina, the Lebeaus rock SG with true country flair. Starting off the record with a version of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" you would expect to hear sung on the Grand Ole Opry, they set the tone for the entirerecord. "Farther Along," a favorite among Southern Gospel recording artists is the second song and continues with the same feel. The record overall lacks up tempo or driving tunes, so I was happy to hear"Life's Railway." It spiced things up a bit, witha driving beat and earned its place as the title cut.

A truly moving rendition of"How Deep the Father's Love," was one ofmy favorite songs on the project. Songs like "Little is Much,"should makemost SG fans happy, as it has been a staple in our industry."Light at the River," was another tune that I was glad to hear. With its bluegrass sound and tempo, it was a good changeup. "Blessed Assurance," came out of nowhere.A little bit of country, a little bit of blues, and a whole lot of souleasily made this version of the beloved hymn my favorite cut on the album. Everyone should hear it.

"Lord Paint My Mind," was written by Mike Murdock, and previously recorded by Rusty Goodman, one of the most respected vocalists in SG history. I was glad to hear this song included on the project, and the LeBeaus did a fine job on it. Followed by "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "I Won't Give Up," the record ends on a high note.

"Life's Railway" is a quality recording of some of our favorite songs. The LeBeaus do a good job of putting their country flavor into all the tunes, and preserving a certain sound. The packaging is top notch. Designed by Brad Strider of b.Creative, it's obvious that he knows what he's doing. I'd pick it off the shelf.

However, the album didn't hold my attention as much as the packaging did. There were several songs that seemed to blend together, and I wasn't aware of when one stopped and another began. I gave this project several listens and that opinion stayed true. The songs that did make an impression, made a very good one. I just felt like I didn't hear much ofanything I'venot heard a thousand timesbefore. From the standouts on this project, however, I feel confident in saying that the LeBeaus have more to offer than they did on this record.

Reader Comments

The LeBeaus do ROCK and they sound super. In person they are second to nobody. Just wait, you ain't seen nothin' yet!!
Keep it up guys. Hugs to all 4 of you.

Commented by On 05/15/2006

Leah,
Funny-Your review is totally the opposite of what radio and retail is saying. The LeBeaus recently scored a Top 40 song. Their album is doing great in retail. And as for the graphics holding you hostage. Maybe you should review paintings not recordings, since the artwork held you more than the music. Just a thought-

Rick Hendrix

Commented by On 05/16/2006

Actually, this is a very good review of the LeBeaus recording. There is no need to bash a reviewer. There was nothing on the CD that reaches out and grabs you. It has a lot of older songs on it and the group is good enough to do more original material.

Leah is right, the songs seem to blend in with one another. That doesn't make it a bad recording, just something that could be done better next time, which is what she said. Why would you bite the hand that is giving you a good review?

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 05/16/2006

I dont feel telling my artist their songs run together and their project isnt anything special and has been done a thousand times, is such a good review.BTW I didnt bash anyone.

Commented by On 05/16/2006

Actually the 3 1/2 stars says that the CD is above averge, a quality recording. There are a lot of other compliments in the review that makes this a very good reivew. It's an honest review, and I think that's what an artist and a manager would want. Again, there were a lot of good things said in this review about the Lebeaus.

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 05/16/2006

I agree with Deon. The review was as a whole on the plus side of things. 3-1/2 stars out of five is in my book above average. I think it was just an honest overview of the project, and kudos to Deon for sticking to his reviewer!

Commented by On 05/17/2006

Overall I found this review to be extraordinarily generous. The reviewer presented a very balanced view of the project (if anything erring on the positive side of things as a good three-quarters of the review are devoted to likes), weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the CD and offering some constructive (and insightful) criticism. Most importantly, the reviewer encourages artistic growth. Great review and good press for this CD.

Commented by On 05/17/2006

Sorry Rick, you know I love ya buddy, but I gotta side with everyone else on this issue too. I think Leah did a great job of offering constructive criticism on what the group could work on - but she mostly shared the strong points of the release.

Perhaps you would like me to review one next time. I might not be as kind.

Commented by On 05/20/2006

Mr. "Unthink,"

Your letter sounded fine until the last sentence. Was that a threat or were you just being rude. Let's be a little more christ like.
By the way, who is Leah? Ha! Chris, who are you. Do your reviews matter past this paper. Do you think you are that important? You stated your last comment as though it could be something extreme if you give your imput. Hope I'm reading you wrong and this is a christian paper instead of an ego thing with you.

Commented by On 05/21/2006

Wow, I would say that it is the "lebeaus" and their agent who seem to be taking things the wrong way. Three and a half stars is pretty good I would say. I found the review to be very constructive in its input and personally I would much rather read these types of reviews than ones found in other magazines.

Oh, yeah, I believe the name is UNTHANK, or perhaps ms lebeau meant that as an insult. Are you related to the lebeaus on this recording? Your post was not helpful to the young men by the way.

Commented by On 05/21/2006

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