For this the first Independent label review of the year 2002 we take a look at a group that has more than proved their willingness to continue the hard driving quartet tradition of the 1950s and 1960s.  If you've ever been or lived in the Chicago area then no doubt you've heard of Deacon Ruben Burton & The Victory Travelers.  Their stage presence is no less than awe inspiring.  In fact having seen these brothers many times I am a living witness they literally leave you standing there with your mouth open in disbelief.  Though the members are not exactly teen-agers don't let their age fool you!!

This project brings to the table some of the best known and most loved selections of the Vic's.  From the early days on the HOB record to this present release the Victory Travelers are well deserving of this spotlight.  The project opens with my personal favorite Vicotry Travelers song "I Signed A Contract".  This hard driving quartet shout song finds lead vocalist Reuben Burton at full throttle.  Not far behind Burn is the patented sound of the Vic's loosely clad yet seriously intense background.  Though this review could easily speak about each of the 6 selections on this short yet powerful project their are two more selections that stand out in great fashion. 

The Vic's take quartet fans back to their 1983 hit album entitled "He's A God".  At that time the title cut was revolutionary.  It featured some of the most innovative instrumental arrangements in the gospel circuit during that time.  In fact only the Dixie Travelers come to mind as another group pushing the envelope like the Vic's.  In this their latest release they decided to re-arrange their hit selection "He's A God".  This time the arrangement is straight up quartet drive song.  Reuben Burton's throat bustin' lead is given apt room to work as the Travelers lay the foundation of endless choruses peppered with vocal ad-libs. 

Lastly yet another of my favorite Victory Travelers songs is finally on CD for the entire world to enjoy.  Though the selection is really only a interpretation of Dorothy Love Coates "You Must Be Born Again" the Vic's give it their own interpretation.  In fact this song is their number one house wrecker.  This song has a serious drive that when coupled with the synchronized shout steps of the Vic's background vocalists, one can't help but get up and shout for joy.

Unlike many projects where the problems lies in production the major problem with this recording is it's length.  Six selections from this Legendary regional quartet group is just not enough.  If you love hard driving quartet singing then you must own this great recording.  Unlike this month's National release there is not a praise and worship song in sight on this recording.  Reuben Burton & The Victory Travelers have one purpose on this recording and that is to wreck house!!