The Nelons - You Are God, CD Review

May

2008

The Nelons - You Are God

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[2] Comments

Label- Vine Records
Producer- Jason Clark, Wayne Haun and Kevin Ward
Website- http://www.thenelons.com

The Nelons have for many years been trend setters in Southern Gospel Music. Kelly Nelon with husband Jason Clark and daughter Amber continue this tradition with their new release, You Are God.

Jason Clark has written the bulk of the songs for the project which starts off with a very progressive song, “All That You Are”. This song is more in the style of some of today’s most popular CCM artists. The album begins with a melodic prelude and then kicks into gear. Amber takes the lead on another Contemporary Christian tune, “Let Your Glory Shine Today”. Amber has matured into a fine vocalist and sings this style of song well.

“In Christ Alone” is a very popular Praise and Worship song that the Nelons have included on the project. The track is reminiscent of some of the Celtic songs that have become popular in recent years. “What Wondrous Love is This” features Kelly on the lead vocals. This song has a folk flavor. There are some very pretty harmonies on this cut.

“O God It’s You” once again features Amber. This song has a more Progressive Southern Gospel sound. “You Are God” is a beautiful Praise and Worship song, featuring Kelly Nelon. Kelly is one of the smoothest alto vocalists in our industry and this song showcases her ability.

“I’ll Love You with My Life” has a Pop flair to it. It features Jason and Kelly and has some nice harmonies. There are some songs that are timeless. “Amazing Grace” would definitely fit this category. The Nelons have included an acapella version of this great old standard. They do a shortened arrangement but it is very moving and features some of the best harmony on the project.

“We Speak Your Name” is a pretty ballad, featuring Amber. This song reminds me of some great Nelon ballads from the past. The vocals are really laid back on this track. “There Is None Like You” picks the tempo up a little and once again features Amber. This song reminds me of a Martina McBride or Carrie Underwood style song.

The final cut on the project is “Ancient Words”. Jason Clark takes the lead on this song. This song has a Celtic feel to it once again.

This project was technically top notch. As a fan of the Nelons, I would have liked to have heard at least of couple of more traditional Southern Gospel songs. I felt that the project was a little slow. The vocals were strong throughout but a few up tempo songs would have added some much needed variety. That being said, the trend in Gospel Music today is more toward CCM and Praise and Worship and the Nelons show that they can do this style very well.

Reader Comments

I think this is a very fair review of this project. It is a great project for the folks that really enjoy this type of music.

However, I was really disappointed not to hear more of the traditional Nelons sound. I was really looking forward to this project as a Nelons fan.

I agree that it needed to be more upbeat as well.

However, like others before them, the Nelons show here that they can sing all different styles of music and do it very well.

I just miss the old style!

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 05/08/2008

I am a huge fan of the Nelons and have been for a number of years. I believe that I own every recording they've ever released, and I've never been disappointed with any of them. However, I feel that YOU ARE GOD is one of their most powerful releases to date. This project is somewhat of a departure from most of the traditional Nelons' recordings. The majority of the recording is what I would call "praise and worship" style, and each song is a heartfelt testament to the power of God.

One of the strengths of this project is that the majority of the lyrics were penned by prolific songwriter and lead singer, Jason Clark. Jason has outdone himself with the powerful and empowering lyrics. His vocal ability and agility are evident on every song, but he really shines on "Ancient Words". His lead portions on "I'll Love You With My Life" are also to be commended. In fact, with the amazing delivery by Jason, Kelly, and Amber, this would be an excellent choice (in my humble opinion) as a radio single.

Kelly has one of the most beautiful voices in all of Christian music. Her vocals on this project are no exception. Every lead and harmony part that she sings is flawless, but her shining moment has to be on "You Are God". This song has beautiful lyrics, but Kelly's lead makes this one of the most powerful cuts on the project. This should be the next single!

Amber has so many shining moments on this project as well. She has really matured into an incredibly powerful singer. Her performance on the current radio single, "We Speak Your Name", is probably the most moving one on the entire project. This song sounds deceptively simple, but Amber has to exhibit amazing control of her voice.

Collectively, I must commend the trio for their tight harmonies. This has always been a distinguishing characteristic of recordings from The Nelons, but there is something special about the intricacies of the harmonies on this project.

I must comment on one additional facet of this recording. I normally choose my favorite songs on any recording and skip directly to those. Although I have done this occasionally with this project, I usually feel the need to listen from beginning to end. This is one of the few CD's that I've purchased that feels like a complete worship service. The songs have been intricately crafted, spiritually sung, and carefully ordered on the project to bring the listener full circle in a worship experience. Bravo!

This should be the next CD in your collection. Choir leaders should also look for GOD WILL PROVIDE, a choral recording with The Nelons and their church choir. Jason penned and arranged a large portion of this recording, and he, Kelly, and Amber are featured on several of the recordings.

Kelly, Jason, and Amber---you have done a marvelous job on this project!

Commented by On 06/01/2008

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