The album opens with the catchy title track, “Singing On Sunday”. I’d have to say it’s one of the album’s best tracks. Great melody, just an irresistible piece.
“Paul’s Ministry” is the next track. A slower tempo piece, telling the story of Paul. An okay track, but not anything particularly special.
On the other hand, you have to like “Too Far From God”. Nice, bouncy piece, and of course, an outstanding performance from Kitty Wells, which is to be expected. I’d argue that Kitty is one of country music’s most underrated vocalists, when it comes to the inspirational side.
The mid tempo’d “Do You Expect A Reward From God” is a nice track; nothing too spectacular, just a solid composition from Johnny and Walter Bailes, with a great message.
Of course, “The Wings Of A Dove” is one of the all-time great country sacred pieces, having spent ten weeks at number one in 1960 for Ferlin Husky. While no one can touch the Husky version, Kitty’s take on the track is a more-than-solid effort, worthy of praise.
Side one ends with “The Footsteps Of My Lord”, comparing the thunder to being the Lord’s footsteps (along with other things such as babies crying. I like this track, a good end to the first side.
Side two opens with “Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus”, which certainly has to be one of the more recorded pieces in country-sacred music history. And this is one of the best versions I have heard of this track. Great piece, which Kitty performs flawlessly.
“I’ll Reap My Harvest In Heaven” has that old-time church feel to it, feeling like a song that might have been performed in a little country church, somewhere. Not quite a hymn, but it has that feel.
“How Far Is Heaven” was culled from Kitstty’s discography, having been a number eleven single in late Spring, 1956. Featuring Kitty’s daughter, Carol Sue, singing the child’s part. A sad song, typical of that era, the little girl wants to go to Heaven, where her daddy has just gone (we’re not told how). While it’s a little too morbid for me, I’m sure that it ranks highly among many of Kitty Wells’ fans.
Another often-heard track, over the years, especially in the 1950′s-1960′s era of country music is “Gathering Flowers For The Master’s Bouquet”. Again, it’s hard to find a version much better than Kitty’s.
“Sinner, Kneel Down And Pray”, a bouncy track from the pen of Johnny Bailes. I’d rank it almost has good as The Bailes Brothers’ classics “Dust On The Bible” and “(I’ve Got) My One-Way Ticket To The Sky”. Great track.
The album wraps with the quick moving “That Glory Bound Train”. I really like this one (and not just because it includes a railroad theme, though that helps). Great ending track for this very good album.
This album is out of print, but did last long enough to make it at least into the 8-track era. Originally, this album was released in both mono and stereo versions. I did find a few used copies, but a little pricey, most at least $15, and a couple as high as $50.
My Standout Track pick is the title cut, “Singing On Sunday”, while I give “Sinner, Kneel Down And Pray” the Hidden Gem. ”Paul’s Ministry” gets the Weakest Track, simply just didn’t do much for me.
Overall, a very good collection of sacred country music from The Queen Of Country Music. This was her second sacred collection, following the 1959 classic Dust On The Bible, an album I rank as one of the three best sacred country albums of all-time. While this collection isn’t quite as good, it’s still strong enough to merit a 4 out of 5.
Your thoughts?
Saving vinyl, one record at a time.
Kitty Wells "Singing On Sunday" Classic Album Review
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