Tracy Darlington

Three Wooden Crosses:

The Inspirational Hits of Randy Travis

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...a must for Randy Travis fans and a great start for the uninitiated. It blends country, Gospel, and rich vocals into a delightful mix."

He wasn’t always known as Randy Travis to the world of country music. At the age of ten he and his brother started a duo called the Traywick Brothers. Their father hoped Randy would be a country singer, so at sixteen he entered a talent show. After winning the competition hands down, Travis was encouraged when he was asked by a club owner to play at their night spot. But soon after that this country music mainstay was turned down by nearly every record label. He finally signed his first record deal in 1985, but it wasn’t until the late ‘80's that Randy took country music by storm, and he still is.

I saw Randy Travis perform “Three Wooden Crosses”, the title track of Travis’s inspirational collection, in Branson MO a few years back. It was just Randy’s deep baritone and an accompanying guitar. The cut on the cd has the same simple acoustic feel. The first half of the project features Travis’ versions of the old hymns we have known and love, while the second half showcases more of Randy’s authentic country style.

Southern Gospel fans will find “Swing Down Chariot” right up their alley. Mac Powell of Third Day joins Randy on vocals in “Love Lifted Me” . The number “Pray for the Fish” is sure to put a smile on your face as Travis champions wildlife as he sings Preacher said people take a moment or two / there’s something we need to do / Pray for the Fish. Lord be with them. They’ve done nothing, please won’t you leave them just a little bit of room to swim... You won’t be able to keep you toes from tapping to it’s upbeat and catchy rhythm.

The final track is perhaps the crowning glory of the collection as Randy makes the classic song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” all his own. “Three Wooden Crosses - The Inspirational Hits of Randy Travis” is a must for Randy Travis fans and a great start for the uninitiated. It blends country, Gospel, and rich vocals into a delightful mix.