David Phelps

Album Review

As part of the Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps is used to exercising his vocal chops. With his debut solo release, Phelps offers a disc that's rich in musical texture while singing up a virtual storm. The disc's opening grabber, "I Cry, You Care," is a testament to the steadfast love Christ bestows upon his people. Phelps sings in the upper registers on the cut as a moving bassline and drumbeat culminate to a fast fury. Much like Dallas Holms' "Rise Again" or Larry Normans' "I Wish We'd All Been Ready," the song "The End of the Beginning" has the mark of a career signature for Phelps. The tune is one that musters up feelings of inspired awe. In storybook fashion, the lyrics weave a tale of a chance meeting with a stranger on a plane. When Phelps reaches the tune's chorus his vocals are so charged that they are awe-inspiring. A nice detour from the adult contemporary fare is the all-out rocker "Let the Glory Come Down." Mixed amongst a flurry of guitar, horn, and organ chops, Phelps takes the reins like he's singing for Petra in their heyday. The background vocals on the tune are definitely the dot on the exclamation point. Finishing out the release is the poignant offering "Fly Again." Like many slower cuts on this disc, Phelps excels in the subtle nuances of the piano and acoustic guitar. These instruments give vocalists spaces to fill, and Phelps fills all the voids like a seasoned pro. David Phelps' debut disc is a testimony of powerful vocals set to an inspirational backdrop of powerful music. Witness a man thankful for God's grace.