“We just knew that we loved them and they were great songs—well written songs. But I think they’re even more than that. I think our world needs to hear something that has faith attached to it. And we’re all faith men. And it was easy for us to go there. Maybe we didn’t think about that when we were doing it but because we’re already there. . we captured some things in the moment. . . .You can feel the spirit of God in these songs . . . And I think that’s an extra blessing we’re going to get out of these projects.” Duane Allen, The Oak Ridge Boys
The songs Duane is referring to is none other than the nine tracks off of The Oak Ridge Boys new album, just released March 16, called 17th Avenue Revival. Recorded in the famous RCA Studio B building on Music Row and produced by musical genius Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Zac Brown, Jamey Johnson), 17th Avenue Revival takes the quartet back to their rock ‘n’ roll, gospel roots. Combining long standing classics with new melodies written by hit makers such as Vince Gill, Ashley Monroe and Jamey Johnson, this album spreads the love and light our world so desperately needs right now.
And to think: the excitement started over lunch at Pie Wagon and the “child vision Dave Cobb gets” according to Oak Ridge member, Joe Bonsall.
“He said, ‘we don’t have to cut a gospel album per say but I want the attitude. And the attitude I’m looking for is what was it that turned the old early rock and roll guys on? And what was it about them that turned you on to rock and roll? I’m talking Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, the old Blues guys. What did they all have in common?’” Joe’s eyes lit up during his interview with The Country Note Guest Correspondent, Amanda Winters.
He continued. “. . . and it was their love of gospel. It was their background in gospel. They grew up in church and they had this passionate big time feel in what they were doing and it excited all of us. Well Dave wanted to recreate that in this album and tap into the roots of that. And he said, ‘you guys are the only group act in the world that four guys could gather around a microphone and make that happen. Let’s make that happen.’ My gosh! Talk about excitement. We were burning up the parking lot of the Pie Wagon following Dave down this path.”
That was a year ago. Recorded in the summer of 2017, 17th Avenue Revival is now burning up iTunes, Amazon, Spotify–you name it. This collection, which Joe considers to be “one of the greatest albums we’ve ever done”, is a mix of Church pew clappin’ and American Bandstand stompin’, with some Elvis hip swayin’ thrown in for good measure. “Pray to Jesus”, penned by the incredible talents of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, pulls in a boogie woogie 50’s rock vibe while the classic hymn, “I’d Rather Have Jesus” takes us back to our childhood sitting in church every Sunday. Another gospel standard, “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” showcases the amazing four part harmony that has made The Oak Ridge Boys a staple in music for more than fifty years. And when it come to being moved by the Holy Spirit, the whimsy and uplifting sounds of “God’s Got It” makes you want to get out of your seat and do the Twist and Shout for Jesus.
While every song on this album is well written, well composed, and passionately performed, it’s the powerful messages that stand out above all else. “Brand New Star” with its 60’s sound reminiscent of the Everly Brothers, is probably the most positive spin on death ever written about in a song. With lines like, “I’m gonna miss you every day. But I know you’re alright. There’s a brand new star up in Heaven Tonight, “one can’t help but be encouraged about something so often thought of as bleak. And for anyone experiencing depression or hard times, “There Will Be Light” is the song that should be on repeat. Duane even recounted to The Country Note how it helped some friends of theirs struggling with fertility during the interview, held backstage at the Opry. To watch the taping in its entirety, click here.
And not only is the quartet lighting up the charts of Music Row for the first time since their 2015 release, Rock of Ages, Hymns and Gospel Favorites, but they are always giving back to the fans and the community. In fact, they hosted an exclusive show for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum members at the CMA Theatre in Nashville, TN on March 5 as a way to say “Thank You”. They performed hits like “American Made”, “Fancy Free”, “This Crazy Love”, and “Rollin Tennessee River” and debuted a few of the new songs as well. The guys even donated a “cylinder” of their latest album to the Hall of Fame. A cylinder people!!! Don’t fret if you don’t know what that is because we had to look it up ourselves (thank you Google) but in simple terms, a cylinder is one of the first audio recording devices ever created. We’re talking pre World War I. But don’t worry. You can get the album in cassette tape, vinyl, CD, and digital download 😉
What an amazing performance they gave that night, full of high energy, pitch perfect harmonies, and a walk down memory lane. And the best part of all? The 1981 #1 hit “Elvira” of course! No Oak Ridge Boy show is complete without one of the biggest country/pop crossover successes of all time. As “Elvira” lead singer Joe Bonsall says, it’s “tradition that everyone stand up during that song.” But it wasn’t just the song that brought the audience to their feet at the end of the night. It was the fact that Elvira songwriter, Dallas Frazier, was in the audience, hearing the foursome sing it live for the first time!!! Not to mention, he also wrote another song they performed—“The Baptism of Jesse Taylor”—which in fact, won them a GRAMMY in 1973. So it was no surprise that Mr. Frazier got his own Standing O.
And this album deserves its own up on your feet praise for the vocals, the production, the writing, and most importantly, the message. The Oak Ridge Boys, so naturally and without hesitation, have embraced their faith and truly allowed the Spirit to speak to them throughout this recording. And no doubt, the Spirit will flow through others who listen to this compilation and who are open to receiving the powerful gifts of peace, hope, and love. Thank you for sharing your talents and your wisdom with the world Joe, William, Richard, and Duane. Now let’s go rejoice in that 17th Avenue Revival!
For “Joy comes with the morning and outshines the darkest of night. So hold on till the morning. There will be light.”