The Journey (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Bruce Watkins (acoustic guitar, banjo); Scott Sanders (dobro); Audrey Haney (mandolin, fiddle); Chris Golden (mandolin, harmonica, tambourine); Gary Prim (piano); Jerry Kroon (drums).

Additional personnel: Sara Elizabeth (dulcimer); Aubrey Haynie (mandolin, fiddle); David Smith (double bass); Dennis Crouch (bass guitar); Gary Prim, Jerry Kroon, Bruce Watkins, Scott Sanders.

Audio Mixer: Pete Greene.

Recording information: Emerald A; Michael Sykes Productions; The Tracking room.

The Oak Ridge Boys have recorded a variety of musical styles over the years, moving from gospel to country to pop. THE JOURNEY sees the boys returning to their country roots. On this disc, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and acoustic guitar are used to create a more traditional Appalachian sound, and while this album still has many pop elements to it, never before has this group drawn so heavily upon the sounds of old-school bluegrass.

"Goin' Against the Grain" uses the time-honored "train rhythm" country feel; here the boys sing upbeat, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, while superb mandolin and violin solos are performed by Chris Golden and Aubrey Haney, respectively. "I Love You So Much It Hurts" is a classic country ballad from Floyd Tillman, and the rich harmonies on the refrain add enormous depth and allure to this old-time waltz. The laid-back sound of THE JOURNEY suits the Oak Ridge Boys quite well, making it one of their best latter-day albums. minimize