Mighty Clouds of Joy Review
IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD Review - ChristianMusic.com
Mighty Clouds of Joy Bio * Mighty Clouds of Joy Lyrics * 1st Review

Mission Statement: The Mighty Clouds of Joy strive to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their listening audience in a personal way, by sharing personal experiences through the genre of Gospel music. Their commitment to promote Jesus Christ has only grown stronger over the years, and this is the mission for their new album, IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, a collection of songs which reflect their own faith journeys, a testimony to how good, faithful and loving the Lord Jesus has been in their lives.

In their newest effort to reach people through their own style of Gospel music, the Lord is "real and there" for the Mighty Clouds of Joy.

"Folks find something in Gospel that they don't find in any other kind of music, and it changes their lives. They know Christ is real, even though they've never seen Him, because they can feel His presence in Gospel music. Just to be used by Him like that, even in a small way; who could ever ask for anything greater than that?"

- Joe Ligion

Reviewer Comments: IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD CD

Well, the Mighty Clouds of Joy have done it again! Provided the listener with a wonderful collection of uplifting, faith-building songs which beautifully reflect their Christian faith and walk with the Lord, during the 45 years of performing their own unique form of Gospel music which transformed the whole Gospel music genre.

After 45 years, The Mighty Clouds of Joy still cook mightily along musically with the joy of the Spirit, which flows from this collection of 13 songs, produced by the talented Sanchez Hanley, each very important to the Mighty Clouds of Joy, for a variety of reasons, as they reflect different aspects of their walk with the Lord, sharing personal spiritual insights as well treat the listener to the Mighty Clouds of Joy unique forms of Gospel music.

The songs found on this album showcase the strong faith and testimony of the Mighty Clouds of Joy's music ministry, illustrating truths about the Lord's faithful love, strength and endurance, which they have personally experienced and gladly share with their audience in this Houston concert at the Fountain of Praise Church and to the listener as well.

Musically, they provide something for everyone 's tastes, while they feed the spiritual soul of the listener. The songs are an inspired combination of sizzling, syncopated driven Gospel blues, and traditional roof raisin' Gospel done the Mighty Clouds way. Heartfelt contemporary Gospel melded with elements of traditional Gospel, with a traditional ballad or two thrown in, all which are performed from the heart, motivated by the Spirit. The harmonious Mighty Clouds of Joy, lead singer Joe and their friends and talented band freely express themselves and their faith to uplift the listener and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their music is a personal statement of faith, sung with love and joy and feeling, the very best in Gospel music.

The total effect of this wonderful Gospel album; Thanksgiving - Praise and Worship of the Lord who is ever faithful in his love, mercy and help and support.

WOW! Another dynamic, musically inspiring / spiritually uplifting Gospel album, created by Gospel music innovators, which really needs to be in your music collection! A definite MUST for Christian music lovers!

 

Spiritual Themes Expressed in these songs......

Thanksgiving - Praise and Worship of the Lord who is ever faithful in his love, mercy and help and support.

BEEN GOOD TO ME * LORD I THANK YOU * A CHURCH * KEEP ON DOING IT

God's love and help during all phases of their lives. Having a source of strength in times of trial and struggles.

BEEN GOOD TO ME, MAMA PRAYED US THROUGH, GOD CAN, IF JESUS CAN'T FIX IT

Being in relationship with a loving, merciful Lord, our Savior, Jesus.

ORDER MY STEPS, MIGHTY HIGH, I BELIEVE IN THE LORD, I MADE A STEP

About The Mighty Clouds of Joy's Music....

Long empowered by the Holy Spirit, their music has transcended and endured many musical trends, popular with our society, though their foundation core on which they build their special form of Gospel music has always been traditional Gospel music "We're a versatile group, and we've done many styles of music over the years, but our roots are in the traditional style," comments Joe Ligon.

This changing, unique Gospel style music which they evolved, pioneered and created, was first called at one point, "funkified" Gospel, and has been gradually accepted as a standard part of Gospel music. Though their style of Gospel music was at first criticized by traditional Gospel music lovers.

They were the first Gospel group to add bass, drums and keyboards to the traditional solo electrical guitar, commonly used now by Gospel music groups and artists. They also were the first to add a full rhythm section. In the 1970's, they had great success in adapting Gospel music sound in the popular disco dance genre. They were the first Gospel group to be invited onto the secular show, 'Soul Train,' where they performed their hit, RIDE THE MIGHTY HIGH.

Concerning this first innovative Gospel song, RIDE THE MIGHTY HIGH, which landed them on Soul Train in 1974, Joe Ligon explains on this IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD album the original trouble they got into because of this song, in the intro before the Mighty Clouds of Joy performed it for the Houston audience. Their loyal Gospel audience and his own father feared the group had sold out to "the rock and the roll". However, though offered secular record contracts from Motown, they turned down the opportunity to record secular music and stayed on track to their calling; to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their Gospel music ministry, in a evolving form which reaches out to many people. They continued to evolve in their presentation of their own unique style of Gospel music.

On this album, IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, the listener is treated to both the excitement, spontaneity of of a live concert and the musical quality of music recorded in a sound studio. The music for this album was recorded live Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, with some piano/organ, guitar, synthesizer overdubs skillfully added later by Sanchez Hanley, enabling the listener to clearly hear the inspiring musicianship of all involved.

The band musicians, including the organist(s) really impressed this reviewer with their collective abilities to so creatively and skillfully bring the song compositions roaringly to life, making rather hard, intricate, syncopated driven, complex rhythms and counter melodies meld so beautifully together to provide a wonderful musical base for the inspiring vocals.

Lets talk about the vocals and choral support.....

Vocals were sung from the heart, courtesy of Joe Ligon and tenor Mike Cook (ORDER MY STEPS), with Richard Wallace, Ron Staples providing strong harmonic back-up, along with the Fountain of Praise Church. The talented MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY don't need a band to carry the song on key, and would do just fine singing accappella. They surely know how to present Gospel music effectively in their own style, in the power of the Spirit, providing the electric, energetic musical presentation of the Gospel to new heights. The harmonies are Gospel at its best!

Another one of the well-loved characteristics of their music which added to and expanded their message is Joe Ligon's singing style, which was inspired by a radio preacher, Reverend C.L. Franklin, who had "this preaching kind of thing in his style. I did this preaching kind of thing in his style to go along with our singing. That was different from what anybody else was doing, and it became our trademark," Joe Ligon explains.

IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD album, such worship songs with this quality, especially in the VAMP & HOOK sections, include LORD I THANKYOU, IF JESUS CAN'T FIX IT, KEEP ON DOING IT, * GOD CAN, songs which all proclaim themes of what a wonderful, faithful, merciful, ever dependable Savior we all have in Jesus Christ,

The Mighty Clouds of Joy found that their unique kind of innovative Gospel music reached out to a wider and wider audience, taking The Mighty Clouds of Joy and their Gospel message to performances in such places as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, the Astro Dome, on nearly every major T.V. show in America, including "The Grammy Awards"

Over their years together, they have earned 10 Grammy Award nominations, of which they won three. Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace, were recently presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gospel Superfest in Jacksonville, Florida. "They are some of the most incredible artists of all time; Real soul stirring gospel artists," comments actor/singer Clifton Davis, A past host of the Gospel Superfest television show.

Musical Review of Individual Songs - Commentary and Partial Lyrics; (Transcribed from CD)

(This album has so many rated * * * + + songs, I predict it will be considered a classic! Needles to say, I had a tough time deciding on my favorites)

* * * + + BEEN GOOD TO ME - Words and Music by Derrick Starks 2005

Favorite Praise song of this reviewer. WOW! What a praise and worship song to start off this collection of songs in a spirit of joy and celebration, using a wonderful combination of spirited Gospel Blues, and high-flyin syncopated rhythms and counter melodies displayed in a glorious tight knit sound which really cooks along with gusto, played with ease and feeling! The full horn sound in strategic moments, the intricate, tight guitar, piano and organ work really gives the song umph, providing a perfect support for the energetic vocals of Joe Ligon and the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Fountain of Praise Choir.

Scriptural References: (Gen. 16:4, John 6:49-51, Heb. 10:10)

Song Lyrics

Lord, Lord Lord, You've sure been good to me. Lord, Lord Lord, You've sure been good to me, Lord, Lord Lord, You've sure been good to me!

Been better to me, than I've been, to myself

When I was sick, and couldn't get well, you were good to me. When I was sick, and couldn't get well, you were good to me. When I was sick, and couldn't get well, you were good to me.

You've been better to me, than I've been to myself

You've Been Bread in the starving land, you've been so good to me. You've Been Bread in the starving land, you've been good to me, You've Been Bread in the starving land, you've been good to me.

You've Been better, better to me, than I've been to myself

Come on! Clap your hands, everybody clap your hands! Clap your hands, everybody clap your hands!

Better! Better to me, Better! Better to me, Better! Better to me. Better! Better to me

Partial VAMP: Joe & Mighty Clouds: You've been really really been good, (when I couldn't see), You've really really been good, (You've been really good to me) You've been really really been good, (I don't know what I've done without Jesus)

Tag: Better! Better to me, Better! Better to me, Better! Better to me. Better! Better to me, then I've been to myself

Come on y'all, clap your hands y'all. Come on y'all, clap your hands y'all. Come on y'all, clap your hands y'all.

Repeat VAMP and Tag

* * * + + HOUSE OF THE LORD - Words and Music by Kyle Bynoe 2005

Another spirited Gospel blues praise song in the form of a ballad. Starts with a bluesy guitar intro, accented by horns, organ and piano which all settles down to an easy 2 beat blues form, with a variety of interesting musical embellishments. Great dynamics build to the Chorus. Great guitar blues riff by Chalmeers "Spanky" Alford, complete with horn accents, entertains between the last chorus and the VAMP.

Vocals are stellar, performed by the very talented Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy!

Scriptural References: (Acts 2: 1-4, John 14:15-18 & 16:7-15)

Approximate Song Lyrics:

I remember, when I was a little boy, you see, grandmama took me to church. Oh, The Preacher, he was preachin', about the goodness of the Lord, oh yes he was! Deep down praying , I was singing, in the house of the Lord.

Chorus: I 'm glad to be, in the House of the Lord.(Anyone fell like that tonight?) I 'm glad to be in the House, House of the Lord.

Someone started shouting, and I didn't know what what going on. Then I heard something movin' deep down in my soul,deep down in my soul, I asked my gramma what was goin on It was nothin' but the Holy Ghost in this house!

Chorus: I 'm glad to be in the House of the Lord.(Anyone fell like that tonight?) I 'm glad to be in the House of the Lord.

I 'm glad to be in the House of the Lord. I 'm glad to be in the House of the Lord. I 'm glad to be in the House of the Lord. I 'm glad to be in the House of the Lord. In the House, In the House (Good God Almighty)

VAMP: House of the Lord, (This is the right place) House of the Lord (Get your praise on!) House of the Lord (I want to hear those hands) House of the Lord (Joy in this House) House of the Lord (Nothin but peace) House of the Lord (In this House)

I 'm glad to be...... in the House of the Lord. I 'm glad to be...... in the House...... of the Lord.

* * * + + ORDER MY STEPS - Words and Music by Glen Burley

Favorite prayer hymn of this reviewer. A lovely, moving piano /organ Gospel worship anthem/ prayer hymn with support from the rest of the ensemble, truly inspires the listener to worship and pray to the Lord. This inspiring prayer hymn, features a memorable melody and meaningful message to complement the music created. Love the opening harmonic vocals of the MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY in a minor key. Its musical composition and vocals by tenor Mike Cook and the full harmony sound of Mighty Clouds of Joy build superbly in intensity and dynamics, crowning at the bridge, softening again at The Refrain, which again effectively builds in emotion and intensity.

Scriptural References: (Psalm 119:10-11, Psalm 37:23-24, 31, Psalm 19:14 (in verse 2))

Partial Song Lyrics

Is God good, saints? Is God good? (YEAH) All the time?

Mike & Choir: Order my steps in your word, Dear Lord. Feed me, guide me, everyday. Send your anointed mother I pray, (mother I pray) order my steps in Your Word. Please Order my steps in your word.

1) Solo & Choir: Heavenly Lord, teach me your will. While working, help me to be still. Satan is busy, God, You will order my steps in Your word, (everyday), Order my steps in your word.

Bridge: I want to walk worthy, (want to walk worthy) my calling to fulfill. If you order my steps, Lord, (Lord, I'll) I'll do your perfect will. The Word is never changing (the Word is never changing) and You are still the same, If you order my steps, (please Jesus), I'll praise your name.

Softer: Order my steps, (please Jesus), Order my talk, (If it is your will, Lord, please) Guide my feet,(guide my feet, please) Rush my heart in Your Word, Show me how to walk, in Your Word, show me how to talk, in Your Word, When I need a song to sing, show me how to let your praises ring,

Refrain: In Your Word, in Your Word, Please Order my steps in your word. Please Order my steps in your word. Please Order my steps in your word. (Does anyone know what I'm talking about?) Please Order my steps in your word.

Please Order my steps in your word. Please Order my steps in your word. Please Order my steps in your word.

(Approximate lyrics) VAMP: Please Order my steps in your word. Please Order (everyday, every day, please Jesus) Please Order (Someone needs you in this building now Jesus) Please Order (do I have a witness here tonight?) Please Order

Please Order my steps in your Word........ Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Thank you Jesus!

Tag: from Joe : Order.... my steps .....In Your Word.... Order.... my steps Order.... my steps!

Please Order my steps in your Word (I can't make it without You) Please Order my steps in your Word (every step that I take) Please Order my steps in your Word, Please Order my steps in your Word (Good God almighty)

Song Lyrics

* * * + MIGHTY HIGH - Words and Music by David Crawford and Richard Downing

One can see why this snappy, driving invitation to accept Jesus as leader in one's life was so popular, and made the leap onto a secular music show! One finds a fascinating combination of "funkified", innovative Gospel rock with an underlying musical traditional base counter melody provided by piano and organ, which makes this song a timeless classic.

Scriptural References: (Matt.11: 28-30, 1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 6:19-20, Romans 5:8)

Song Lyrics

Chorus: Take the load off your mind, ride the Mighty Glory, listen to my story, and ride the Mighty High. Take the load off your mind, ride the Mighty Glory, listen to my story, and ride the Mighty High.

Get up off of your feet. Heed what I'm saying, Heed what I'm saying, and set your mind at ease. You see, I was just man, a lonely man in need, God took all my troubles, yes He did, and set me free. Chorus

Now HE led me to discover the fact that I could be, You want to Let Him be your leader, so He can set You free

Now listen to my story, listen to my plea. Let Him be your leader, He'll end your misery!

Bridge: Oh ! Oh ! Oh!

Chorus:

Tag: Come on and Ride the Mighty High! Come on and Ride the Mighty High! Come on and Ride the Mighty High!

* * * + + A CHURCH - Words and Music by Carlton Jenkins 2005

An energizing "old school" worship song composed in the traditional roof-raisin Gospel style.

Begins with a simple base drum beat on 1st & 3rd beat, in quick 2/2 meter, with hand claps on 2nd and 4th beats, accompanied with the full accappella voices of the Harmonious Mighty Clouds with Joe Ligon as leader, through beginning Refrain through first and second verses, through the Bridge, where Mike CO-leads with Joe. Band jumps in with enthusiasm during Vamp, with catchy counter melody, driving, tight rhythms, cooking along nicely!

Scriptural References: (1 Peter: 5:7)

Song Lyrics () -Joe and { }- Mike

Refrain: I need a hand clappin', foot stompin', (I need a church) church, where I can pray His name. Hand clappin', foot stompin, (A church), church, where I can pray his name, I got to get to the altar, to leave my burdens there.

I need a church where I can pray his name

Repeat.

Joe + (soft Clouds singing eu in supportive harmony) I need a church, that don't mind praisin' the Lord. Need a church we all on one accord,Well, we'd dancin', shoutin' away from morning to until day.

I need a church where I can pray his name.

OH......I need a church where the Word of the Lord is, We all come together, oh how we goin' give. Singin', Shoutin', Praisin' all around. Yeah!

I need a church where I can pray his name.

Bridge: Oh Jesus! I need a church, (I need a church), I need a church, (Liftin' up the name of Jesus) {Liftin' up the name of Jesus}, I need a church (We are in that church) {Yes we are!} I need a church (Do you want to come along?) I need a church {I really do} I need a church

Approximate VAMP1: He lives in (Jesus lives in me) He lives (Good God Almighty) , He lives, (Talk about Jesus), He lives, (Talk about Jesus), He lives (Deep down in my heart), He lives (Deep down in my soul) {Jesus lives, He lives (Sing about Jesus) (Jesus lives), He lives (He lives in me!)

Sing - preaching by leaders Joe and Mike

Approximate VAMP 2: Goin' (Get to Heaven) to Heaven, Goin'(Get together, praise His name) to Heaven, Goin' (Praise his name), to Heaven, Goin' to Heaven (Goin' to have a good time) Goin' (Meet me there!) in heaven, Goin' (to be in Zion) to Heaven) Goin' (Put on a long white robe) to Heaven, Goin' (our troubles be over!) Goin (to put on my gold slippers) to Heaven.

(Not complete) Goin' to Shout, Goin' to Shout, Goin' to Shout,Goin' to Shout. (Come on, don't be a slave to sin) Goin' to Shout.

* * * + LORD I THANK YOU - Words and Music by Derrick Lee 2005

Inspiring contemporary-traditional mix of roof-raising Gospel with a healthy dose of blues sound. Praise song opens with impressive, fast-paced horn introduction which segues into a pumping, driving, fast metered tempo, with organ and rest of the ensemble enthusiastically joining in on this joyful musical expression of spirited thanksgiving! Piano and guitar really cook in busy counter melody throughout. Sizzling piano contributions were most enjoyable!

Scriptural References: (1 Thess. 5:16-18, John 1:29, Romans 5:8-11, Heb. 4:15 & 12:2, 1 Cor.1:8-9 & 7:23)

Song Lyrics

Come on Saints and put those hands together. We 're about to have some church up in here.

Chorus: Thank you! Thank you Lord (I really do!) Thank you! Thank you Lord! (I really do!) Thank you! Thank you Lord (I really do!) Thank you! Thank you Lord

(Over and over), Over and over, (Continuously!) continuously! (Everyday), Everyday, (I got brand new mercies y'all) brand new mercies that I see. (Oh Lord), Oh Lord, (Yeah Lord), Oh Lord, I Thank you.

You opened my eyes so I could see, You broke the chains that were binding me.You loosened the shackles and set me free. Lord, I thank you for what You've done for me, Thank you Jesus!

Thank you! (yeah) Thank you Lord (I really do!) Thank you! Thank you Lord! (I really do!) Thank you! Thank you Lord (I really do!) Thank you! Thank you Lord

(Over and over), Over and over, (Continuously) continuously! (Everyday), Everyday (I got brand new mercies Y'all) new mercies I see. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, I Thank you

Thank you for health and my right mind. You blessed my family and all mankind. Thank you for grace so I could run this race. You give me power each and every day.

Thank you! Thank you Lord (Oh Jesus) Thank you! Thank you Lord! (I really do!) Thank you! Thank you Lord (Thank you! Thank you Lord)

You bled and died, on the cross, so that my soul would not be lost, You've been my mother, and my father too, .......(can't quite make out the words, sorry)

(Over and over), Over and over, (Continuously) continuously ! (Everyday), Everyday (I got brand new mercies Y'all), new mercies I see.

Partial VAMP: Lord I, (Thank You!) Thank You. (Jesus!) Lord I,Thank You! Lord I, (Thank you right now) Thank You!

Lord I, (When I look over my life) Thank You! Lord I, (And see where You brought me from Lord), Thank You! Lord I, (You've been so good,) Thank You! .............................

* * * + + IF JESUS CAN'T FIX IT - Words and Music by Avery Meeks and Bennie Meeks 2005

Favorite worship hymn of this reviewer! Lovely, yet powerful, dynamic piano /organ / guitar worship Gospel hymn, which reaches across the generations and denominations, as well as Gospel loving congregations. Dynamics are terrific, vocals are expressive, poignant expression of faith. Joe Ligon makes the song a personal testimony of what the Lord has done in his life.

Scriptural References: (Phil. 4:6-8, Psalm 46:1, Ephes. 3:16-19, Romans 8:28 & 8:38)

chorus

Song Lyrics:

Chorus: If Jesus can't fix it, nobody can! (Oh my Lord, I want to say it again) Oh, if Jesus, can't fix it, nobody can, nobody can.

Someone is struggling and all he feels is doom,Your child is giving you problems and your health is failing too, the weight of the world is pressing you down, when you need a friend, but no one can be found.

But I know someone, who really cares, whatever, whatever, whatever the situation, He can answer prayers. Oh Jesus, He can.

If Jesus can't fix it, nobody can!

There was a woman with an issue with blood, my Bible says, twelve, twelve long years. She heard, yes she did,about Jesus passing through. She pressed her way through the crowd. If I could touch, the hymn of his garment, I know that I will be made whole. If Jesus can't fix it, than nobody can!

Partial VAMP: Jesus can fix it, (I don't care what problem you have) He'll fix it, (Don't give up, give it to Jesus) Jesus can fix it, (Nothing is too hard for Jesus) He'll fix it, (Don't care how big your problem is) Jesus will fix it, He'll fix it.............................Joe Ligon sings his testimony about how the Lord cured him.

* * * + + KEEP ON DOING IT - Words and Music by Joe Ligon and Leonard Williams 2005

Great Gospel Blues praise and worship song performed with enthusiasm and skill, great harmonies and poignant vocals. Impressive counter melodies; great 16th note guitar riffs in VAMP - fast, spirited and evenly played. Sharp doted note rhythms, and tight sound from band is great musical support for the strong vocals.

Scriptural References: (Phil.1:6 2:13-15 & 4:6-7, 1 Peter 4:11-13)

Song Lyrics

Whatever it is that makes me clap my hands, Keep on doing it, (Lord keep on doing it) Whatever it is that keeps m

Reviewed by Julie Carr.