We are crucified between two thieves.  On one hand, we have the thief of the past craftily reminding us of our former failures.  As a result, we are often fearful of moving forward towards God's pelagic purposes because we are afraid our past might replicate itself.  On the other hand, there is the thief of the unknown future.  Fear has often kept us on looking to God for our future needs.  As a result, our eyes are kept away from God's mountain peaks settling us for the quagmire of opportunities wasted.   Speaking towards such a compounded fear is Randall Garland's "Change."  The take home message of this record is that we need not let our fears of the past or the future paralyzed us.  Rather, change is an exciting opportunity to adventure with God as He grows in us His likeness and character.  Garland, by way of introduction, was recently nominated for the 2013 New Soloist of the Year by Singing News Magazine. He was the music minister for his home church for over five years before being called into full-time ministry with a Southern Gospel Quartet, Paul's Journey. During his five year tenure with Paul's Journey he was featured on six Top 40 and three Top 80 Hits, as well as being nominated for New Horizon Group of the Year in 2012.      

"Change" is Garland's solo debut record consisting of seven tracks co-written or written by Garland himself, a few covers and a hymn.  Though the record has a distinct contemporary county gospel texture it is also finely woven with threads of Southern gospel, pop, funk and blues.   For those not acquainted with Garland's work, he has an extremely high tenor that needs some getting used to.  However, after some familiarity, one would appreciate the colourful contours Garland's voice could paint with his ability to reach glanderous heights and dimensions only dreamed of by his peers.  If the title cut "Change" sounds familiar, it is because it was first recorded by Carrie Underwood on her "Play On" album.  This gorgeous ballad is a acerbic challenge to those of us who have bought into the spirit that we cannot never be used as God's change agents in the world. The opening line is arresting enough that will stop us in our tracks:  "What'cha gonna do with the 36 cents/Sticky with coke on your floorboard/When a woman on the street is huddled in the cold/On a sidewalk bench trying to keep warm."

"Mercy Calls My Name," a Garland original, speaks directly to those of us inundated by our sinful past.  With shimmering B-3 and wailing steel guitars played over an African American spiritual-like tune, "Mercy Calls My Name" is a holy exposition of how Christ redeems us from our past sins.  Though not as effective but continuing on similar trajectory is the organ infused ballad "Jesus Stepped In."  For those of us who are perennially tempted to let the Satan drive us to our past failings, we should put "Don't Let the Devil Ride" on repeat.  Here Garland gets into a bluesy funk with the over seven minute take of Ortis Mays' "Don't Let the Devil Ride" giving Satan a much deserved kick on his behind.  

Addressing the issue of trusting God for the future is the Vince Gill-esque keyboard driven ballad "All I Am." This prayer of surrender to God with echoes of Isaiah 6 finds Garland in his vocal glory.  Bouncy, fresh, engaging and sounding like a sure fire hit is the country-pop burner "Every Step I Take."  Garland brings a sense of warmth so befitting to the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" that truly will minister to our souls.  With such a God-centered soundtrack like "Change," transitions in life become less frightening.  Not only are we drawn to Christ's mercy as expressed on the Cross, but on this record we also find a brother who accompanies us each step of the way.