Is is melodramtic? You bet. Is it somewhat formula country? Probably. But do the songs sound great when Randy sings them and despite their melodrama do they tug at your heart a little and lift your soul--absolutely! Whether he's being serious as in When Mama Prayed; inspirtational as in Raise Him Up; or funny as in Pray for the Fish--you'll find Randy's take on a gospel album successful because the songs are perfect for his voice and style.

Unlike many secular artists who make spiritual albums, Randy's sacred music reflects his well-known strengths as a musician while still being theologically sound. You can truly use this CD as part of your personal worship.

The production on this CD is great. They use minimal and simple instruments and keep Randy's voice at the forefront. In my opinion, it's one of his best albums, including his secular music.

If you're trying to decide between Rise and Shine versus his other spiritual album, Inspirational Journey, I'd go with Rise and Shine as the first pick.


Truly Inspiratonal   November 7, 2002
 31 out of 32 found this review helpful

Truly Inspirational
"Rise and shine"
(Randy Travis)
This, the second gospel release from Randy Travis, his follow-up to "inspirational Journey", released in October of 2000, I found to personally be 'truly inspirational.
I feel it even goes "beyond" the Journey with its variety of offerings.

From uptempo to the ballad of gospel, from the serious to the lighthearted, "Rise and Shine" offers something for everybody.

With story lines of Three Wooden Crosses that tell a story of a teacher, preacher, farmer and hooker to "When Mama Prayed" telling how much prayer can do in the lives of those who do, you can't help but feel the true-to-life feeling these songs convey.

From the serious side of "Jerusalem's Cry" and "Raise Him Up" which are focused on scripture, to the light-hearted "pray for the Fish," a story about a guy who is about to be baptized and the towns folk even bet on whether his soul will ever come clean adds various dimensions of musical talent and lyrics to this CD.

Let it also be said the musical styles very from what Randy has himself termed as bar room gospel with the sounds of "I'M REady" to the bluesy sound of "Valley of Pain" and those of the gospel sounds of "That's Jesus."

Even with the various musical styles, lyrics, etc., the one thing that remained constant was the artist himself who, I felt, put forth his heart and soul in his work delivering the message of each song as only he could deliver it. It truly is one of Randy's best works ever, if not the best and there is not one song on there that I feel doesn't say something to someone. .


Excells 5 stars   October 19, 2002
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

Randy seems to have found peace and gradification in the country gospel arena. His first offering "Inspirational Journey" introduced us to a side of Randy that had been hinted at now and then,throughout his country releases. Now with "Rise And Shine" the whole of Randy's soul is exposed.

This is one stunning collection. A compilation of country-gospel offerings that weaves a tapestry of humanity in all its manifestations. From the joy in "Iam Ready" to the inner conflicts of "Valley Of Pain" The worry of parenthood with "Mama Prayed" The beautiful, but gut wrenching bedside farewell of a beloved grandfather,in "If You Only Knew". "Three Wooden Crosses" is a story of God's grace and ultimate blessings.

This disc has a good mixture of uptempo tunes, as well as the heart wrending ballads, that Randy excells at. This is an album of sheer delight and enjoyment. Every choice here is steller, both in it's vocals, as well as the production. Be it country or gospel that you prefer, this will more than satisfy either appetite.


The Real Deal   May 11, 2003
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

I'm always skeptical when a popular star puts out a gospel album, but Rise and Shine shares God's grace in a way that is true to scripture and truly enjoyable to the heart, soul, and ear. Randy shares the gospel message with truth and gentleness, but without compromise. Some songs are funny. Others are tender. But they are all glorifying to Christ. Travis co-wrote many of the songs on this albumn, so his personal testimony to his saving relationship with Christ cannot be mistaken. This album can be enjoyed on many levels - as a simple country gospel album, as a worship CD, or as a tool for sharing the gospel message with others.


Great musical variety with songs from the heart   August 26, 2004
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

My sister had bought both this CD by Randy Travis with Inspirational Journey. I had not paid much attention to them then, but with my new found interest in the country realm, I listened more closely.

Randy Travis's voice is one of those rare finds in this music world of layering, dubbing, and lip syncing. His pitch purfect clarity makes the musical variety on Rise and Shine even more enjoyable. The songs are clearly Christian, touching the heart with their gospel messages. I can't just pick one favorite, because they all sound very good. The lyrics are powerful, Randy's voice is jaw dropping, and the musical arrangements are so well performed they outshine other typical, boring country songs of the day. Three Wooden Crosses received a great deal of attention, and I think it is a fantastic song. But there are many other gems to be found here.

One of the most interesting things I noticed about this album is that there are minimal backup singers and Randy's voice is not digitized once. Now that I'm a Randy fan, I realize it's because he has talent- something which a lot of singers lack. It was he who paved the way for other traditionalists. After hearing some of his earlier recordings, in my opinion Randy's voice has never sounded better. Buy this disc and it will blow you away. Great messages, great arrangements, fantastic voice- what more could you ask for?

Kitka