Artist: Candy Christmas
Project Title: On The Other Side

Label: Bridge Records

Producers: Robb Tripp

Reviewed By: Scott Evans

Purchase this project at: www.junipersquare.com

When I first began to get into Southern Gospel Music I listened mostly to male quartet music.  That all changed a couple of years later when I first heard a group called the Hemphills.  The Hemphills were a family group that featured a father, mother and their three children.  The lone daughter of the family was Candy and she had gone on to become one of the all time great soprano vocalists in Southern Gospel Music.  Candy Christmas is a little older now since that day I first met her but she still has that great singing voice and this solo project is fantastic.

The first song on the project is written by Jasmine Christmas Brady who is Candy's daughter.  The song is an upbeat song titled "There's A Blessing (On The Other Side)." The song is very enjoyable.  The next song on the project is "Since I Laid My Burdens Down."  I love this song as it reminds us that we can give Christ all of our burdens.  "Can You See The Clock" is the next song and continues the songs with a strong message.  The next song on the project is titled "Troubles Of This World." I love the message as it reminds the listener that we soon will be done with the all of the troubles in this life and will be headed home to Heaven.

The next song on the project is one that was always a favorite of mine but I have not heard a new recording of in a long time.  The name of this old song is "Jesus On The Mainline" and I absolute love this version by Candy.  Candy slows the melody down more than others who have recorded this song in the past but I love it!  "Orphans Of God" is an awesome song and I was eager to hear Candy sing it.  She does not disappoint with a very solid performance on this beautiful song.  I would expect that Candy might put a Hemphills classic on a solo project and she chose the great song "Jesus Built This Church On Love."  I have always loved that song and I enjoyed hearing Candy sing a more modern version of it.  The tempo really picks up next with "Climbing Up The Mountain." 

"Could I Wish" is the next song on the project and it is another song written by Candy's dad, Joel Hemphill along with Candy.  The song has a beautiful melody and a terrific message.  One of my favorite hymns is "Precious Lord Take My Hand" and Candy sings that next on the project.  The end result is awesome and you will enjoy hearing this great hymn once again.  "I'm Going Up" is the next song and it is another one written by Jasmine.  The final track on the project is the more traditional arrangement  and tempo of "Jesus On The Mainline." This version is also a great performance from Candy.

As I said, I have been a fan of the Hemphills since my youth.  Candy has always been talented and she certainly can still sing with the very best of them.  Candy has also started another ministry called The Bridge Ministry.  I encourage you to check out the website of that ministry at www.bridgeministry.org. All proceeds from this project are going to that ministry which is only one more great reason to buy one!  The project is awesome vocally and production is excellent as well.  My favorite songs from the project are "There's A Blessing (On The Other Side)," "Jesus Built This Church On Love" and "I'm Going Up." If you are a Hemphills fan and love good soprano singing, this is a project that you must add to your collection!  For more information on Candy's ministry, visit her website at www.candychristmas.com.