Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord – THE EDWIN HAWKINS SINGERS***

Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord/Jesus Lover Of My Soul/To My Father’s House/I’m Going Through/Oh Happy Day/I Heard The Voice Of Jesus/Early In The Morning/Joy Joy

The Californian gospel group The Edwin Hawkins Singers enjoyed a top five hit single on both sides of the Atlantic with Oh Happy Day. This boosted the sales of their album Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord. Further chart success would elude them. (US:15)

"This LP will remind you of an actual service on Sunday morning in a Black church with a strong youth choir. You can almost see the sisters with their elaborate hats and little girls with Shirley Temple curls when you listen to this one. This was recorded live at the Ephisian Church of God in Christ in Berkely, Ca. in June 1968 on an old-fashioned Ampex recorder. Yes, crude technology for the audiophiles, but it gives a down-home feeling that's part of the charm. If you can listen to Oh Happy Day, In My Father's House, I'm Going Through etc. and still be in a bad mood, then you really have problems."

"Most folks of boomer age will instantly recognize Oh Happy Day as a popular radio tune. Moving into the album from track one you get a rich, mellow piano intro and choral blending of House Of The Lord, an instant balming wash of goodness. A couple of fast clappin' numbers later you are at my favourite Joy Joy. If you are looking for some Godly assistance, this tune is a magical blessing you should take a moment to enjoy. I get teary-eyed just thinking of how much you and I need this kind of music in our lives."

"One of the best black gospel albums ever. Feel the power, the spirit, the groove, the enthusiasm, the authenticity. Great stuff. You'll be humming all day. You won't stop playing it for months. It is one of those albums."

"This music consists mostly of a large gospel choir with various soloists, piano and organ. The hit track Oh Happy Day was huge for the group. The song is indeed uplifting, with a joyful performance by the singers and a lovely solo by a huskyvoiced female. Joy Joy is a piano-driven ballad about enduring the hardships of life and looking forward to the joy that comes afterward. It's one of my favourite songs. There isn't a bad song on the album, and I highly recommend it."