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!
About
THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY
Founding
Members: Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace
Longtime
Members: Mike Cook, Ron Staples and Johnny Valentine
The
original Mighty Clouds of Joy members were made up of members from three different
Los Angeles Gospel groups. Today, the current membership is made up of two of
the original group, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace, plus Johnny Valentine, Ron
Staples and Michael Cook, who have all been singing together for some time.
The
Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955, and started recording in 1960, and have been
going strong ever since, through "triumphs and tragedies, successes and near failures,"
becoming living legends in the process of serving Jesus Christ through their unique
musical gifts, which have been showcased in their years of singing Gospel music,
taking the genre "to places it seldom, if ever had been."
All members of The Mighty Clouds of Joy have
similar backgrounds, beliefs and attitudes concerning their faith and their musical
efforts. "We all had similar backgrounds -- we were all raised in the church,
and we all had a like mind about the kind of music we wanted to do. And we've
remained dedicated to each other and the quality of the music all these years."
- Joe Ligon.
Developing a love for Jesus and
a love for Gospel music were two important areas which Joe Ligon and the other
members of The Mighty Clouds of Joy took to heart, motivating them to sing Gospel
music, much to the blessing of their audience. For what they have learned about
Jesus through His Word and through a life depending on Him, has inspired heartfelt
performances of the wonderful collection of songs found on their new album, IN
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, which reflects upon their collective walks and experiences.
Joe Ligon, lead singer, was born into a large
family and grew up in rural Alabama. Joe shares in an interview found in the group's
promotional materials about his upbringing and important moments in his childhood
and youth, his church experiences being a cornerstone in his developing faith.
One can find some of his early experiences expressed in several songs found on
their new album, IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.
The album's title song, IN THE HOUSE OF THE
LORD catches the spirit and worship experiences that young Joe remembers in his
growing up years, when his grandma took him to church. Grandparents were and are
a positive spiritual influence in the lives of many children and people. Kyle
Bynoe, who composed this song for The Mighty Clouds of Joy, also was taken
to church by his grandparents as a child.
Joe
Ligon's Sunday experiences and his church's annual revival as well, positively
effected his love for the Lord and helped him to grow spiritually through music
and worship, important seeds of faith which were planted early in his life.
Like
the little boy in the song, Joe Ligon was taken to his grandfather's church which
was a church family who encouraged Joe to grow spiritually through music and other
experiences. Witnessing Christians around him expressed their faith and love of
the Lord through words, songs, feeling the movement of the Holy Spirit among them.
Joe
explains, "My grandfather was a preacher in a little town called Elem, Alabama,
about fifty miles outside of Montgomery. My father was a great quartet singer
in that same church. I vividly recall every August they'd have a big revival.
It usually lasted a week, every weeknight, with a different guest pastor and then
all day Sunday. And the music was as good as a lot of what you'd hear well-known,
touring, recording groups do; only our folks just did it for the love of the music
and the Gospel."
The lyrics and their
performance in this "old school Gospel song, A CHURCH, reflects the traditional
praise and worship song with a kick that Joe and countless others experienced
in a Sunday service.
Joe continues, "I
love that song, IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, because it describes so perfectly the
church experiences I had coming up. It's written from the viewpoint of a young
boy, remembering when his grandma would take him to church, just like mine did.
And the deacons would all be praying; the choir would be singing, and the preacher,
just preaching away. The groove of the song felt so good, and it brought back
such good memories that I knew right away we had to record it."
Joe's
mother was a source of encouragement . Though stage-shy in nature, Joe was encouraged
to sing by his family, especially his mother in church for the love of Jesus,
in worship to Him. Joe shares this on this album in his comments he used to introduce
MAMA PRAYED US THROUGH.
Prayer was an important
part of everyday life in Joe Ligon's family. His mother "prayed" them
through many hard times, and the Lord always came through. MAMA PRAYED US THROUGH,
by Thomas Cain, is sung by Joe as a personal testimony to his mother's influential
faith and the faithfulness of the Lord.
On
the CD jacket, Joe Ligon thanks his mom. "I want to thank my mom, Bernice
Ligon, for always seeing my God given talent and encouraging me to use it the
way God wanted me."
Joe Ligon and the
other members of THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY further express their testimony about
how the Lord Jesus has been a loving guiding force in their lives through their
relationships with Him, through the songs chosen to be on this fine album.
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 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.
The
band musicians, including the organist 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!
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 electricity 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! Needless 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 me
clap my hands, Keep on doing it, (Lord keep on doing it ) Whatever it is that
makes me shout for joy! Keep on, Lord (Lord keep on doin' it) Lord keep on doing
it to me!
Whatever you're doing to make me
stomp my feet, Lord, keep on doing it, Lord,(Lord keep on doin' it ) Whatever
you're doing to make me stomp my feet, keep on doing it,(Lord
keep on doin' it ) Whatever you're doing to make me stomp my feet, keep on doing
it, (Lord keep on doing it ) keep on, doing it to me, to
me!
Whatever You doing to make
me praise your name, Lord, keep on (Lord keep on doin' it ) Whatever You doing
to make me praise your name, Lord, keep on, (Lord keep on doing it ) Whatever
it is that makes me love all of my friends, keep on doing it,
(Lord keep on doin' it ) keep on, doing it to me,
Partial VAMP: Keep
on keep on doin' it to me,( making me love my enemies), keep
on doing it to me (love all of my friends).............................Keep...
on Keep on..... Keep
on
Lord, keep on doing it, Lord,
keep on doing it, (Making me sing, sing a Gospel song) Lord
keep on doing it, (Making me pray, pray a righteous prayer), Lord, keep
on doin' it,(Making me walk in your Word), Lord,
keep on doin' it, Lord keep on doin' it ( I know that You're
able), Lord, keep on doin' it, (Because I feel the Lord in my body) Lord, keep
on doin' it, Lord keep on doin' it, to me
Keep
on ( Have joy in your soul), Keep on (Have joy in your feet), Lord, keep on doin'
it, Lord keep on doin' it to me.
* * * + +
GOD CAN - Words and Music by Kenny Springs 2005
Inspiring
contemporary Gospel worship hymn, carried mainly by expressive piano chordal /
counter melody work, backed up with organ and other voices. Very comforting, clear
message to encourage all of us.
Joe Ligon comments
on this song:"God gave mankind a lot of wisdom, but there are just some things
men cannot do.But nothing is too hard for God."
Scriptural
References:( Psalm 46:1,7 1 Peter 4;11-13, 1 John 4:19, Psalm 27:1-2)
Song
Lyrics
He can move mountains, that try to
discourage me, He can calm the storms that rage so I can't see. He can stop time,
to love and deliver me
Chorus: Cause when no
one can, God can. When no one else can, God can.
He
can train your tongue to talk nice about me. He can teach your heart that love
When I was down it was his love that lifted me.
Chorus:
Cause when no one can, God can. When no one else can, God can.
VAMP
If need peace in your life, God Can. .........
*
* * + MAMA PRAYED US THROUGH -Words and Music by Thomas Cain 2005
A
meaningful, personal testimony in ballad form showcasing how faith and prayer
of just one person made to a loving God can see people through their troubles
and sorrows, while building the faith of the witnesses. Melody strongly supported
by piano and organ with embellishments from the rest of the band. Vocals are clear
and effective, the perfect vehicle to the testimony of God's faithfulness and
the power of prayer.
Scriptural References:
(Phil. 4:6-8,1 Thess. 5:16, Ephes, 6:18. Psalm 37:7)
Verbal
intro by Joe Lion: I love to talk about my experiences in Life. It keeps your
real. Praise the Lord. The Bible says, "The prayers of the righteous, availeth
much!"
I'm a country boy from Alabama.
Ten children in my family. I'm the oldest. Many nights when I would wake up in
the country, I would hear Mama talking to Jesus. Her prayer to him, was 'Lord,
let me live to see all my children get grown.' Mama is the reason I'm singing
here in this church, because I didn't want to sing. She said boy, go on, sing
about Jesus and stay on his side.
With 10
children Sometimes the food just didn't seem to want to go around. Being the oldest,
I listened a lot. Hear Mama telling Daddy we are out of meat, out of flour. And
when I didn't think we were make it, Mama would go down on her knees and talked
Seem in somehow or someway Mama prayed. Next morning the children would sit around
the table with smiles on their faces because mama prayed that everything would
be alright!
Partial Song Lyrics
1)
Oh, we lived out in the country, on an old dirty road, How we got by to me was
still a miracle, Lord knows we was poor. I used to hear Mamas prayin' in her bedroom,
sometimes all night long, and when I though we were not going to make it, that's
when Mama got strong
Mama prayed us through.
There was nothing for us that Mama wouldn't do. When the going got tough, and
the road got so rough, Mama prayed us through.
*
* * + I BELIEVE IN THE LORD - Words and Music by Fred Sawyers 2005
Simply
a lovely affirmation anthem of belief and faith in Jesus, whcih transcends generations
and denominations. Love the melody! Strong, expressive chordal support via piano,
guitar, nice organ touches and added strings. Nice use of triplet rhythm in refrain.
Harmonies are delicate and full, and vocals are poignant testimony to faith of
The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
Scriptural References:
( John 3:16 & 14:2, 2nd Cor. 5:1-2, Jer. 1:5a, Psalm 46:9-10)
Song
Lyrics: Verbal Intro - May I see all the hands of all the believers in the House?
God is good, all the time. all the things I've been through in my life, God was
always there, stood by my side. He's elevated my life in so many ways. And I'm
so grateful tonight. Listen to the words of this song.
Refrain:
I believe in the Lord,(Yeah) I believe what He said.(Yeah) I believe, Jesus died,
for our sins and rose up from the dead. I believe in Your kingdom, though I can't
hardly wait. So I'll hold onto your promises, 'til You come for me some day.
1)
I don't know the reason, why the little bird sings. I don't have the answers,
to winter, fall, summer and spring. All I know, is God is real, and there ain't
no doubt! When you in trouble, He's the one, to surely bring you out. And that's
why....
Refrain:
Who
knows why our leaders, always rushing to war. No quest for feelings, Just politicking,
what they know, with sword. All I know is God is real, and He's in control. When
this old world falls apart, He the one to make it whole again.
Refrain
Bridge:
When He comes, (the wicked shall cease from trouble) When He comes, (and the weary
will be at rest)When He comes, we goin' shout Allelujah, No more crying, It will
all be over!
Refrain - VAMP
Tag:
I believe in the Father, I believe in the Son, I believe.
*
* * + + I MADE A STEP - Words and Music by Joe Ligon
Album
ends with a humdinger spirit-pumped, roof-raisin Gospel alter call, in a fast,
driving 2 meter beat, all throttles out in both energy, enthusiasm and musicianship.
Everyone works real hard and it is evident that the Spirit is flowing through
all people involved in the song, electrifying their audience. VAMPS are spectacular
examples of pure Gospel energy!
Scriptural
References: (Matt. 6:33, Rev. 3:20 & Rrv. 21:4-5, Luke 11:9, Romans 6:33 &
10:8-10)
Song Lyrics: VAMPS are only approximate,
just to give you an idea!
1) If you make one
step, He'll make two. Cause there ain't no limit to what God can do. You said
If you don't, Don't worry about yourself, He said all you have to do is make a
step.
VAMP 1: (I made a step), I made a step,
(I made a step), I made a step,(I kept on walk'n) I made a step ( but I made a
step) I made a step, (You ought to Make a step), I made a step (Make it in the
Master name), I made a step, (don't wait until tomorrow) ,I made a step, (it may
be too late) , I made a step,(You know tomorrows' sun) I made a step,(may shine
on your grave)I made a step, (you ought to make a step)I made a step,(you ought
to make a step)
(Had to walk), make a step,
you! (Had to talk), make a step, you! (Had to change),make a step, you! (Had to
pray),Make a step, you! (But I made it). Make a step, you! (Good God), Make a
step, you!
(Somebody), make a step, (Somebody),make
a step, (Had to make it), make a step, you! (Holy Ghost step). And You, And You,
And You, And You,
(You know what he said),
make a step (When I come to earth), make a step, (I call all the world) make a
step, (unto me.) make a step, you!
VAMP 2:
(I feel it), I made a step, (right now), I made a step, (take it now), I made
a step, (if you love the Lord), I made a step
And
He all right, And He all right, And He all right
Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost,Holy Ghost power. Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost,Holy Ghost power.
Push
those hands in the air, work like you just don't care! Push those hands in the
air, work like you just don't care!
Jesus!
Power! Jesus Power! If you love the Lord raise your hand!.......................
Reviewed
by Julie Carr // ChristianMusic.com
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