SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: SEASONS- MARK BISHOP
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
SEASONS: A COLLECTION OF THE BEST
MARK BISHOP
LABEL: SONLITE RECORDS
PRODUCERS: JEFF COLLINS, MARK BISHOP
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 13, 2017
SONG LIST:
That’s When It’s Time To Pray
I Can Rejoice
You Can’t Ask Too Much Of My God
Can I Pray For You?
I’m Listening For The Call
With Me Always- ft. Lauren Talley
Remember Who He Is, Remember What He Does
I Got Here As Fast As I Could
Cloud Nine Headed For Ten
The Other Room
Perfectly Honest- ft. The Bishops
My Name Is Jesus- ft. Lauren Talley, Ivan Parker, and Mitchell Jon
THOUGHTS:
Mark Bishop is one of most successful singer-songwriters in Gospel Music. He traveled the country with his family The Bishops for many years then began his solo career in 2002. Bishop has had dozens of chart topping hits several of which became Singing News number ones! Seasons: A Collection of the Best is just that: a collection of these fan favorite and requested songs. This recording also features two brand new songs: “That’s When It’s Time To Pray,” and “The Other Room,” which are sure to become favorites as well. I was thoroughly enjoyed this CD especially as it was my introduction to Bishop. This collection not only showcases Bishop’s talent as far as vocals are concerned, but his songwriting as well. Bishop wrote every song on this CD!
Bishop opens the collection with the fresh, new mid-tempo groove, “That’s When It’s Time To Pray,” which reminds us that when times get tough, just pray! “Even when we don’t know what to say, that’s when it’s time to pray.” The other new track, “The Other Room,” is a tender ballad of reflection and deals with grief. Heaven’s not that far away! God reminds us that our loved ones who have passed on are just in the Other Room.
The rest of the tracks range in release from 2001 with “Perfectly Honest,” a beautiful ballad about God’s love recorded on Stories by the Bishops to the up-tempo song of joy “I Can Rejoice,” from 2006’s I Can Rejoice. This song simply says I can rejoice because Jesus is in my heart! Jesus is with me always! The mid-tempo ballad “You Can’t Ask Too Much Of My God,” from 2005’s There is Love, Then There Is His Love, simply says nothing is too much for the Lord! His power is unmatched! He is greater than any problem!! “Can I Pray For You,” is the title track from Bishop’s 2004 release. This beautiful ballad talks about praying for others. We are called to pray for others and be there for them. Next, “I’m Listening For The Call,” is a fun, country styled song from 2011’s I Still Need Him. This track tells of Christ’s Second Coming. I’m listening for His call for the day is drawing near!! Lauren Talley joins Bishop on the hit ballad “With Me Always,” from 2006’s Everyday. This incredible song reminds us that we are never alone for Christ is with us always. Also from Everyday, the fun tune “Remember Who He Is, Remember What He Does,” tells of Jesus’ power and promises! He can do anything!! “I Got Here As Fast As I Could,” from 2004’s Can I Pray For You?, is a beautiful story song that encourages us in times of grief. We will see them again someday! Bishop’s vocal on this track reminded me of the late John Denver which was impressive. Next, the up-tempo country styled “Cloud Nine Headed For Ten,” expresses our excitement for Heaven! The Joy of the Lord cannot be contained! This great collection closes with the powerful ballad “My Name Is Jesus,” from 2011’s I Still Need Him, and features Lauren Talley, Ivan Parker, and Mitchell Jon. This incredible track tells the story of the Resurrection.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
INCREDIBLE LYRICS, GREAT VOCALS, AND GREAT PRODUCTION QUALITY! A GREAT COLLECTION OF HITS FOR BOTH OLD AND NEW LISTENERS!
4.5 OF 5 STARS!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MARK BISHOP: www.markbishopmusic.com