Ricky Dillard, Let There Be Peace on Earth | Track Review 🎵

Ricky Dillard, joined by a mass choir and an anointed countertenor, delivers a record for times like these, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

2020 has proven to be quite the turbulent year – not the way anyone anticipated commencing a new decade.  The biggest shocker has been the heartbreaking and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire world. I say that to say, what better time is there to petition for ‘peace on earth.’  The unrest is quite unsettling.  Gospel standout Ricky Dillard serves up the perfect classic, “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)” for times such as these.  “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)” appears on his 2020 album, Choirmaster (May 1, 2020).

Typically, I’ve associated “Let There Be Peace on Earth” with Christmas and the holiday season.  There’s nothing that keeps this gem from being year-round, but beyond the holidays, it doesn’t cross my mind as much.  While perusing forthcoming album releases on iTunes, I happened to notice the record was an advance single from Choirmaster and was curious how it would sound in the hands of Ricky Dillard, who is absolutely excellent at what he does, period.  Well, the results are amazing, and honestly, you don’t have to be a believer to arrive at that takeaway.  In this mass choir rendition, the spirit is lofty, led by the anointed pipes of one of the most compelling countertenors (Thomas Allen) you’ll ever hear.   The spirit and that dynamic lead vocal are what stand out the most.  That said, the arrangement also deserves plenty of recognition – this isn’t merely a tried and true version but expands beyond the basic song.

Final Thoughts

I’ll admit, gospel music reviews don’t appear on The Musical Hype that often, but when they do, know that the song being reviewed is definitely a must hear.  If you need music to help assuage and sooth your anxiety, doubts, and troubles during the turbulence that is 2020, “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)” is definitely worth adding to your listening rotation.  Simply beautiful – quite a blessing!

Ricky Dillard • Choirmaster • Motown Gospel / Capitol CMG • Release: 5.1.20

Photo Credits: Motown Gospel / Capitol CMG