One would think supergroup Alabama has seen it all, done it all and won it all, but that is not the case. The band just completed recording Alabama – Songs of Inspiration, an album of traditional hymns, standards and two new songs that will hit stores October 24, 2006. The album will be simultaneously released by RCA Records to traditional retailers and by Provident Music Group to the Christian retail outlets.

“We first started thinking about this in 1990,” recalls Alabama frontman Randy Owen, “and it seems like fans have been asking for it longer than that! The timing just happened to finally work out to record the album now.”

Alabama – Songs of Inspiration is the Country Music Hall of Fame band’s first new album in over five years, the first since the band’s farewell tour wrapped up three years ago, and first album with inspirational content in the group’s history. Included are classics like “Rock of Ages,” “How Great Thou Art,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Amazing Grace” and more.

Two original songs, “One Big Heaven” and “Rain” – both written by Owen – were recorded for

the album. Dr. Ralph Stanley contributes vocals on “I Am The Man Thomas.” Stanley co-wrote the song, which also features Stanley’s grandson on mandolin. Gospel standouts The Isaacs provide beautiful vocals on “I Need Thee.” Three granddaughters of Alabama’s Teddy Gentry sang on “Jesus Loves Me,” and the Christmas classic “Silent Night” was also recorded for the album - a first for Alabama. “We recorded two Christmas albums, but we never cut that song. It fit the project, and it’s beautiful!”

Track listing for Alabama – Songs of Inspiration:

1. His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Public Domain / Civilla Martin / Charles Gabriel; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

2. In The Garden
Public Domain / C. Austin Miles; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

3. Amazing Grace
Public Domain / John Newton; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

4. How Great Thou Art
Stuart K. Hine (ASCAP)

5. I Need Thee
Public Domain / Annie S. Hawks / Robert Lowry; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

6. Old Shep
Red Foley (BMI)

7. Jesus Loves Me
Public Domain / Anna Warner / David Rutherford McGuire / William B. Bradbury Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

8. Silent Night
Public Domain / Franz Gruber / Joseph Mohr; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

9. I Am The Man Thomas (Duet with Dr. Ralph Stanley)
Ralph Stanley / Larry Sparks (BMI)

10. Rock Of Ages
Public Domain / Augustus M. Toplady / Thomas Hastings; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

11. In The Sweet By And By
Public Domain / Sanford F. Bennett / Joseph P. Webster; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

12. The Old Rugged Cross
Public Domain / George Bennard; Arranged by Randy Owen (BMI)

13. What Will I Leave Behind
Sherrill Brown (BMI)

14. One Big Heaven
Randy Owen (BMI)

15. Rain
Randy Owen (BMI)

[tags]Alabama, Hymns, Music reviews, Amazing Grace[/tags]

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