Best Of The 2010s: Daniel Mount’s Picks for Song, Album, & Concept Video

by | Feb 18, 2020 | Superlatives

In the categories of Song, Album, and Concept Video, we had 20 or more nominations each[1]! Because there are so many, we have opted not to narrow these down to a single pick. Instead, each MusicScribe writer will announce their picks in these categories.

Here are my picks (Daniel J. Mount).


SONG
“When the Prodigal Comes Home” – Tribute Quartet/Lee Black
There are an almost infinite number of Southern Gospel songs on the prodigal son. This one’s the best. Lee Black wrote an instant modern classic. He has the ear of a wordsmith and the cadences of a hymn pump through his veins like a heartbeat. This song shows the best of both. And it shows his ear for a powerful melody, too; it’s the kind of song that showcases a powerful tenor vocal in a way that could hardly be written by anyone but a fellow power tenor. Finally, Riley Harrison Clark’s performance of this song was the capstone of his strong run with Tribute Quartet. Vocally and melodically it’s one of the top ten performances of the decade. Lyrically, it’s one of the top three to five. Ranking this high in all three categories leaves little doubt that it’s one of the strongest songs of the decade, and a distinct possibility that it’s the best.

Honorable Mentions
“Never Walk Alone” – Brian Free & Assurance
“Your Ways Are Higher Than Mine” – Collingsworth Family

Note: I personally consider “If You Knew Him” (Perrys) to belong to the preceding decade since it was released in 2009. On the other hand, it peaked on the radio charts in early 2010. So the case can be made for assigning it to either decade. Had I considered it as a 2010s song, it would certainly have been in my top three, and perhaps even #1.


ALBUM
We Will Stand Our Ground – Kingdom Heirs
One mark of an album is the strength of its strongest songs. Another mark is the strength of its weakest songs. It’s partially on the first metric but even more on the second that make this the strongest album of the decade and of the Kingdom Heirs’ career.

Honorable Mentions
Battle Cry – Kingsmen
Your Walk Talks – Mark Trammell Quartet


CONCEPT VIDEO
“Ask Me Why” – Legacy Five
The success of this video played a major role in popularizing the concept of concept videos as a viable promotion method for Southern Gospel groups. But even more, the power of the concept and its execution, with the connection to the song’s initial inspiration, make this unforgettable.

Honorable Mentions
“Amazing Grace” – Collingsworth Family
“Goodbye World Goodbye” – Penny Loafers

Tune in tomorrow for Diana Brantley’s choices, but before you go, check out Daniel’s Concept Video pick below.

Endnotes:
  1. we had 20 or more nominations each: https://blog.musicscribe.com/2020/02/best-of-the-2010s-the-nominees/

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Daniel J. Mount

Daniel J. Mount

Daniel J. Mount is a Christian author and songwriter. He lives in Black Mountain, NC.

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