In 1980, at the height of the Oak's newfound popularity as country artists, a little known label called Liberty Records released an album titled "The Oak Ridge Boys At Their Best" with a nicely lettered, colorful cover.   Obviously it was material from their earlier gospel music days, but I had no idea whether it was a compilation album culling previously released songs from various albums or a re-release of an entire ORB LP.   One thing was certain, it was one of the best ORB gospel albums I had ever heard with a very powerful overall spiritual focus.  I wanted very much to discover the "back-story" on this production but it was not until many years later that I unearthed the original version of the album- a "one-shot" release by the secular record label United Artists.  Curiously, in re-releasing the album, two songs (both outstanding) had been omitted.  I have no idea as to why.  The back cover of the re-release is almost identical to the original, although the photo cover from the United Artists' version was not featured, perhaps because some of the members pictured therein were no longer with the group.

   The album opens with what is probably my all-time favorite ORB song, the beautiful ballad "I Love Him So," inspiringly rendered by Duane.  The sense of love to Christ expressed here is very moving indeed.  This song is followed by the brief but pleasant "Hear Him Call," featuring congenial bass vocalist Herman Harper on the solo.  Herman and Duane co-wrote this song.  Next up is a lively spiritual once more highlighting Duane's vocals, "Lord, I Need You (Again Today)."  A fine message all who follow Christ, can well relate to.  Duane returns with "No More," a song he wrote, but which is one of those left off the re-release.  This song has some of the finest vocal nuances of any tune on the album and was a real delight to me when I finally got to hear it.  It really displays the type of ear-pleasing harmonies the ORB are capable of.  "What Can I Do" is another superb composition by Duane which features "Little" Willie Wynn in an interesting double-vocal duet with himself.  I've always loved Willie's unique tenor voice.  "The Hour Of Prayer" begins with an uplifting vocal by Duane who is then joined by the rest of the quartet in a heartfelt and deeply devotional finale to side one.

   Side two opens with a song of spiritual commitment, "I Will Live For Jesus," very sincerely delivered by Duane.  This beautiful ballad was composed by Neil Enloe of the gospel trio The Couriers.  The next few songs sound like they came straight out of a tent-revival meeting, beginning with the rousing spiritual "Preachin' Man" with Duane serving up some really expressive vocalizations.  A fun and catchy song indeed!  This is followed by a lively tune reminiscent of the Smitty Gatlin days of the ORB, "I'll Be Welcome Over There."  Herman, Willie and Duane all contribute solos on this one and there's a nice organ jam as well!  "The Lights Of Home" is up next, and this is the other song left off of the 1980 re-release.  Duane launches the song with a passionate vocal before being joined by the rest of the group.  The next song, "Home Sweet Home" features Willie's fine melodic voice.  Additionally, this particular song was written by him as well.  The album closes with a reverent performance of a song the ORB would also include a few years later on their self-produced "Hymns" album, "How Great Thou Art".  I'm guessing this song was a favorite for the group.  They clearly put their hearts into the delivery.

   Now there is a slight mystery attached to this album for me.  Although William can be clearly discerned on some of the group vocals, he hasn't one solo on the entire twelve song album (although the other three members each have multiple solo parts.)  This, to me, is as inexplicable an omission as leaving Richard's "Joy Comes In The Morning" solo off the Oaks' debut Columbia album.  I certainly missed hearing William's smooth baritone voice on this otherwise excellent project.

                                                                                                                                                                      -James Rubino