Track Listings (14) - Disc #1| All Artists: Ricky Skaggs Title: Soldier Of The Cross Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 1 Label: Skaggs Family Original Release Date: 9/14/1999 Re-Release Date: 8/28/2001 Genres: Country, Pop, Christian & Gospel, Gospel Styles: Bluegrass, Today's Country, Southern, Pop & Contemporary, Country & Bluegrass Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 669890500122 |
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Search - Ricky Skaggs :: Soldier Of The Cross
 | Ricky Skaggs Soldier Of The Cross Genres: Country, Pop, Christian & Gospel, Gospel
From the first stentorian battle call of the shofar (ram's horn) to the excerpt from a famous Billy Graham speech and the standard it inspired--the Louvin Brothers' "Are You Afraid to Die"--it's obvious that Ricky Skaggs i... more »     |
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Amazon.com From the first stentorian battle call of the shofar (ram's horn) to the excerpt from a famous Billy Graham speech and the standard it inspired--the Louvin Brothers' "Are You Afraid to Die"--it's obvious that Ricky Skaggs isn't just out to soothe souls, but to save them. Naturally the outspoken Christian fundamentalist delves deeply into his bluegrass roots for supernal inspiration on his first all-gospel album. He serves up fervent renditions of bluegrass-gospel favorites like Ralph Stanley's "The Darkest Hour," Bill Monroe's "Remember the Cross," and the Bill Carlisle-penned, Flatt & Scruggs-covered "Gone Home," but Skaggs also finds inspiration in contemporary gospel tunes like "The Joshua Generation," which features a soaring Crosby, Stills & Nash-style vocal finale. Yet the most amazing cut is "Seven Hillsides," a song that vividly chronicles an Appalachian preacher's overwhelming self-doubt and sense of inadequacy as he prepares to minister to his congregation's immense and tragic losses. Like much of this lovely and aggressively inspirational collection, "Seven Hillsides" speaks to the humanity and spirituality in just about all of us--hardcore Christian and closet agnostic alike. --Bob Allen Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsRicky --- Gospel --- Need We Say More? lawhound | Fairfax, Virginia USA | 11/20/1999 (5 out of 5 stars) "Ricky Skaggs, backed by his talented Kentucky Thunder, has produced yet another masterpiece. I have an extensive bluegrass gospel collection and I would have to say that this recording is definitely near the top of the stack. The entire album was superb (with the exception of one track), but some songs merit individual recognition.As a traditionalist, I was glad to hear Ricky's recording of "Voice From On High", which owed much of its sound to an earlier recording by the Stanley Brothers (no coincidence, since Ricky got his start with Ralph Stanley as part of the Clinch Mountain Boys). The high tenor, sung by Paul Brewster, climbs right up your spine. If you've ever wondered what a bluegrass fan meant when they said high lonesome this is it."The Darkest Hour" is yet another old song. This selection, nonetheless, would merit buying the album. In many ways, the arrangement is reminiscent of "Walls of Time" that appeared on Ricky's second all bluegrass album, ANCIENT TONES. "Are You Afraid to Die" has been recorded many times before. This track begins with Dr. Billy Graham delivering his testimony followed by probably the best recording of this song to date.There are no words for "Seven Hillsides" except perhaps "extraordinary". Have you ever wondered what preacers feel when tragedy occurs and they are left to help pick up the pieces? This song answers the question.Finally, there is one track (the exception) that has been done better: "Lead Me to the Rock". A better recording of this acapella piece can be found on Don Rigsby's A VISION (an album I greatly recommend) under the title "Higher Than I". Ricky's vocals, at times, seem strained on this selection.What makes this recording work is not just the talent of the band and Ricky's beautiful voice. It is the fact that the music MEANS something to Ricky; he believes what he sings. Buy it. Listen to it. You'll love it." I bet it wins a grammy award! debbie-n-va | 09/28/1999 (5 out of 5 stars) "I love bluegrass gospel, old and new, and Ricky Skaggs has combined both in this terrific CD. The messages of the songs have been carefully chosen and "Seven Hillsides" will touch your heart. The playing is perfect Kentucky Thunder and the harmonies make songs like "Are You Afraid To Die?" very special listening moments. I would not be surprised if this CD wins a Grammy. It is beautiful." One of my very favorites...well worth the money debbie-n-va | 05/22/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "I have been a Ricky Skaggs fan since the days he sang backup for Emmylou Harris, but lost track of him when he went "country". I decided to give "Soldier of the Cross" a try. On first listening quickly through I was fairly disappointment (not sure why...guess I was expecting more "modern" bluegrass cuts, but then on a car trip listened to it in it's entirety. It is one of the best pieces of work that Ricky has every done! Listening to him again is like coming home. I love "A Voice from On High" which I heard performed first here by a local band in Virginia; "Seven Hillsides" is probably the most wonderful song I have ever heard, not only the lyrics but the melody and Ricky's powerful, pure voice. "Darkest Hour" is wonderful; loved it when Emmy sang it with Ricky on one of her older albums. The only song I don't care for is the Joshua Generation - a little too contempory (and I disagree with the review that it is like any CSN song). Overall, it is a wonderful CD, filled with powerful songs, wonderful harmonies and a "make you feel good" message."
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