Ok, let's acknowledge the pink elephant in the room right away.  Joe Bonsall does not sing any lead vocals on this album.  Sadly, this the first Oak Ridge Boys album he's not sang some lead on
in FIFTY YEARS!!!  Having said that, the very first voice you hear on this album is his replacement, Ben James.  When Ben begins to sing "That's The Way Mama Made It," it is quite a shock to
the ears of long time Oaks fans.  He has an extremely high voice, much more in the vein of Willie Wynn than Joe Bonsall.  However, once that initial shock wears off, you are treated to an absolutely
wonderful song.  The way Richard sings with the rhythm of the song, takes me back to sounds of Unstoppable or The Long Haul.  Ben also sings lead on a new remake of "Mama's Teaching Angels
How To Sing."  He absolutely knocks it out of the park on this version.  He sounds fantastic, as do the rest of the Boys.  Richard hits some amazing low notes here!  This is my favorite version of this
song ever recorded.

   All four Boys sing lead on the title track, "Mama's Boys."  This is a very fun, upbeat tune with some fantastic piano work in the middle.  Another song where all four Boys sing lead is "Her Voice."
Let me tell you, this is a wonderful, emotional song, with incredible harmonies!

   Duane Allen gives us an emotional performance in "Ever With Me."  The lyrics really tug at the heart strings as he reminisces of days and years gone by.  "Mama Sang For Me" is also sung by Duane.
It's a wonderful song that he sings very nicely, and the background harmonies are spot on.  "Ace" also sings lead on two other songs. One of them is called "Sweetest Gift," (more on that song in a
moment,) and the other is called, "I Thought About You Lord."  The latter is actually a duet between Duane and Willie Nelson!  Yes, the legendary Willie Nelson finally records with the legendary
Oak Ridge Boys!!! And, it's beautiful.

   While this reviewer is usually a huge fan of Richard's songs on any given Oaks album, this album is a rare exception.  Richard sings the album closer, "Divine Witness."  This song just misses the
mark for me, and is easily my least favorite song on the album.

   The absolute highlight of this fantastic album, for this reviewer, is the lone lead by William Lee Golden, "Come On Home."  I cannot say enough good things about this songs.  It really sounds
like classic Oak Ridge Boys in so many ways.  I can hear this song fitting in with albums like Step On Out, American Dreams, The Long Haul, and It's Only Natural.  It's upbeat, happy, and the
message is what every mother's child needs to hear. 

   Going back to the song "Sweetest Gift," I cannot confirm this, but I swear I hear Joe in the backing vocals on the chorus. When the lyrics "halo bright," and "Heaven's light" are sung, either I hear
Joe's voice, or my mind and heart just wants to hear him.

   Finally, I want to shine a spotlight on the production of this album.  I, personally, am not a huge fan of the old-timey, muddy sound that the last three albums have gone for.  My ears were so
tickled listening to this album the first ten times through, because the production was so clean and bright.

   In closing, if any of you are nervous about buying this album because Joe isn't on it, please let this review alleviate your concerns.  I too, was concerned about the chemistry being harmed, but my
fear was easily squelched before listening to the entire album the first time.  This is a happy, bright, fun album, with lots of great songs, that deserves to be heard.