Soldier of the Cross represents Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder's full immersion in traditional sacred bluegrass, released in 1999 on a wave of renewed interest in the music's gospel heritage. Skaggs assembled some of the finest instrumentalists in Nashville for Kentucky Thunder, and the ensemble's technical command is evident throughout. The album draws from the rich Stanley Brothers gospel tradition — "A Voice From on High" is essentially a tribute to that influence — while also reaching toward older hymn repertoire. "Were You There" and "Gone Home" are performed with the spare, haunted conviction that defines the best mountain gospel singing. The record earned Skaggs a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album.
Tracklist
- 1 Battle Cry 0:30
- 2 Soldier Of The Cross 5:19
- 3 A Voice From on High Source Recording 2:32
- 4 The Darkest Hour alt version 2:58
- 5 Gone Home Source Recording 3:13
- 6 The Joshua Generation 4:30
- 7 Waiting at the Gate Source Recording 2:41
- 8 Seven Hillsides 4:26
- 9 Are You Afraid to Die alt version 2:45
- 10 Remember The Cross 2:54
- 11 Were You There Source Recording 3:59
- 12 Jacob’s Vision Source Recording 2:27
- 13 Hallelujah I’m Ready alt version 2:31
- 14 Lead Me To The Rock 2:51