Not knowing anything about the artist is often a good way of listening to a CD when reviewing. I had a brief outline – the duo working with top writers and producers. And, I wondered what was going to hit the ears? Track 1: ‘To The King’ is very upbeat and listenable. I liked the way the vocals were in unison, then split. Jim sings what you would call lead, but Melissa holds her own with strong vocals and harmonies. To be honest I was expecting a Southern Gospel album and was pleasantly surprised with the sound. Good guitar and drum driven rock/pop/country. Track 3: ‘Great God Of My Joy’ reminded me of Andre Crouch. Melissa leads this Gospel inspired funky track, which is played over some magical organ and keyboard riffs. Not my thing but just touches the spot. As we drift into ‘Jesus Stays,’ the use of a clap track (intermittent in this song) is beginning to seem repetitive. Having said that, once the track get going the orchestral accompaniment and choir is really good if slightly over powering. Returning to a more upbeat tempo is ‘Good Things.’ This is followed by the gentler ‘He Will Carry.’ Track 8 is called ‘Ever Present, Ever Faithful.’ It has a nice gentle entrance, and I liked how the strings come out of the chord expanding the soundscape. This is what I was expecting when I approached this CD. It’s well produced, arranged and performed, but not my cup of tea. I cannot fault it, it’s just my taste! ‘Covered’ contains what I would call ‘Christian Lyrics’ – Cover by the blood, sanctified, crimson flow. Anyone outside the church would wonder what they were talking about. It’s a personal dislike but, after all, these are my honest opinions. Overall, ‘Ever Faithful’ is a good release. It’s nothing outstanding, but an easy listen. 7/10.
Noel Donaldson.
Never for Nothing 