On his latest release, Unexpected, Grammy winner Jason Crabb enlists the help of a few high profile friends, including Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) as producer and Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts) as a duet partner on “You Chose To Be My Friend.” Pop singer Kaya Jones also guests on the tender “Let It Be Love.”
As someone known for his southern and country roots, however, Crabb’s most surprising collaborator may be Disco Queen Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”) who struck up a friendship with the Kentucky native on Twitter. During his debut solo performance at Carnegie Hall, Crabb invited Gaynor onstage to sing, helping her mark off a bucket list item.
Gaynor and Crabb’s friendship brought them together as songwriters, co-writing “Day One,” a believer’s prayer of returning to their first love and zeal of salvation. “Take me back to day one/ When you drenched my heart in the water/ And I felt love for first time/ Breathe life into these weary lungs.”
In that song and throughout the release, Crabb sings about his love for God, family and friends. Other highlights include the rousing “Washed By The Water” the southern rock opener, “Expect the Unexpected,” and the touching ode to children, “Short Are The Years,” which will evoke emotional responses from sentimental parents.
With his powerful vocals on display and a highly enjoyable blend of memorable tracks, Unexpected is an enjoyable and inspirational listening experience. It is sure to please Crabb’s longtime listeners and earn many new ones in the process.
See Jason and Gloria sing together here:
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In