- Count It All Joy
- A Place
- Thank Ya Jesus
- Yes Lord
- Glory Hallelujah
- It Is Well
- I'm on My Way
- Surely He Knows
- Mighty God
- Lord Help Me
Discovered by Smokie Norful, Darrel Petties and Strength in Praise features a tight band and a well-crafted sound, with several appreciable moments reminiscent of the '80s-era mass choir.
The album is a pleasant listen, especially the title track, the rolling, rural-bluesy "Thank You Jesus," the energetic "Yes Lord," and Petties' updated arrangement of "Glory Hallelujah." "I'm On My Way" is solidly old school, combining a rural quartet feel with a classic mass choir sound, and "Surely He Knows" and "Mighty God" feature exceptional leads by Nikki Ross-Turnley and Angela Holmes, respectively.
Petties and Strength In Praise are to be applauded for smoothly carrying on the mass choir tradition, which seems to have been supplanted by an industry more interested in smaller ensembles and individual stars. They've got a clean, polished sound. But there are just no surprises here, lyrically or musically. There's nothing