Booth Brothers: Declaration

Wow, two blog posts in two days!  I suppose the adage "when it rains, it pours" is true in this case.  I would've covered the Booth Brothers' latest album in my post yesterday, but it was already long enough, and this project has pretty well blown me away.  From the first track, they mean business, both in song choice and the wonderful producing by Lari Goss.  To go through track by track would be a tad extensive, and somewhat biased on my part.  I thoroughly enjoy any Booth Brothers project, and I truly appreciate their friendship to me, especially Michael's.  I am sure I barely know him, but from what I do know of the "real Michael", this album displays his character very well.

Michael's recital on the bonus track, Statement of Faith, showcases his conviction for the Gospel very well, if not solely in the emotion in his voice.  In addition, the choices of several songs set this album apart in my eyes, with such tracks as I See Grace, which I wrote about last month, and my personal favorite, We Believe.  The latter is such an amazing song both in the arrangement and the lyric.  Musically, Michael showcases his very wide range by handling the first solo, which is in the lowest key.  In fact, just mapping out Michael's lowest and highest notes on the track, he uses nearly two octaves, going from a Bb2 in the first verse up to an A4 at four minutes fifty-three seconds.  In fact, when the Booth Brothers first started singing, Michael did not sing tenor.  The brothers' father, Ron Booth Sr. handled the tenor duties, while Ronnie sang lead and Michael sang none other than baritone.  What a wonderful gift.



Two other favorites from the album are The Gospel Song/Before the Cross, and Absolute Peace.  The first few lines of the latter truly captivated me:  "When I listen to the news, with its gloom and doom reviews; talk of war and nations in distress.  I'm reminded of God's Word, how my every prayer is heard, all my fears are calmly laid to rest.  I shall hold fast my faith in the Lord, for He promised to be faithful to His Word.  With tomorrow in His hand and His perfect master plan, I will trust Him and have absolute peace." Such simple, yet sweet and true words.

After several bloggers posted a joint review of the album, I knew what to expect out of Then I Met The Master, but even with that foreshadowing, I was pleasantly surprised, not only by the arrangement, but by the soundtrack.  The transition from the a capella choral track into piano and eventually full orchestra is quite lovely.  One can liken it to a well written movie...the introduction, increasing action, climax, and resolution fit together and are timed very well.

All in all, this album is one of my top listened pieces.  I am thrilled to see such continuing quality from this trio time and time again.  Who they give the praise to, though is key, and I believe a large part of their success.  They could let their gains go to their head, but instead they turn them and use them to further their ministry, as it should be.


Timothy