I Just Wanted You To Know is Kim Hopper’s first solo release for the revived Canaan Records label. Label head Dave Clark and Kim produced a mix of Southern Gospel, Inspirational and Country styles that is destined to delight her devotees.
The first radio single is “Gospel To The World.” Kim is in her element on this dramatic anthem listing what Jesus left behind: “The silver went to Judas. His body went to Joseph, his mother to apostles that would take good care of her, his clothes to a soldier, his peace to disciples, his supper to his followers and the Gospel to the world.”
“When God Sings” begins with a reverb drenched choir setting the stage for Hopper’s entrance. “The Promised Land” is a cover of the popular Crabb Family song with a decorative mandolin contrasting Kim’s vocal. My personal favorite is “What Will I Wear.” The rhythm, vocal delivery and lyric on this track bear several similarities to Dolly Parton’s “Coat Of Many Colors.” “The Woman In My Little Girl’s Room” is a duet with Kim’s husband, Dean, sung from the perspective of parents watching their daughter grow up. The most aggressive track is “The Devil Lost His Keys,” written by Marcia Henry. Kim is just as capable when singing forcefully as she is on a light, pretty ballad. Other song titles include “That Sounds Like Heaven To Me,” “Come Out Praising,” and the title track.
I Just Wanted You To Know is one of the first true tests of the revived Canaan Record’s commitment to producing quality Southern Gospel recordings. They passed! Kim Hopper’s vocals are exquisite as are the arrangements and orchestrations created by the formidable combination of Lari Goss, Wayne Haun and Gordon Mote.