Prime Cuts: "Build an Altar," "Sometimes It Takes a Storm," "More of You"
Overall Grade: 5/5
With Rise and Shine, Sunday Drive delivers a joyful and deeply encouraging collection that blends classic southern gospel warmth with contemporary touches. Released by StowTown Records and produced by acclaimed producer Wayne Haun, the album showcases the trio's signature family harmonies while expanding their musical palette with country, worship and pop-leaning arrangements.
Made up of husband and wife Jeff and Misty Treece alongside Jeff's brother Dusty Treece, Sunday Drive has built a strong reputation within southern and country gospel circles. With multiple charting singles and consistent touring, the group's chemistry is unmistakable, and Rise and Shine captures that connection in a set of songs that feel both personal and universally uplifting.
One of the album's most memorable moments arrives with "Build an Altar." Anchored by the striking line "Life gives you stones, build an altar," the song turns hardship into worship, urging believers to transform trials into testimonies. The track's lyrical imagery is vivid and practical, offering listeners a powerful reminder that faith often grows strongest in the places where life seems most difficult.
The reflective ballad "Sometimes It Takes a Storm" provides another highlight. With gentle instrumentation and heartfelt delivery, the song explores the reality that God often shapes faith through seasons of struggle. Rather than presenting hardship as defeat, the lyrics frame storms as part of God's guiding hand, resulting in a thoughtful and comforting listening experience.
Meanwhile, "More of You" introduces a lively worship-pop energy into the mix. Driven by an upbeat rhythm and a clear devotional focus, the song expresses a simple but powerful prayer: a desire for more of God's presence in every aspect of life. Its infectious momentum makes it one of the album's most accessible tracks.
Elsewhere, the project balances fresh originals with carefully chosen favorites. The classic "Through It All," written by gospel legend Andraé Crouch, receives a stirring reinterpretation featuring sweeping harmonies and a tender lead from Misty Treece. The arrangement preserves the emotional core of the beloved anthem while allowing the trio's voices to shine.
"Mountains Are Made to Climb," written by Jeff Treece, Joel Lindsey and Donna King, leans into a country-influenced sound reminiscent of classic Appalachian storytelling. The addition of guest vocalist TaRanda Greene adds richness and depth, creating a warm collaboration that blends beautifully with the group's signature harmonies.
Another standout moment comes with "The Way, The Truth, The Life," written by the late Violet Treece. The track carries a distinctive Caribbean-inspired groove while delivering a timeless message of faith. The song's inclusion adds both musical variety and emotional significance to the project.
Throughout Rise and Shine, Wayne Haun's production balances polished arrangements with the organic warmth that southern gospel fans cherish. The instrumentation feels modern without losing the genre's traditional roots, allowing the trio's vocal blend to remain front and center.
Ultimately, Rise and Shine lives up to its title. The album radiates optimism, faith and heartfelt devotion from beginning to end. With memorable melodies, thoughtful lyrics and impeccable harmonies, Sunday Drive offers a project that feels like exactly what the group intended: a burst of sunlight filled with joy and hope.
For longtime gospel listeners and new audiences alike, Rise and Shine stands as one of Sunday Drive's strongest releases to date.
