CD REVIEW: THE OAK RIDGE BOYS SHINE THE LIGHT WITH NEW CD, "17TH AVENUE REVIVAL"

CD: "17th Avenue Revival"
Artist: Oak Ridge Boys
Release Date: 3/16/18
Reviewer: Jennifer Smith
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

A revival is about unity, coming together and an excited awakening of the soul. The new CD from the Oak Ridge Boys, "17th Avenue Revival", will excite the soul and kick start the heart of it's listener through a new, yet familiar sound. Like the name of their new tour, "Shine the Light", this CD shines a bright light on faith and brings us all together, back to good place in controversial times.

When the Oak Ridge Boys met with producer Dave Cobb, this CD was a hit before any words were sung. Dave did what he's known best for - changing direction. He took them from their comfort zone and took them outside the walls of that box, gave them a nudge down a new road with a familiar destination - the avenue of soul and spirit. No one can bring more excitement and enthusiasm to a song like Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban. This CD is no different in that respect, but it is different in it's spiritual energy. It's a shock to the system that we all need right now, one that gets us back on our feet and one of a certain confidence. It's literally a revival of the soul. This project wasn't about trying to impress radio or trying to ride the charts, it's about putting the soul back into a song and that song putting the soul back into it's listener. Simple yet so complex, much like the Oak Ridge Boys themselves. This CD is everything the Oak Ridge Boys themselves are - honest, assertive, dynamic and determined.

The first track released from the CD, "Brand New Star" has already made an impression through their performances of the song on various television appearances on shows like "Huckabee" and Hallmark's "Home and Garden". Another song on the CD, "Pray to Jesus", a Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally burst of lyrical brilliance, has hit a high note with listeners. Great reviews of both songs are showing up on social media every day and Rolling Stone named it as one of the top 10 songs for February 2018.

Much love from MN and love the new song! ❤️@oakridgeboys #BrandNewStar @VerizonCenterMN pic.twitter.com/U0c8BicRaX

— Dana Willemsen (@WillemsenDana) January 13, 2018

Watching the @oakridgeboys on @HomeandFamilyTV that aired on Thursday this week. Major airtime, great conversation, and superb new single #BrandNewStar. Can't wait for #17thAvenueRevival @joebonsall @wlgolden @DUANEALLEN @RASterban

— Cheryl Spires (@CherylSpiresRD) February 17, 2018

I love this #newsong by @oakridgeboys! Oh yeah, they've still got it! I can't wait to get the #vinyl! @DUANEALLEN @wlgolden @joebonsall @RASterban #BrandNewStarhttps://t.co/2CyMWjvhKg

— Bryan Harwell (@bryanharwell) January 21, 2018

Hey @oakridgeboys What a fun song and Video! @joebonsall @wlgolden @DUANEALLEN Thanks for sharing your talent with us!! #PraytoJesus https://t.co/BdoR9I7oJv

— Sheri Lynn (@sheri_lynn95252) February 16, 2018

I have listened to #PrayToJesus several times today and I really like this version. Plus, any song written by Brandy and Shane is a winner in my book! 🙌🎶❤️

— Jamie Pappas (@JamiePappas27) February 9, 2018

"17th Avenue Revival" is a turning point and yet another milestone for the Oaks. I would bet the farm that you'll be seeing award nominations for this one. Get ready to bring home some more hardware for that trophy cabinet, Boys. You earned it with this one! You can purchase the CD online today at most digital outlets or you can order directly from www.oakridgeboys.com. The project is available on their website as a physical CD, on vinyl or cassette! They were offering some really cool Edison Cylinder versions but those sold out quicker than you could get onto the page to purchase!