Many of you probably remember a Texas-based group called The Sound that traveled during the 1980s and early 1990s. Some former members of The Sound include Rick Strickland, Scott Fowler, Terry Davis, and Pat Hoffmaster. Rob Mills became the group’s lead singer 1990 and remained with them until 1992.

Fast-forward to 2017. Mills and his two sons, Levi and Jacob, secured the group name and relaunched their trio under the old brand. Rob now sings baritone; Levi sings lead and Jacob sings tenor.

The Sound has just released their first major label project for New Day Records, a 10-song CD titled Make It Count. There are several potential hits here including the first radio single, “Can I Get A Witness,” “First Church Of Mercy,” and the title track, “Make It Count.” Most of these songs are new, but one song you should recognize is “On The Road To Emmaus.” The Sound’s version is set to a driving groove that clearly distinguishes it from the original version by The Steeles.

“Great God Almighty” is a particularly fun song as is the cover of Aaron & Amanda Crabb’s “Somethin’ ‘Bout Love.” Just when I thought I had a firm handle on everything The Sound was going to do in terms of style, they offer up a jazz-inspired gem titled “Rain” (written by Levi & Jacob) for the final track, an entirely different musical setting than any of the previous arrangements.

Make It Count should prove to be a career-defining album for The Sound. Levi Mills in particular is a confident singing machine, and the song selection as a whole should appeal to a broad demographic. Make It Count is one of 2019’s best albums.

Producer: Scott Godsey
Label: New Day Records
Song Titles: City of Joy; It Was Grace; First Church Of Mercy; Make It Count; Can I Get A Witness; On the Road To Emmaus; I Am Becoming; Great God Almighty; Somethin’ ‘Bout Love; Rain
Rating: 5 Stars (scale of 1-5 Stars)
Release Date: November 29, 2019
Version Reviewed: YouTube Music