This review was done by Scott Evans on Southern Gospel Forum at www.sgforum.com

Artist: John Berry
Project Title: Real Man Real Life Real God
Label: Daywind
Producers: Unknown
Reviewed By: Scott Evans

We get projects from new artists quite often here at the Southern Gospel Music Forum offices.  John Berry is a name that is new to me although apparently, if you are a fan of Country Music, you may know him and some of his songs.  John Berry has recently embarked on a full time Gospel Music career and this is his debut project.  I can honestly say I never heard any of his country music songs but this collection of Gospel Music songs is a very good one.

 The project begins with “I Worship You” which is an upbeat song with a positive message of worshiping Christ.  The second song on the project is the inspiration for the title of the project.  “Real Man” is a slower melody reminding us that we are nothing more than a real man, living a real life and, most importantly, serving a real God!  Those who know me know that I love it when an artist goes back and gets and old song and records it.  John goes back and gets one of the great hymns of the church when he records “Blessed Assurance” on this project.  It is a great performance of one of my favorite hymns and there is no doubt in my mind that you will love it and be blessed by it.

“I Go To You” is next on the project and John has a very good song here as it reminds us that when we go to God, He is there to save us and love us.  What a great message and a great performance.  The debut radio single from the project is next.  The song is titled “Straight Down Rain” and will become a source of encouragement for anyone struggling with things of this life.  The song should do well on radio and will likely become a favorite.  The tempo picks up with “Hard To Sing The Blues.”  I love the message of this song as it talks of being impatient even when you know God will work all things out.  The great thing about the song is that it goes on to say that it is heard to sing the blues when you have Jesus in your heart!  I love that!  There have been numerous songs written about God’s Love but probably none of them are more unique than “It’s Got To Be Love.”  It reminds us that if there is any hope and anything can bring us through the struggles of life, it has to be love.

“Return To Me” comes up next on the project and this song reminds us that those who stray from God need to return to Christ.  There are not a lot of songs that talk about Christian’s straying from God and this message is a poignant one and one that needs to be heard.  Next on the project we find a song titled “Love Is A Cross.”  This is one of those songs that you can tell just by the title you are going to love it!  It is a very good one that will bless the listener time and time again.  The projects ends with “The Lord Is My Shepherd” which is the popular verses in Psalms set to music.  It is a beautiful melody and the message is straight from the Bible!

John Berry is a very talented vocalist which is why, I suspect, he found success in country music.  This project has ten wonderful songs that cover a variety of topics.  I have listened to the project about a half dozen times and each time I appreciate it even more.  The project is well produced and John gives exceptional performances on all of the songs.  My favorite songs from the project are “Straight Down Rain,” “Hard To Sing The Blues” and “Return To Me.” If you like Christian Country music you will absolutely love this project!  The project title is Real Man Real Life Real God … I would add to that Real Good!  For more information visit his website at www.johnberry.com.