It would be easy for a hard drinking reviewer to have used "Wherever I Go" by The Mighty Spiritualaires for target practice. After all, a gospel quartet - I only counted three of them but maybe He makes an uncredited appearance - from Texas would have to forgive me no matter what I might write. They are obviously closer to God than me.
So, with Satan no doubt watching over my shoulder, I duly put pen to paper. First thoughts? The Mighty Spiritualaires sound just like gospel last time I had any enthusiasm for it (which was way back when Andraé Crouch was recording for Quincy Jones' Qwest label, in case you are interested). For a start, they have that wholesome, sincere quality that shines through the low budget production and carries their message way up into the clouds. In terms of song writing – all songs are either by the band or adaptations of gospel standards – they stray little from the conventional. Still, that is the way of things and there is, in truth, little to complain about in the opening track "Where Ever I Go". Likewise, the up-tempo "Won't Be Grand" is handled with notable poise and, while "One More Time" does highlight uncertainty in the lead vocals, the right path is soon found again in the genuinely moving "God Is Going To Separate".
All told, gospel fans will find much to enjoy here and there is enough promise on show to suggest that their next release will be a welcome one.
Available from CD Baby.