
It's been a good year (or so) for live albums in the Christian music world. With Zach Williams, Needtobreathe and Maverick City Music all releasing great projects in the last twelve months, it would seem that music created live in front of an audience still has a distinct place in our current culture.
Add to this fine list of albums a barnburner of a live set from near-veteran family band We The Kingdom, played and recorded in the "high church" of southern music, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The band delivers a full, rambunctious set of songs, all stretched out in a live setting and showcasing this group of musicians at their finest.
Opening number "Left It In The Water" nearly burns that hallowed stage down (where the legendary "man in black himself," Johnny Cash, famously once stomped out all the lights he could find during a particularly rowdy set) all by itself. The opening number from the band's most recent self-titled album, "Left It In The Water" is a great kick-off song by itself. But the band here adds a slice of Credence Clearwater's (by way of the great Tina Turner) "Proud Mary," and the classic "Johnny Be Good" by Chuck Berry, to end the number and bring the crowd to a full roar. The mixing of classic songs is a great live tradition, and the band's lead vocalist, Franni Rae Cash, does the songs proud (pun intended) with her exuberant, wailing vocals. The following, "Child Of Love," matches the classic rock energy to a tee, while the bluesy, stomping "Don't Tread On Me" rounds out the opening set wonderfully.
Things slow down for the soulful current single, "Jesus Does," with the band building the song wonderfully to a crashing crescendo at the end. The rapidly-becoming-iconic "God So Loved" also fairs wonderfully in this live setting. "Miracle Power" swings with gospel purpose, while "Peace" and "Family" slow things down well for a bit of a concert halftime.
With only two studio albums under their belt, We The Kingdom already has more than enough material for a great night of rock and roll, and by the time hit single "Holy Water" rolls around towards the end of the set, it's apparent that this southern-raised family band is here to stay and born to take their particular high test mix of southern rock and gospel to any stage in the world.
- Review date: 8/10/23, written by Alex Caldwell of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Integrity Music Welcomes Brad Moist as Vice President of A and R and DevelopmentWed, 10 Dec 2025 17:05:00 EST |
Tasha Cobbs Leonard Shares Historic Late-Night Performance with John LegendWed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:00 EST |
Gospel Group The Whispers Reissue "Thankful" AlbumWed, 10 Dec 2025 16:50:00 EST |
We Are Messengers' "We Three Kings" Debuts at #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay ChartWed, 10 Dec 2025 16:45:00 EST |
GMA Dove Awards Return to Nashville's Bridgestone Arena in 2026Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:30:00 EST |
David and Tamela Mann Set To Share Their Legacy on Nationwide Relationship TourTue, 09 Dec 2025 15:45:00 EST |
Capitol CMG Publishing Announces Key Leadership Staff PromotionsTue, 09 Dec 2025 15:40:00 EST |
Click here All News Headlines |