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About Gloryland Gospel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Sensationals

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Closer To Home

 

 

 

 

The Bibletone label is probably known for their Southern Gospel releases. The label have ventured into traditional gospel music with the release of Closer To Home by The Sensationals.  This is a group that many may not know.  However, in time, they could become a household name.

When we first received the CD, we wonder if it was a reincarnation of the group
Jimmy Jones & The Sensationals.  Well, we quickly realize that is was not. 

 

This group is from Cedartown, Georgia.  The members of The Sensationals are Maurice Whatley, Steven Whatley, Bruce Whatley, Sharon Whatley, Steven Whatley, Jr. and Jarmarcus Whatley.  Immediately you notice that the group members are from the same family.

 

This is the group's third recording.  In 1999, they released the CD titled I Can Do All Things Through Christ.  Their 2004 CD is titled Second Time Around.

What we like about their new CD is that it is a refreshing change from many of the projects being released today.  For instance, there is really not much instrumentation.  Listen closely and you will not hear any synthesizers.  No fancy chords.  No heavy drum lines.  Even the bass and lead guitars are in the shadows.  The group also uses some of the colloquialism of the 40s and 50s quarter singers, like “I Done Done” and “Mama/Papa done prayed for me.”

The CD begins with Sharon Whatley leading on “Time Like This.”  Maurice Whatley takes over lead duties on “Need Somebody On Your Bond.”  This song conveys the group ability to handle ballads.  And, they do it so well.  “Touch A Dying Man” is a mid-tempo song led by Maurice.  The background harmony is great on this track.  This is followed by “Peace With You.”  Guest artist Zachary Washington is the lead singer on this track.

There is a down home feel to a lot of their songs, none more representative of this than “I Done, Done.”  This song has been recorded by numerous gospel artists.
 The Sensationals somehow have managed to make this song their own.  Maybe it is the background singers, or the guitars in the background, or just the fact that they are at their best in singing the old songs.  Another example of this fact is “Closer To Home.”  The arrangement will be familiar to many.  The arrangement will remind you of Darrell McFadden’s "I Can’t Even Walk" or some of the great songs by Slim & The Supreme Angels.  Listen attentively as Maurice provides great lead vocals.


"Jesus Is Waiting" is another upbeat song with great background harmony.  Steven Whatley, Sr., can be heard singing lead on this song, as well as on "I Done, Done." 

 

If you remember "Resting Beyond The Sky" by The Five Singing Sons of North, you’ll really appreciate "Resting In My Home."  The Sensationals have taken the lyrics and added an mid-tempo arrangement.  Maurice provides the lead vocals on this song and the remaining two tracks on this project.  

“Lay Down My Burden” is another song from years ago that
The Sensationals have turned into a ballad.  They have added lyrics to this very traditional song.  It is an interesting arrangement.  This is another of the songs that show the group's ability to handle ballads just as easy as they do any other tempo.  The final song on the project is "Mama/Papa, Pray For Me."  Radio Angels will probably like this song.  It should get plenty of airplay.
 
It is always good to receive a quality recording from an unknown group.  This one is certainly a well put together project. 
In years to come, you will be disappointed if you do not have this CD in your collection.

 

You may not be able to find this CD in your local record store.  To obtain your copy of this CD contact the group at (678) 925-9781.  We give The Sensationals’ Closer To Home an 8.5 out of 10.  Click on the title to hear "Resting In My Home.

 

 

 

 

 

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