John Berry “Find My Joy” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Find My Joy, Something Bigger than Me, Blessings
Overall Grade: 5/5
Those who grew up on 90s country will remember the multiple octave voice of John Berry. With hits such as "Your Love Amazes Me," "You and Only You," and "She's Taken a Shine," Berry has had a corner on country music. Even when he was in his commercial prime, he had a penchant to record songs that give expression to his faith. Songs such as "The Richest Man," "Salvation," and "My Heart is Bethlehem" are some that come to mind. Then in 2012, Berry partnered with Gaither Music to release his first full-fledged Gospel album "Real Man. Real Life. Real God." Ten years later, Berry follows up with his sophomore Gospel output, also released under the Gaither imprint.
Other than 3 original songs and one cover, "Find My Joy" finds the coroner putting his signature vocals on some of the most cherished hymns of the church. Berry gives his heartfelt best on the string laden "It is Well with My Soul." He is resolute in his worship on "How Great Thou Art." Pay attention to the gorgeous piano backing on "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," it is purely mesmerizing. Then he peddles a countrified version of "I Surrender All," which is another highlight.
The three new songs all come from the pen of Steve Dorff. Having crafted George Strait's "I Cross My Heart," Clay Walker's "Hypnotize the Moon," and Kenny Rogers' "Through the Years" among many others, Dorff has a way with memorable ballads. Here he spins his magic with "Something Bigger than Me." Formerly recorded by Dolly Parton, "Something Bigger than Me" is a palatable reminder of how God looks after us even when we don't realize it. The title track "Find My Joy" is a popish-country ballad that would have been a #1 hit if it were released in the 90s.
The upbeat "Live Like You" is the weakest track among the new songs. Fortunately, it is redeemed by Berry's cover of Laura Story "Blessings." The song brings to shame those preachers who only advocate the view that God's blessings are only about our material prosperity and comfort. With words like What if Your healing comes through tears/What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near/What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise, this is such a theological and visceral treasure. In fact, the same can be said about the entire record.
Tags : John Berry “Find My Joy” Album Review john berry John Berry “Find My Joy” John Berry Christian album john berry new album Gaither Music
Hot Trends
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Christian Author Lysa Terkeurst Divorcing Husband After 'Worst Kind of Betrayal'
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music
-
Brandon Lake Debuts on #1 with "King of Hearts"
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Tait, Ashley Smith & Others to Appear at 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
Chrissy Metz to Star in Upcoming Film "Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story"
-
Newsboys “Love Riot” Album Review
-
NEEDTOBREATHE Frontman Bear Rinehart Accused by Younger Brother Bo of Sexual Abuse
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Sidewalk Prophets and Ben Fuller Unite for a Stunning Rendition of “Amazing Grace” at Quincy Mine
-
NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart Responds to Brother’s Allegations, Reveals Shared Childhood Trauma
-
Kevin Max Explains Audio Adrenaline Departure in Open Letter (Read Here)
Most Popular
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Christian Author Lysa Terkeurst Divorcing Husband After 'Worst Kind of Betrayal'
-
Michael Tait Faces Additional Allegations from 6 More Men, Including Two Minors
-
Brandon Lake Sparks Conversation on “Christianese” in Worship: Calls for Greater Accessibility in Music
-
Brandon Lake Debuts on #1 with "King of Hearts"
-
TobyMac Accused of Dabbling with Satanic Occult
-
Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Tait, Ashley Smith & Others to Appear at 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
Chrissy Metz to Star in Upcoming Film "Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story"
-
Newsboys “Love Riot” Album Review
-
NEEDTOBREATHE Frontman Bear Rinehart Accused by Younger Brother Bo of Sexual Abuse
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Joins Capital Chuch for their 37th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Sidewalk Prophets and Ben Fuller Unite for a Stunning Rendition of “Amazing Grace” at Quincy Mine
-
NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart Responds to Brother’s Allegations, Reveals Shared Childhood Trauma
-
Kevin Max Explains Audio Adrenaline Departure in Open Letter (Read Here)