In traditions like Southern gospel, change comes slowly if at all, and to its hardcore fans, this is a good thing. There is little likelihood, for instance, that one will notice any stylistic differences between Paul Williams & the Victory Trio's 2007 album,
Where No One Stands Alone, and one recorded years previously. The same template -- bluegrass-styled arrangements, lyrics immersed in Christian theology, and fine three-part (and occasionally four-part) harmony -- creates a familiar Southern gospel sound. Each new
Williams album, then, is an occasion to listen to another set of songs performed by one of the best gospel groups in the business.
Williams brings his distinct high lead to bear on songs like the upbeat "The Other Side of Jordan" and even snappier "A Long Time Ago." Lead guitarist Rodney Worley's baritone serves as
Williams' perfect counterpart, while rhythm guitarist Kelly McCord's low tenor fills the middle ground to complete the group's vocal approach. The Victory Trio's sound is filled out by banjoist Kevin Bowen and acoustic bassist
Matt Wallace. The lucky 13th cut, "Thank You Jesus," features four-part harmony (with Bowen adding a bass vocal), performed a cappella, and it is one of the standout songs on
Where No One Stands Alone. For fans of
Williams and Southern gospel,
Where No One Stands Alone is the real deal, an authentic artifact in a world filled with pretenders. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.