When The New Gaither Vocal Band was formed it was comprised of Bill Gaither and Gary McSpadden (two-thirds of The Bill Gaither Trio) and background singers Steve Green and Lee Young. They released their self-titled debut album in 1981. By 1985 The Gaither Vocal Band was comprised of Larnelle Harris, Michael English, Gary McSpadden, and Bill Gaither. Now fast forward to 2000 and the group's roster was David Phelps (tenor), Guy Penrod (lead), Mark Lowry (baritone), and Bill Gaither (bass). This was the year they released I DO BELIEVE (Spring House), which won a Dove for 'Southern Gospel Album of the Year'. In the liner notes you will find these words: "This collection of songs, some old and some new, voice once again the unchanging truth of the Gospel of Christ. It`s not complicated or dissonant-it`s just God`s perfect melody sung by a few sinners saved by grace".
1. First up is 'He's Watching Me'. Tina Sadler wrote this upbeat song which won a Dove for 'Southern Gospel Song of the Year'. It speaks of God's care and concern for us: "He's a busy God but on His list of things to do/His number one priority is watchin' me and you/He's takin' care of business, feedin' birds and makin' rain/But He'll stop what He's doing when I speak His Name/Cause He's watchin'/He's watchin' me".
2. 'Hide Thou Me' uses the B-3 to good effect and includes these honest thoughts: "Sometimes I feel discouraged and I think my work's in vain/I'm tempted oft to murmur to grumble and complain/O but then I think of Jesus and all He's done for me/Then I cry O Rock of Ages/Hide Thou me".
3. Suzanne Jennings and Woody Wright wrote 'Where the River Flows', an upbeat country song of spiritual invitation: "Where the river flows (2X)/Bring all your troubles/Take off your heavy shoes/Tired of the hustle/Let it wash away your blues/Where the river flows (2X)/Wade in the water/Step off the dusty ground/If it gets hotter/You can cool your spirit down/Flow from heaven/Flow down over me".
4. 'Where No One Stands Alone' is a ballad whose chorus serves as a prayer: "Hold my hand all the way/Ev'ry hour ev'ry day/From here to the great unknown/Take my hand/Let me stand/Where no one stands alone".
5. 'Oh, What a Time' is credited to Lucy Matthews and dates back to 1950. It's a real Southern Gospel toe-tapper that anticipates heaven: "In that fair land/There will be no more night/ No sun or moon/For the Lamb of God is light/It's good to know/That He's prepared the way/To a bright and endless day".
6. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the title track circa 1980. 'I Do Believe' is an easy listening song of testimony: "I do believe/You are the One/The home I've longed to find/My only hope/God's only Son/I do believe/I touch, I see/That all along you've longed to be/My Lord, my God".
7. 'More than Ever' begins by reflecting on being a new Christian: "When I started my journey in fresh childlike trust/I believed that the Lord's way was best/I would read in His Word how He mothered the bird/And grieved when it fell from its nest/How I felt His delight when I chose to do right/And I prayed I would not make Him sad/We would meet on the way in the cool of the day/What a pure sweet communion we had".
8. 'On the Authority' is an upbeat Southern Gospel celebration of one who belongs to God: "On the authority of the Holy Word/I rise up and take my stand/I'm a blood bought child of the living God/Who is the Great I Am/I'm an heir to all that heaven holds/And no principality/Can ever take away my royal crown/Given on His authority".
9. 'The Love of God' dates back to 1949 and was penned by V. B. Ellis. It's a slow, but powerful song about one of our God's main characteristics: "The love of God is greater far than gold or silver ever could afford/It reaches past the highest star and covers all the world/It's power is eternal/Its glory is supernal/When all this earth shall pass away/There'll always be the love of God".
10. Mark Lowry delivers his vocals with humor which I quite enjoy on the great country song 'Steel on Steel'. The song encourages unity in the body: "I really need what you bring to the party/Differences here ain't no big deal/Cause all this rub just makes us better/We sharpen each other like steel on steel..../When the smoke clears I know you're a brother/We'll follow this through to the bitter end/If we stick around we might learn something/Something about how to be a good friend".
11. Suzanne Jennings and Michael Sykes wrote 'Make it Real', an easy listening ballad with lyrics that are very relatable: "There must be some good reason why You brought me here/Through valleys where the shadows hover close/And down here there's a mask to cover every face/But Your sweet face I long to see the most/So if You think there's just the slightest hope for me/In spite of all my questions and my doubts/Then let me hear Your still small voice speak out my name/And let me know what others talk about".
12. 'Sinner Saved by Grace' testifies: "I'm just a sinner saved by grace/When I stood condemned to death/He took my place/Now I live and breathe in freedom with each breath of life I take/Loved and forgiven/Back with the living/I'm just a sinner saved by grace".
13. Suzanne Jennings, Michael Sykes, and Guy Penrod wrote 'One Good Song'. It's Southern Gospel and speaks out against materialism: "Well I used to believe that the more you had/Got you through these days/Made your poor heart glad/But I'm paring down/I've been cutting back/And I don't even miss/All the things I lack/I'm learnin' how to separate the wants from the needs/The good life now consists of just a few simple things/Jesus in my heart/And a place to belong/A few close friends/And a one good song".
14. Last up is the Southern Gospel ballad 'Something to Say' on which Bill Gaither takes the lead. It speaks of the importance of having a personal faith in Jesus: "I've sung along with some pretty good singers/And I've been in churches where the sweet Spirit lingers/But you've never lived/'Til the words become true/'Til forgiveness and mercy mean something to you/And you've never cried/Til the tears come from faith/You've never lived/Til you have something to say".
I DO BELIEVE contains six fast paced songs and eight slower songs. The main musical genres here are Southern Gospel, country, and easy listening. Musical instruments used include: piano, B-3, harmonica, fiddle, mandolin, strings, and brass. Penrod, Lowry, Phelps, and Gaither all take turns singing lead, with the older of the four, Gaither, doing so the least. There are songs of testimony here. They speak of how we are free and forgiven children and heirs of God. There are songs that speak of a desire for intimacy with God-to live in His presence with His power. God is seen as loving and caring on this project. People are invited to become Christians and call heaven their eternal home. 'Steel on Steel' is a standout song about Christian unity and helping each other grow. I DO BELIEVE clocks in at 54 minutes and 45 seconds. I'm rating it a perfect 100 %. Lots of great harmonies here. For more info visit: www.gaither.com or connect with the group members on FACEBOOK.