This is a "Grammy" nominated album done in an upbeat, soulful manner by Charlie. He stated that he and Billy Sherrill let their hair down on this album and the result was excellent. Charlie's voice soars on "The Milky White Way" and he does great renditions of "Down By the Riverside" and "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" to name only a couple. Charlie plays piano on this album to great effect and his feeling for Southern music is very evident. Charlie Rich was one of America's great but under appreciated singers, songwriters and pianists and this album is a fine showcase.

First off, what's with the Gospel Grammies? Don't you think they just pick whom they want to win and not whom should have them? Isn't it sinful or something? Everybody's good when they're singing to the Lord our God! That I've been taught one time. Gospel music is my favorite music genre for that fact! Which leads off to the second thing, which is this. Grammy winner or not, this is still a great album! Among Charlie Rich's best, even. He should've done more material like this! Will The Circle Be Unbroken is an unusual opener for a gospel album. Great performance nonetheless. Down By The Riverside was the flipside of the omitted America The Beautiful, which went Country #22 and AC #42. Why Me opens with the background vocalists singing part of the chorus before the song itself. Prepare for a nice Easter song on April 12 with Were You There. Strangely, the fourth verse said, 'Were you there when they rolled the stone away?', instead of 'Were you there when he rose from the dead?' A Scripture that goes with it says 'it was the third hour, and they crucified him.' Old Time Religion is actually a medley, with Oh Happy Day placed in the middle. Just A Closer Walk With Thee is an old hymn, but here it appeared all-new! Swing Low Sweet Chariot is also pretty traditional. Amazing Grace is a classic that Charlie made unusually upbeat! Oddly, it has also been included on his 16 Biggest Hits compilation. The Milky White Way was great as well. You may not enjoy the depressing Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, but that's not Rich's fault. For just being a gospel album, I recommend this with my heart!

What can I say about Charlie that has not been said before,Sam Phillips once said "Charlie Rich was the most creative talent that past through the doors of SUN records"and this selection of Gospel and Spiritual songs proves that to be a worthy statement..

From the swinging "Down by the Riverside", to "The Milky White Way" Charlie makes these great songs take on a new meaning,Kristoffersons "Why Me" is a stand out track as is "Were You There" lend an ear you will not be dissappointed

Perhaps a track listing might help you evaluate this CD:

1. Will The Circle Be Unbroken?

2. Down By The Riverside

3. Why Me

4. Were You There?

5. Old Time Religion

6. Just A Closer Walk With Thee

7. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

8. Amazing Grace

9. The Milky White Way

10. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child

If you like this sort of thing, then this is the sort of thing you'll like, and I doubt I can convince you one way or another with my sentiments.