James Hand - Stormclouds in Heaven (Deluxe Edition) (2014)

I enjoy a good country music gospel album, and that is just what James Hand has delivered with his latest album, Stormclouds In Heaven. There are songs worthy of being part of any Sunday morning church service, yet they are more country than traditional church music. There are also a few religious inspired country songs on the album that showcase James Hand’s versatility as a writer. It’s easy to write praise songs, but songs like the lead single “I Wear The Scars (Bobby’s Song)” carry a religious message that comes from the heart. All of these tracks are originals, which is the true accomplishment of this record because it is easy to fall back on traditionals when it comes to gospel tunes.

The early part of the album actually has a bluegrass gospel feel to it. “Why Oh Why” kicks the album off and it is highlighted by some great mandolin picking. My favorite of the bluegrass numbers has to be “My Savior As My Guide” which features some good resonator slide guitar picking. “Baby’s Promise” is more of a religious inspired ballad with some beautiful piano playing that accompanies a softer sounding guitar. “Lord Above” is the first of three songs which have appeared on other James Hand albums. This track is a new recording of “Lord Above Can You Hear Me” from the Shadows Where The Magic Was album. “I Wear The Scars (Bobby’s Song)” is another religious inspired country song with a military theme to it’s message.

“Thank You Lord” is probably my favorite track from the album. It’s a great and simple country tune that would fit right in with any Sunday morning church service. I’m also a fan of “Stormclouds In Heaven” as it brings about the darkness you might expect from a James Hand album. It’s a great song about loosing your way and having nothing but darkness in your soul. “Devil Ain’t No Quitter” is an upbeat number that sounds like it would fit a set at the honky tonk on Saturday night or at the church house on Sunday morning. The final two cuts are from earlier James Hand albums. “If I Live Long Enough To Heal” appears on The Truth Will Set You Free and “Men Like Me Can Fly” appears on Shadow On The Ground. I like the inclusion of these early songs as it shows that gospel has always been a part of James Hand’s music.

I highly recommend this album if you’re looking for a great country gospel record. They are rare these days and I cannot tell you the last time I heard this many original gospel tunes in one place. There is a great range on this album with songs that could fit right in with a church service, songs that are religious inspired country music and songs that could fit right in with a set of music at a honky tonk. The album is available now through James Hand’s website and a wider release is planned in the coming months.