Description
We find ourselves in tumultuous societal times as we watch the once solid foundations of our country being systematically destroyed. However, just like in all times throughout history, the gospel remains the answer. Our desire to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ drove the selection of songs that we included on this recording, and we hope the music will be used to draw people closer to the Christ we serve.
Light & Gladness album available in hard copy or as download.
Dwayne Piper (verified owner) –
Deer Neely Team,
Such a lengthy review as lies below is admittedly not the norm; but I hope your readers will bear with me, and find agreement in my eager discovery of your God-honoring music. To that end, may I here heartily affirm that your music has assuredly been an enormous blessing to us—and just as powerfully honoring to God? Indeed, I have been listening decidedly, purposefully, and repeatedly to the tracks ever since acquiring each one. It is impossible to listen to any song merely once, if one wishes to adequately absorb the Scriptural and melodic nuances thereof—which is why they must be listened to many times, with each time digesting just a little more insight and enjoyment than the previous. Timeless, musically articulate, as well as sharply keen and very Scripturally based lyrics (notably so, in the original pieces)—these are all aspects of each track in all of the four albums here, which will delight the listener throughout.
“A MIRROR OF HIS GRACE”:
In what seems to be the earliest recorded album of the four offered on this site, so many of the songs on “A Mirror of His Grace”—both originals and re-arrangements—are simply riveting, both in the messages and their melodious streams that carry these messages to one’s ears and heart. These selections are deeply encouraging, strengthening, and speak strength to the listener’s heart—through emphasizing utter, unbridled, and unashamed dependence upon God and His unchanging goodness and power.
“LET THE JOY BEGIN”:
In what seems to be perhaps the second earliest recording, the Christmas album “Let the Joy Begin” is a fun, joyful, and Christ-centric treat! There are two jubilantly satisfying selections herein: “Hurry, Hurry” and the wonderfully precious “Christmas at Our House.” Other shining favorites in this album are “He’s Emmanuel” and the namesake of the album “Let the Joy Begin.” The former is uniquely beautifully in both music and message, and the latter is triumphantly stirring. This is a worthy—and wonderfully unique—addition to any Christmas music collection.
“LIGHT & GLADNESS”:
This appears to be the fourth and most recently recorded album, and is a decidedly strong offering. As has been the thrilling case throughout all four of these albums, some of the songs on “Light & Gladness” are delightfully new to me; while others are wonderfully creative rearrangements of more familiar hymns—such a treasure! Not taking the space here to mention each track is not meant in the least to be a slight to any of them—they all stand gloriously strong on their own. Thus, I will content myself to touch on my favorites. What a strong start and meaningful blessing the first track “Eastern Rise” is, in its devout focus on seeking God first and praising Him throughout each day. The melodies and tight, clear harmonization in such arrangements of familiar hymns as “Precious Jesus, Still Our Refuge” are simply mesmerizing—and serve as such worthily reiterated vessels for the lovely lyrics thereof. “With My Song Will I Praise Him” is a gorgeously and memorably executed rendition of the latter portion of Psalm 28. Since “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Eph.5:19 & Col.3:16) are the three categories of music clearly held forth by Scripture; “With My Song Will I Praise Him” is a pleasure to hear as a Psalm rendered in music.
“LEST WE FORGET”:
Although this seems to be the third recorded album (in my inferred timeline), I have saved it to last, because it is simply my absolute favorite—and for a very good reason! How refreshing it is to listen to its inspiring, dedicated, and unswerving focus on the captivating theme of true revival. There are even some patriotic portions for the varying branches of the armed services, which are very pleasant to enjoy. Significantly, this album “Lest We Forget” is actually the initial album which thoroughly captured and riveted my full attention and heart to the Neely Team music; while I was listening one day in November 2024 to Biblical, godly preaching and singing on the FBN Radio app which I very much enjoy (if that is okay to here reference, …I hope. I do not work for them in any way. I simply enjoy the 24/7 access to their offerings!). Anyway, suddenly, I heard a song (which I would later learn was entitled “Revive Us”) playing; after which I spent the next hour or so tenaciously trying to find it online. At first, this search was only discouraging, because this jewel of a song seemed to be absolutely nowhere! Then, God gave me a much appreciated lead! FBN Radio, after I contacted them and inquired, were at the top of their game, and having only the data I gave them, pinpointed the song, and its name; and then provided a link to your website. Praise God, THAT was a huge relief! I must say that “Revive Us” is my top favorite of all the here offered delightful and God-honoring repertoire amongst these four lovely Neely Team albums! In my own humble estimation, that one particular song is the most beautiful song/hymn I have ever heard regarding revival—in its combined impact of both melody and message. Of course, this is not to diminish the rest of the four albums’ tracks in the least: each and every track has been an immeasurable blessing.
Having commented on your four precious albums, please allow me to parenthetically pause to thank you for allowing God to use you, in recording and/or penning such musical blessings! What follows is my explanation of why it means so extra much to me. I have been praying for revival in America since 1990, since I was fifteen years old. This was only three years after God called me (at twelve years of age) into the ministry to be a preacher. Ever since then, revival has been my unending hunger, drive, goal, prayer. It remains so to this very day. Even my master’s thesis topic in seminary I chose and entitled: “Ask for the Old Paths: the Key to Old-Fashioned Revival.” After that, while my doctor’s thesis topic was not named directly after revival, it was nevertheless written directly about revival, too—but specifically in the local church, via returning wholly to God’s Word and ways (the Old Paths of Scripture). Then, the very first church my wife and I started from scratch in Tennessee in 2006 (not long after we were married, and while we still only had one year-old baby) we named: Revival Baptist Church—“Where Revival Is Not the Claim, But the Plea.” A couple of decades later, still in the ministry but now in North Carolina where God has had us at the same church for the past fifteen years; our family (now with seven homeschooled kids, and one on the way) continues to pray regularly for revival within our hearts, our families, our churches, and our land! THAT is why your dear song “Revive Us” so resoundingly struck such a cord with and means so very much to me! Little else thrills my ears or raptures my heart quite so much as to catch any glimpse of revival on any level, or to be blessed to observe other hearts devotedly pursuing hard after it.
I must close what has now become far too long a meandering review. What can I say? I am a preacher with the so-called “gift of gab”; coupled with a deep love for writing, as well. Thus, please kindly pardon my unusually profuse review; but know that both its content and length flow from and reflect a heart of unusually deep gratitude to God. Perhaps only Heaven will reveal the blessing your music has been to my heart, and I must praise God for that. Thank you again for the blessing of this godly music from your family/team. In my estimation and experience, it magnifies God in a timelessly unique and masterfully artistic way. For that, to God be the glory! May our prayer ever be to God:
“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” -Psalms 85:6
Indescribably Grateful,
Dwayne Piper, Pastor
West Hill Baptist Church
Hillsborough, NC
“…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
-John 1:29-