SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: HOW WE LOVE- MARK LOWRY
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW
HOW WE LOVE
MARK LOWRY
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 9, 2015
LABEL: MARK LOWRY PRODUCTIONS, SPRING HILL MUSIC
PRODUCER: KEVIN WILLIAMS
SONG LIST:
Mary Was The First One To Carry The Gospel
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven- featuring Dailey & Vincent
Worry
I Thirst- featuring Sisters
Live Loud
How We Love- featuring The Martins
Old People- featuring Jimmy & Sonya Isaacs Yeary
Happy
Rock In A Weary Land
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross- featuring The Martins
Come As You Are
THOUGHTS:
Well, what can I say about Mark Lowry? He is one of the most talented vocalists in Gospel music in my humble opinion. This Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame member has had a long and wonderful career both as a soloist and as a member of the Grammy Award and Dove Award winning Gaither Vocal Band. He is also a popular Christian comedian and brings laughter everywhere he goes. Not only is hilarious, but he is also a dedicated man of God. This is evident in the passion of voice as he sings. Mark recently returned to solo work full time after his second tenure with the GVB from 2009-2013. How We Love joins a long list of Lowry solo projects and is quite possibly one of the best. This incredible record is a collection of songs both old and new which truly showcase Lowry’s warm and captivating vocals. Several tracks feature guest vocalists such as the Sisters, The Martins, and Dailey & Vincent.
Each song on this recording is well written and drives home the overall theme of God’s Love. Classic songs such as “Mary Was The First To Carry The Gospel,” “I Thirst,” and “Rock In Weary Land” remind listeners of the love of God through His faithfulness and ultimate sacrifice for us. It is always great to hear Lowry sing his mother’s beloved hit song “I Thirst” which continues to delight audiences all over the world. The Sisters add their incredible harmonies to this stellar arrangement. Famed Bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent join Lowry on the fun mid-tempo country flavored “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” which simply says everyone wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die. Another fun song is the upbeat tune “Live Loud” which encourages us to live our lives for Christ and bring others to Him. Perhaps the most surprising song on this record is “Happy” which is in fact the mega popular pop hit performed by Pharrell Williams. Lowry nails this fun song which was not only a fun listen, but also fit nicely on a Gospel album.
There were several songs on this record that blew me away. The first of which is “Worry” written by Cindy Morgan and Jeremy Base. The message of this groovy tune struck home for me. It simply says why do I doubt the Lord? Why do I worry? Worrying gains you nothing! Christ has everything under control! I can trust Him! Worry not my friends for God is with you! Jimmy and Sonya Isaacs Yeary as well as Ben Halsip contribute a simply beautiful lyric to this project in “Old People.” This tender hearted ballad describes the joy and love of the elderly. This song reminds me of my grandparents that have gone on to Glory. They were always kind and loving. They were wise and great Christian examples for my family. I personally want to thank the writers and Mark for this beautiful song! Next, the Martins join Lowry on a breathtaking a cappella arrangement of the old hymn “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.” This arrangement, very similar to the GVB’s, is simply brilliant. When I survey the Cross, I see the overwhelming Love of God! Another powerful lyric is that of “Come As You Are,” written by Reba Rambo McGuire, Roy Davis, and Marcia Henry. This incredible piano ballad reminds us that God wants us as we are. Let down your guard and come as you are! Everyone is welcome in God’s kingdom. You don’t have to have it all together to come before God. Remember, broken pots spill more water. Forgiven much, now loving much. Lastly, the title cut is my favorite song on this record and now quite possibly my favorite Mark Lowry song of all time. “How We Love” is simple yet incredibly moving lyric written by Beth Nielsen Chapman. The Martins provide beautiful harmonies to Lowry’s superb lead on this song of Love. This world we live in can be cruel. We make mistakes, but redemption is always possible. Chances come again. The smallest act of kindness can change so much. All that matters in the end is how we love. Sometimes we forget that “All we have that carries on is how we love.” This song blew me away and is definitely one of the highlights for me on this album.
FINALT THOUGHTS:
THERE ISN’T MUCH MORE TO SAY THAN THIS CD IS ABSOLUTLEY BRILLIANT! GO GET A COPY ASAP!! 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
For more information on Mark and to purchase this CD visit: www.marklowry.com