Written By: Shaamora Harden
Don’t you love songs that catch you off guard? You know, the ones that you start off feeling ‘so-so’ upon first listen, but by the middle of the song you’re nodding your head? That’s how I feel about “Let Him In” by The Gospel Legends.
Now I am not a huge quartet-music aficionado, but I’ve always had a great appreciation for it. To me, quartets represent a piece of music history…. rather a piece of black music history where musicians would travel across the country, tearing up churches with the gospel message accompanied by awesome harmonies, shaarppp suits and a baaaaad band.
Thankfully, this style of music did not fade away. It is currently being kept alive by some notable groups (The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Canton Spirituals) and new torch carriers (Tim Rodgers & the Fellas). Could traditional music be making a comeback on the airwaves? Hmmmmm….
The Gospel Legends are one of the groups leading the charge for the traditional sound with their new song, “Let Him In”. Almost immediately, the group indoctrinates you into their quartet style by using the intro to give you an upbeat, horns-fueled groove that pretty much remains throughout the entire song.
The lyrics are straight-and-to-point, with the lead singing: “Jesus is waiting to enter into your heart….all you gotta do is let Him in”. The remaining members join him in the chorus and pose a simple but direct question to you “Why don’t you let Him come on in?”
The lead repeats the verse again, but then switches things up a bit by telling the listener that TODAY is a great day to make this important step in your life. Why delay?
Don’t let the upbeat but easygoing vibe of this song fool you. The Gospel Legends are pretty direct about the fact that this simple invitation does have a timestamp on it. In the bridge, the group warns: “You don’t have time to waste…give Him your life today”.
“Let Him In” concludes with the lead singer recounting examples of excuses that people may give for not letting Jesus into their hearts today:
“I would come but I’m a liar…that’s alright!… just come on! I would come but I’m an alcoholic…that’s alright….just come on!
I would come but I’m a drug addict…you’re just right….come on!”
With “Let Him In”, The Gospel Legends give a simple, urgent yet inviting message to accept Jesus as your Savior. They do this all without sounding overly preachy while still maintaining the upbeat, happy, vibe set by the background music.
Admittedly, quartet music appeals to a certain type of listener. As a whole, most of today’s gospel audience’s ear is more accustomed to more contemporary gospel sounds but that’s what makes “Let Him In” stand out. It’s straight, traditional quartet gospel: nice groove, prominent guitar, tight harmonies and a simple yet compelling message that you need Jesus in your life. No guess work here.
You’re probably not going to hear too many songs like this on the radio, which is the reason you should give this song a chance. Sometimes it helps to veer off the path and explore something new.
Listen for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments section below:
If you like what you hear, check out the rest of the songs from their Pieces of Life project by clicking HERE.
Also, I want to hear your response to the following question: if you were a Radio Station Programmer, would you ADD this song? Why or why not?