Back Home Again

Old favorites and new discoveries are served up in harmony-laden style on The Oak Ridge Boys’ Back Home Again. The legendary gospel group has enjoyed success in both the sacred and secular musical realms over the decades, and this time they select material from both camps while keeping the focus on faith and family. Veteran producer Ben Isaacs lends the album a traditional vocal-centered sound while adding a few contemporary touches. William Lee Golden shines with his warm rendering of the John Denver–penned title track. Joe Bonsall has his own standout moment with Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors,” backing up his lead vocals with tasty banjo work. Richard Sterban gets sweet and low on a heartfelt take of Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me,” while Duane Allen delivers the Sherrie Austin/Wil Nance/Steven J. Williams tune “I Get To” with a downhome storyteller’s touch. The Oaks get back to gospel basics with a joyful remake of their signature tune “Heaven Bound,” a high-spirited version of “In That Great Getting’ Up Mornin’,” and an easy-swinging treatment of “If We Ever Needed the Lord Before We Sure Do Need Him Now.”