Reviews
Ami Rushes - Lifting
Rushes shouts, “I love you, John P. Kee”; then sinks her enthusiastic personality for Kee’s, He’ll Welcome Me. Backing vocals, including Carr, deliver a fresh, slightly updated male quartet angle.
El Shaddai, the Michael Card composition that broke Amy Grant’s career open, is rendered similar to the original version.
Speaking power to the nations, Oh Lord, Stand by Me pleads staying true to Him: “If I stumble, pick me up, help me drink this bitter cup.” Of course, since it’s from Reverend Cleveland’s songbook, the vocal and band engage in a take-your-time, blues-drenched testimony service.
In a very personal moment, God’s Got it All in Control focuses on Rushes’ gratitude for God’s saving her from herself; while recalling the verse, “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34-35).
Been So Good maintains fever funky pitch and never lets up, driven by soaring guitars, popping bass, and of course the exhilarating choir fueled by Rushes’ lead vocals.
Another blast from the past, In Christ Alone, a major hit for Michael English, dwells on being covered by the blood of Christ: “Sin s’ curse has lost its grip on me.”
Carr handles all production and vocal arrangements, possessing a keen ear for various genres. Many Carr associates are on board, vocally and instrumentally, plus the horn and string arrangements via Lloyd Barry. Even though Rushes has a dependable voice on the ballads, it seems to take flight on the up-tempo excursions. There are traces of Candi Staton, expressing radiance in which she sings about or sings to. Soak in both Rushes’ recordings to receive a lifting and covering from the Almighty.
Visit www.amirushes.com for ministry details or to purchase both Lifting and Covering.
