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Group Name: Talley Trio
Website: www.talleytrio.com
Album Title: “Life Goes On”
Song Titles:

1. Realms Of Glory Bright
2. I’ve Never Been Loved Like You
3. Winds Of This World
4. Calvary And Amazing Grace
5. I Will Sing Of My Redeemer
6. My Hope Is In The Lord
7. Comfort Me
8. Jesus You Are
9. Hallelujah Praise The Lamb
10. Life Goes On

From 1984 to 1993, Roger & Debra Talley, along with Roger’s brother Kirk, formed the propular trio “The Talleys”.  During this time, Roger and Debra’s daughter, Lauren, would travel with the group and sing and quote Bible verses at their concerts.  However, the group disbanded in 1993 so that Roger and Debra could spend time at home with Lauren.  However, in 1996, Roger, Debra, and Lauren began singing together at limited engagements.  This blossomed into the group that we know today as “The Talley Trio”.

“Life Goes On” is the latest Talley Trio album.  It is full of the progressive Southern Gospel music that the group has become known for in recent years.  During the production of this album, the group would solicit opinions from members of their “Talley Tree-O” website on various aspects of the album, such as the graphic design of the album cover.  As far as I know, this is the first time that an approach like this has been attempted, and I think it was a very good concept- even though they didn’t always go with the opinions that were given.

Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: THE SONGS!

The album starts off with the medium-to-up-tempo “Realms Of Glory Bright”.  This is a big-sounding, powerful song with some nice unison vocals at the very beginning that gradually break into harmony.  I can just hear a large choir singing this song.  Next up is a slower song called “I’ve Never Been Loved Like You”.  This song is done with a softer, acoustic arrangement, and it features some very nice harmonies.  The third song is an up-tempo offering called “Winds Of This World”.  The high-energy arrangement of this song will appeal to many listeners.  The tempo then slows back down again for a ballad entitled “Thanks To Calvary And Amazing Grace”.  Again, the group’s vocal blend is showcased.

Song #5 is a medium-to-up-tempo song called “I Will Sing Of My Redeemer”.  This is a praise-and-worship-style song that opens with a nice a cappella rendition of the old hymn by the same title as this song.  The tempo then slows down again for a medium-tempo song called “My Hope Is In The Lord”.  This is followed by another soft, acoustically-arranged song called “Comfort Me”. 

The eighth song speeds the tempo back up as the group tackles a song called “Jesus You Are”.  In my opinion, this is one of the best songs on the album and should be considered for a radio release at some point.  Next, the group brings back a slightly re-arranged version of an older Talley Trio song, the well-loved “Hallelujah Praise The Lamb”.  This slower power ballad should be a hit with the group’s fans.  Finally, the album ends with the title track.  “Life Goes On” is another medium-to-up-tempo power ballad with some nice minor chords throughout the arrangement.

All in all, I found this to be a superb album.  Lauren is easily one of the best young female vocalists in Southern Gospel, and her parents are no slouches themselves.  The arrangements were easy to listen to and really showed off what the group is capable of doing.  My only complaint was the fact that there were only two truly up-tempo songs on the album.  Even though every song was done very well, I would personally have liked at least one more up-tempo song for a little more variety.  Still, the album has the classic Talley Trio sound throughout, and is a must-have for lovers of good Southern Gospel Music.  Overall, I would give this album a 9.5 out of 10 microphones!

Favorites: “Realms Of Glory Bright”, “I Will Sing Of My Redeemer”, “Jesus You Are”, and “Life Goes On”