The Greenes - Glory Mountain (CD)

All Music Guide

Even as Kirk Franklin is finding ways to make gospel music exciting to the younger generation, more traditional Southern gospel music still thrives. This veteran family group creates another collection mixing pleasant ballads with more feisty, country-flavored pop tunes extolling the Almighty. The title track is like a road trip accompanied by knee-slapping and rising brass energy. "Old Camp Meeting Time" is a good-ole-boy-type revival tune featuring jumpy piano, swinging drumbeat, and harmonies; Tim Greene's low, powerful voice leads on the verses. They go back to the Old Testament for a bouncy, optimistic, fiddle-laced tribute to Job called "I Can Make It Through This Test." In between the upbeat spirits of these songs are more reflective pieces like "His Blood No Longer Leaves a Stain," which is far less fun but perhaps more emotionally resonant. Ditto twangy, countrified songs like "Healing Touch," which tells the story of Jesus but also ponders the mystery. The spirit of the mountain is infectious most of the time.

- Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide