Artist Name: Collingsworth Family
Website: www.thecollingsworthfamily.com
Album Title: “We Still Believe”
Song Titles:
1. The Blood Of Jesus
2. We Still Believe
3. When God Whispers
4. Trumpet Medley
5. He Already Sees
6. Not The Same
7. I Can Trust Jesus
8. What Noah Knew
9. It Is Well With My Soul
10. More Than Just A Swear Word
11. In Awe
12. God Can Do Anything
13. My Favorite Things
14. Blessed Be The Lamb

One of the most well-known family groups in Southern Gospel is the Collingsworth Family. Since January of 2000, they have maintained an all-concert ministry. The family consists of Phil and Kim, along with their 4 children: Brooklyn (17), Courtney (16), Phil Jr. (13), and Olivia (9). With this many people in the group, they have the ability to be very versatile in their group lineups.

“We Still Believe” is the family’s latest studio production. The production team consists of some of the best-known names in the business: Wayne Haun, Roger Talley, and Jason Webb. The group has also gathered songs from some of the most prolific writers in Southern Gospel: Ronnie Hinson, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Kim Collingsworth, Gerald Crabb, Rebecca Peck, Marty Funderburk, and Dianne Wilkinson. After seeing this, I was anxious to hear what the project sounded like.

The cover of the album is simple and straightforward. There is picture of the entire family shot on location at Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati, OH. Above the picture is the group name, and below the picture is the album title. This album doesn’t come in the typical jewel case common to CD’s. Instead, it is packaged in the newer-style cardboard case. Inside the case, you will find the CD itself along with the booklet that is usually inserted into the front of a jewel case to make the cover. (I must say that I like these newer cardboard cases more and more.) As I opened the booklet, I was pleased to find the song lyrics printed inside. And, as an added bonus, the family had taken the time to list which members of the family performed on which songs. This is a great help to reviewers like myself as well as other listeners.

Now, let’s take a look at each of the songs on the album.

The trio of Phil, Kim, and Brooklyn open the album with a medium-tempo song entitled “The Blood Of Jesus”. This song was written by Kim, and her smooth alto vocals are featured on the verses. I immediately put this song on my list of favorites due to its strong message and excellent vocal arrangement. Immediately following is, by far, my favorite song from the album. Ronnie Hinson penned “We Still Believe”, an up-tempo number that serves as the title track for the album. We get a taste of the family ensemble arrangement as all of the family members sing together, and a sweet sound it is! The end of the song leaves you wanting more of it, and you get it when the family goes back and tags the last chorus once more for emphasis.

The third song is another one penned by Kim. “When God Whispers” is a slow, light song performed by a ladies’ trio of Kim, Brooklyn, and Courtney. This is a beautiful song made even more beautiful by the voices performing it. Song #4 is an instrumental number entitled “Trumpet Medley”. It consists of three songs: Come Into His Presence, Shout To The Lord, and The Trees Of The Field. Phil arranged and performs the trumpet part, and Kim performs the piano part. I am normally not a fan of instrumentals on a studio vocal recording, but one is fine if the musician’s ability is well-known and is a featured part of the group’s program. Such is the case with the Collingsworth Family. However, I must say that the background vocals singing along with the instruments were a bit distracting. To me, background vocals should only be used to back up a lead vocal.

The trio of Phil, Kim, and Brooklyn bring us the fifth song, a slow and smooth ballad entitled “He Already Sees”. Phil takes the lead and first-verse solo vocals, and he has a good higher baritone range that fits well with the group’s sound. The family ensemble returns for Song #6, an up-tempo song entitled “Not The Same”. The catchy arrangement and uplifting message combine to make this yet another favorite of mine. The tempo then slows down again as a different family trio- Phil, Brooklyn, and Courtney- perform Gerald Crabb’s “I Can Trust Jesus”. Both Brooklyn and Courtney have nice, clear voices that blend together almost seamlessly.

Song #8 is a medium-tempo number entitled “What Noah Knew”. Once again we hear the trio of Phil, Kim, and Brooklyn, with Brooklyn taking the lead and solo vocals. She shows a bit of “attitude” in her voice that I was very impressed with and that fit this song perfectly. The ninth song is another instrumental number, this time a piano rendition of “It Is Well With My Soul” performed by Kim. She is truly an accomplished pianist, and she is accompanied on this piece by the Nashville String Machine. However, once again they choose to add background vocals to an instrumental piece. A kids’ trio of Brooklyn, Courtney, and Phil Jr. bring us the tenth song, a medium-tempo number called “More Than Just A Swear Word”. I personally think that this arrangement of voices should sing together on some more songs- they’re very good. You can tell that Phil Jr. is developing a range similar to that of his father, only possibly a bit higher in range. This song also has a message that I think needs to be proclaimed loud and clear everywhere!

“In Awe” is Song #11. It is a slow, smooth song that features the trio of Phil, Kim, and Brooklyn. This is followed by the twelfth song, a medium-tempo number called “God Can Do Anything”. Here we get another taste of the entire family ensemble. I like the organ riffs in the background of the arrangement of this song.

Fans of the musical “The Sound Of Music” will recognize Song #13, “My Favorite Things”. Olivia does this song entirely solo, and she has a very good voice for a 9-year-old. I will be interested to hear how her voice matures over the next few years. The addition of some humorous verses about older folks will bring a smile to listeners’ faces. Admittedly, I’m not a big fan of “novelty” songs on studio albums such as this one, but the fact that it’s done by a 9-year-old helps some in that regard. The album goes for a big ending with a ballad entitled “Blessed Be The Lamb”. Once again we hear the trio of Phil, Kim, and Brooklyn, and they perform this song flawlessly. This was a perfect choice to close out the album.

Overall, I was very impressed with this album. As someone who has had the opportunity to sing with his family, I can appreciate how much fun the Collingsworths must be having in their ministry. I can also appreciate how much work has gone into it. This family will be around Southern Gospel music for a good long time, and deservedly so. The song selection for this album was spot on. The vocals were a joy to listen to. My only complaint centers on the instrumental pieces. I think that one strong instrumental piece featuring Phil and Kim would have been plenty. I also found the addition of background vocals to the instrumental pieces somewhat distracting. Overall, I think that this album deserves a rating of 9 out of a possible 10 microphones.

Personal Favorites: “The Blood Of Jesus”, “We Still Believe”, “Not The Same”, and “More Than Just A Swear Word”

I absolutely love the Collingsworth Family. They have blessed my soul every time I've seen them, and every time I listen to their CDs. I can't wait to get this new one! Thanks for the review, Chad!