print: The Turner Brothers (The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together) : GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW | January 2007 | BlackGospel.com, Your Gospel Music Ministry Source!

The Family That Prays Together,
Stays Together
The Turner Brothers

January, 2007 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Em Fergusson

The Turner Brothers are releasing their first musical project as kindred Christians, A Family That Prays Together, Stays Together.’ The album is filled with soft, melodious tunes that encourage personal and spiritual family bonding in familiar Quartet fashion. From tracks that speak about the presence of God moving in the last days to worshipful ballads, the Turner Brothers are sincere about encouraging prayer in the Christian home.

The Turner Brothers’ ministry began in 1988 under the direction of their parents, Bernard and Joan Turner. Although the Brothers took a break for several years, they were destined to fulfill a predestined plan God had laid out for them. This realization is clear in the title track, ‘A Family That Prays Together, Stays Together.’ The simple, Traditional piece inspires words of wisdom. The lyrics explore marriage and tough times that couples and families experience. The one answer the Turner Brothers musically attest to is to always put God first.

The euphonious musical project begins with the mid-tempo track, ‘Nobody But You Lord.’ An air of being in church is audible throughout the song, through the capable vocals of its musical director, executive producer, lead guitarist and soloist, Bernard “Bam” Turner, Jr. who invites listeners into a worshipful atmosphere. ‘Nobody But You Lord’ also sets the sanctified tone for the balance of this blessed album. The Floridian-based 8-member group shares a consistent message that every Christian family can identify with, a prayerful home is a steady home.

In tune with their message, another powerful track true to the Quartet sound that speaks of the end result of praying as a family is ‘Blessing On The Way.’ The Southern-styled musical rhythm, coupled with the message that God pours blessings on those who are faithful, makes this track a favorite. While ‘Blessing On The Way’ speaks of God’s goodness, ‘Give Your Life’ admonishes listeners to give their lives to Christ, since He gave His life for mortal men. The slow-moving ballad follows the road to Calvary and the power of the shed blood.

One of my favorites is the infectious, inspiring and enjoyable ‘So Glad.’ Adding elements of Traditional Gospel, this track is a worshipful tune that celebrates the joys of living for God. The Brothers have a lot to rejoice about. Their father fully recovered shortly after he suffered two debilitating strokes.

The Brothers describe their ministry, declaring: “God has given us a vision in these last days to carry out His will and we hold fast to the vision He has set before us.”

Other songs that testify to adhering to God’s will and serving Him in everything is the humble track, ‘All That I Have’, featuring Jason Thompson. To serve God above everything is the foundation of living a Christian life. The sincerity on this track is soul-stirring and offers the listener an opportunity to ponder their relationship with God.

The vision to relay such a powerful message is translated through this 10-track, Traditional Gospel album. Nothing is more important than serving the Lord with all one’s heart and all one’s might. And as a family, praying together translates into staying together. It’s a belief this household has held, from one generation into the next, through these talented Turner Brothers that carry this message with meaning and emotion.