Oh Happy Day!
Olukayode Balogun | Leeds, England | 05/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first noticed Edwin Hawkins when I heard "I'm Going Through" on an episode on Homicide Life on the Street - The Complete Season 4, called "For God And Country". I thought at the time that it was an excellent tune but after making a note of the performer, didn't really think much else of it.
Then "Oh Happy Day" turned up recently on TV adverts for chocolate biscuits. I'd heard this one before of course but didn't know who performed it. I certainly didn't realise that it was the same choir who performed the tune I'd noticed on "Homicide" just a few weeks earlier. I immediately knew I had to get my hands on this CD and placed my order.
I'm not a religious person by any means (any more) but there's something about the sound of a gospel choir with its collective voice raised in praise, that just gets to me. I try to rationalise it but fail every time. This is about more than just a bunch of people with very good voices. It's purely emotional and maybe even spiritual. I just love the sound of gospel choirs. It's the main reason I bought The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album. For me, that album is less about Whitney Houston, much more about the Georgia Mass Choir.
And I certainly love the sound of The Edwin Hawkins Singers. "Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord", the album opener, is very moving. "Joy, Joy" I could listen to all day. Other favourites include "Give Me A Star", the jazzy "I Shall Be Free", "To My Father's House", "Jesus, Lover Of My Soul", "Ooh Child", "Precious Memories", "Late In The Evening"...
And of course, "Oh Happy Day" and "I'm Going Through".
In fact, to be honest, I love the entire album. It's called "The Best of The Edwin Hawkins Singers", after all."
Great Christain Music
Regis E. Monahan Jr. | Alexandria, VA USA | 01/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been in love with this song for years. Everytime I forget it, it comes back to the forefront. Most recent was in Sister Act II. I've been to see the Hawkins Singers several times and have always had a blessed and enjoyable experience.
Regis Monahan, BGen, USAF (ret)"
O Happy Day! Yeah!!!!!
Ang A | Florida | 03/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yeah....couldn't believe I found this....My mom still has the record & used to play when I was a little girl.....I can remember most the songs....love it!!!I'm a music director in our local church and wanted my choir to do this for Easter, I have the perfect soloist.....this song is so filled with the presence of the Lord!.....sounds like the original recording too...."