It might seem odd to do a review of an Oak Ridge Boys "budget" album containing only previously released songs but there’s a reason for this which might not be readily apparent to modern day fans.
When I began buying ORB albums in the early 70s new releases ran around $5 each. Stores did not generally carry the earlier albums of the ORB as they were no longer in print. Fans had almost no means of obtaining these albums in the days of no internet and no eBay.

   But Heartwarming Records, a Christian music label, which at that time was the Oaks’ “home,” made earlier songs available by re-releasing them on compilation albums through their "budget" label,
Vista Records.  These albums, if memory serves me, sold for only $1.49.  Thus, this became a convenient and not overly expensive way for fans like me to get to hear the older material.
Vista would generally release about one or two budget albums along with each new ORB album. Usually the cover pics for these were all done during the same photo sessions as the new release and would feature the group in generally the same outfits but different poses.

   So for fans like me who had never heard the older tunes, the Vista releases almost seemed like new albums. And there was a plethora of superb gospel songs featured on each edition.  One of my favorites remains their Just For You release, which came out during the same period as the Oak's "new" album Jesus Christ, What A Man!

   To this day, if I’ve got a large meal I’m preparing and want to have some great God-focused music to listen to whilst I cook, the Just For You album is very often the one I’ll pick.  There’s a simple reason for this: every one of the songs is excellent. The album begins with the folk-gospel classic "Palms Of Victory" whose origin seems to be traced back to the 1830s. This song has been recorded by many artists including several not associated with gospel music. The song conveys the story of a weary pilgrim who, though heavy-laden, sad, and weary, continues to focus on his final victory in the "golden city, his everlasting home."  It's really an excellent lyric and allegory.

   This is followed by the very moving and uplifting ballad "Then I Met Jesus," beautifully performed by the Oak's former bass vocalist, Herman Harper, who possessed a deep and melodic singing voice. The song is actually written by Harper and lead singer Duane Allen, who often contributed original songs in his early days with the group.  "Don't Scatter The Sheep," which follows next, is one of the most powerful message songs the group has ever performed. It opens with some lovely acoustic guitar, and although William Lee Golden seems to be mixed towards the front on this recording, the entire song is performed by all four vocalists harmonizing in a very sincere and thoughtful performance. Its message, derived directly from Holy Scripture, seems even more apropos today in our era of fabulously wealthy "preachers" who live in luxury, while the faithful sheep struggle to make ends meet. This song is crying out for a remake!

   Willie Wynn is up next with the short but appealing "Searching," a popular song among Christians at the time, as I recall it being performed often by my local church vocal groups.  Side one closes with the wonderful reflective ballad "Remind Me, Dear Lord" movingly rendered by Duane. This is a song whose meaning always causes me to pause and give thanks for so many blessings and kindnesses God has granted me in my life, especially the knowledge of His beloved Son.  "Remember I'm Human And Humans Forget. So Remind Me, Remind Me, Dear Lord," this song is written by Dottie Rambo who graced us with so many heartfelt gospel songs, many of which the Oak Ridge Boys have done such fine covers of. Someone could easily put together a nice compilation album of "The Songs Of Dottie Rambo" by the ORB (hint! hint!)

   Side two kicks into high gear with a couple very lively "spirituals," "Sweeter Gets The Journey" and "Glory In The Arms."  Duane really belts it out on "Glory" displaying his wonderful vocal range and powerfully driving home the inspiring message of the song.  On both these tunes the group really seems to be having a great time, even breaking into some hand-clappin' on "Glory."  Next up is a really touching ballad also featuring Duane. His ability to infuse emotion and sincerity into a performance is one of the reasons he's always been my all-time favorite vocalist.  And the simple message of this song is aimed directly at comforting those who are suffering afflictions.  "Life is full of heartaches and broken dreams; to live is not always as easy as it seems. But God is so faithful, so very true. And He really cares about you."  There aren't many of us who haven't needed that reminder often in our difficult sojourn through this world.  This song was written by gospel singer Lowell Lundstrom.

   "Little Willie" (as he was sometimes referred to back then) returns for the easy-going "Just Like Jesus," with its tender message complimented by the tenor's gentle delivery.  Although in all honesty, Jesus' demeanor wasn't always "kind and sweet."  Often He exhibited what today we might call "tough love," such as when He openly rebuked the hypocritical religious leaders of His day, the Pharisees, and in forcefully cleansing the temple of the greedy merchandisers.  The album closes out with "Thanks," an unusual song with hints of soul and jazz nicely highlighted by William's always smooth vocals.  I would love to hear a remix of this song with a nice gospel choir and blazing sax solo added!

   If you still own a turntable as I do you can usually find this album pretty easy to acquire for a decent price online. Enjoy!


                                                                                                                                                                                                                -James Rubino