Album: Come Along and Walk With Me

Introduction
"Come Along and Walk with Me" is a studio album by American country singer Connie Smith. It was released in August 1971 on RCA Victor Records and produced by Bob Ferguson. This album was Smith's l lth studio recording and only gospel album during her almost three-decade tenure with RCA Victor. It includes 11 gospel tracks showcasing Smith's powerful and emotive voice, proving that her strong vocal ability transcended beyond c and w.

Background
Connie Smith began her musical career in the mid-1960s, promptly gaining appeal worldwide of c and w. With a distinct and effective voice, she handled to captivate audiences and critics alike. Regardless of her success in this category, Smith held a deep passion for gospel music that stemmed from her religious training. It wasn't up until her l lth studio album that she explored this connection even more by devoting a whole record to gospel tunes.

"Come Along and Walk with Me" recorded the essence of Smith's musical talent and showcased her ability to get in touch with a different audience. As she had constantly included her deep faith in her songwriting and efficiencies, her development to develop a gospel album seemed natural.

Recording and Production
"Come Along and Walk with Me" was tape-recorded at the RCA Victor Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, with manufacturer Bob Ferguson. This album marked a departure from the typical country-fueled productions of her previous albums. Instead, the songs were composed and arranged with a more conventional gospel sound in mind, featuring a mix of hymns and contemporary gospel tunes.

Bob Ferguson, who had actually worked with Smith on previous records, organized the job, guiding it in an instructions that emphasized Smith's abundant and resonant voice. Ferguson's experience in working with country and gospel music played a crucial function in recording Smith's emotional performances and guaranteeing the album's success in the gospel market.

Music and Lyrics
The tunes on "Come Along and Walk with Me" consist of both traditional hymns and modern gospel tracks that catch the essence of Smith's faith. Standout tracks include the title track "Come Along and Walk with Me", "I Saw a Man", "How Great Thou Art", and "Way Up on the Mountain".

In each tune, Smith's voice skyrockets over the gospel arrangements, imbuing the lyrics with heartfelt feeling and power. Her vocal delivery is both stunning and tender, showcasing her remarkable range and capability to touch the hearts of her listeners. The accompanying arrangements consist of piano, organ, and pedal hawaiian guitar, more stressing the gospel influence throughout the album.

Crucial Reception and Legacy
"Come Along and Walk with Me" was popular by critics and fans alike, applauding Smith's capability to shift from country to gospel so easily. This success assisted solidify her reputation as one of the most flexible and talented vocalists of her generation. Although the album didn't accomplish significant industrial success, it established Smith as an artist who would not be restricted by genre borders.

The album's unique mix of traditional hymns and modern gospel songs likewise added to its long lasting effect. Today, "Come Along and Walk with Me" is considered a traditional by many and continues to be taken pleasure in by fans of both gospel and c and w. Connie Smith's commitment to her faith and her innate musical talent make this album a classic testimony to the power of gospel music.