John Berry “Find My Joy” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Find My Joy, Something Bigger than Me, Blessings
Overall Grade: 5/5
Those who grew up on 90s country will remember the multiple octave voice of John Berry. With hits such as "Your Love Amazes Me," "You and Only You," and "She's Taken a Shine," Berry has had a corner on country music. Even when he was in his commercial prime, he had a penchant to record songs that give expression to his faith. Songs such as "The Richest Man," "Salvation," and "My Heart is Bethlehem" are some that come to mind. Then in 2012, Berry partnered with Gaither Music to release his first full-fledged Gospel album "Real Man. Real Life. Real God." Ten years later, Berry follows up with his sophomore Gospel output, also released under the Gaither imprint.
Other than 3 original songs and one cover, "Find My Joy" finds the coroner putting his signature vocals on some of the most cherished hymns of the church. Berry gives his heartfelt best on the string laden "It is Well with My Soul." He is resolute in his worship on "How Great Thou Art." Pay attention to the gorgeous piano backing on "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," it is purely mesmerizing. Then he peddles a countrified version of "I Surrender All," which is another highlight.
The three new songs all come from the pen of Steve Dorff. Having crafted George Strait's "I Cross My Heart," Clay Walker's "Hypnotize the Moon," and Kenny Rogers' "Through the Years" among many others, Dorff has a way with memorable ballads. Here he spins his magic with "Something Bigger than Me." Formerly recorded by Dolly Parton, "Something Bigger than Me" is a palatable reminder of how God looks after us even when we don't realize it. The title track "Find My Joy" is a popish-country ballad that would have been a #1 hit if it were released in the 90s.
The upbeat "Live Like You" is the weakest track among the new songs. Fortunately, it is redeemed by Berry's cover of Laura Story "Blessings." The song brings to shame those preachers who only advocate the view that God's blessings are only about our material prosperity and comfort. With words like What if Your healing comes through tears/What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near/What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise, this is such a theological and visceral treasure. In fact, the same can be said about the entire record.
Tags : John Berry “Find My Joy” Album Review john berry John Berry “Find My Joy” John Berry Christian album john berry new album Gaither Music
Hot Trends
-
“Now I See It” By Good Weather Forecast Now Available
-
Kathie Lee Gifford and Danica McKellar Join Lineup for the 13th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith Unite for Popular 2016 Christmas Tour With Jordan Smith, Winner of ‘The Voice’
-
Gather Worship “Hear the World That You So Love Sing Back to You” Album Review
-
SWITCHFOOT’s "Native Tongue" is Available Now
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are All the Nominations for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
-
Marvin Sapp Performs on NPR Tiny Desk for Black History Month
-
Relient K Celebrates 10th Anniversary of "Mmhmm" with Tour
-
Here Are the Nominations for the 2025 Singing News Fan Awards
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
John Berry, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Fortune, Oak Ridge Boys, Linda Davis & Others Share About their Faith on "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting"
-
Counting Crows Announce "The Complete Sweets!" Tour
-
Bethel Church to Give $1,000 to Every Family Whose Home Burned in Carr Fire
Most Popular
-
“Now I See It” By Good Weather Forecast Now Available
-
Kathie Lee Gifford and Danica McKellar Join Lineup for the 13th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith Unite for Popular 2016 Christmas Tour With Jordan Smith, Winner of ‘The Voice’
-
Gather Worship “Hear the World That You So Love Sing Back to You” Album Review
-
SWITCHFOOT’s "Native Tongue" is Available Now
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Here Are All the Nominations for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
-
Marvin Sapp Performs on NPR Tiny Desk for Black History Month
-
Relient K Celebrates 10th Anniversary of "Mmhmm" with Tour
-
Here Are the Nominations for the 2025 Singing News Fan Awards
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
John Berry, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Fortune, Oak Ridge Boys, Linda Davis & Others Share About their Faith on "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting"
-
Counting Crows Announce "The Complete Sweets!" Tour
-
Bethel Church to Give $1,000 to Every Family Whose Home Burned in Carr Fire