SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?- MARK LOWRY
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?
MARK LOWRY
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: DONY MCGUIRE
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 18, 2017
SONG LIST:
Why Don’t We Sit And Talk
What’s Not To Love?- ft. Gaither Vocal Band
I Know When I’m Hearing From Home
Love Is The Golden Rule
No Room For Hate
What If He Meant What He Said?
So You’ll Know How To Pray
Mama Prayed
Feels Like I’m Already There
Didn’t I Walk On The Water
Only Jesus
What’s Not To Love? (Reprise)
THOUGHTS:
Mark Lowry is back again with another energy filled record that asks the question: What’s Not To Love About Jesus?! This exciting new CD released on Daywind Records features Lowry’s signature style and incredible vocal ability. Life and love are central to this uplifting collection of “message music.” Nine of the eleven songs were co-written by Reba Rambo McGuire and Dony McGuire. Lowry, with the McGuires, co-wrote: “What’s Not To Love?,” “I Know When I’m Hearing From Home,” “Mam Prayed,” and “Only Jesus.” Chip Davis and the McGuires wrote “Why Don’t We Sit And Talk?,” “Love Is The Golden Rule,” “No Room For Hate,” and “So You’ll Know How To Pray.” Jimmy Yeary joined the McGuires to pen “Feels Like I’m Already There,” while Davis, Kim Williams and Billy Davis wrote “What If He Meant What He Said?” Rounding out the impressive songwriter list is Linda Gibson-Johnson, who penned the lyric to “Didn’t I Walk On The Water?”
Lowry’s energy is unleashed on the mid-tempo groove “Why Don’t We Sit And Talk?” reminds us that you are redeemed in the Lord. Some preachers only talk about the wrath, but hardly speak on the joy and redemption that the Lord brings. It’s the Goodness of Lord that makes the sinner want to shout for joy! Next, the title track asks a simple question: What’s not to love about Jesus? Backed by the smooth harmonies of the Gaither Vocal Band, Lowry’s signature baritone shines on this joyful song of praise. The Savior took my place! My sins have been erased and I have been forgiven! What’s not to love?! “I Know When I’m Hearing From Home,” is a beautiful ballad that talks about the sweetest feeling you could ever know: feeling the presence of the Lord. Lowry’s warm, tender vocals shine on this moving lyric. “Love Is The Golden Rule,” is a song that we all need to hear in today’s world. This mid-tempo anthem simply says: We must find a way to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Love is the Golden Rule. In this time of violence and hate, we must stand for what is right and come together as one. The world is in a shake up. It is time that we wake up and spread Christ to all nations!! Next, continuing this theme, the groovy “No Room For Hate,” simply proclaims: Love is the only answer for the problems of this world. There is no room for hate!!! Lowry is backed by uncredited quartet which most certainly includes Gene McDonald’s smooth bass vocals. Next, “What If He Meant What He Said?” is tender, introspective ballad that talks about forgiveness and selflessness. Christ lived forgiveness, mercy and grace. This song asks, “What if He meant the things that He said?” He meant everything He said. Love your neighbor. Love your enemy. Turn the other cheek. It is there written in red. He meant it all!! “So You’ll Know How To Pray,” showcases Lowry’s beloved energetic style with a Dixieland groove. This fun song simply encourages people to pray for your neighbors. “Mama Prayed,” is a country styled track that is deeply personal to Lowry. In this mid-tempo track, Lowry talks about his late mother’s faithful prayers. This song is a great tribute to a special woman of faith. “Feels Like I’m Already There,” is a tender, bluegrass style ballad that is prayer in song. This lyric says: “I don’t understand you ways, so help me trust in you. I can’t do this on my own. I know you won’t give me more then I can bear.” Sometimes it feels like I’m already there. Next, “Didn’t I Walk On The Water?” reminds us that Christ will always be there for us no matter what the circumstance. This song from His perspective says, “Didn’t I walk on the water?.... Didn’t I run to your rescue?” “Didn’t I leave all of Heaven, just to die for your sin?” Lowry brings it home with the powerful ballad “Only Jesus” that simply says: Only Jesus can save, only He can heal, only Jesus is Love and Life Everlasting. This incredible record closes with a reprise of the title track.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
MARK LOWRY IS ONE OF GOSPEL MUSIC’S MOST BELOVED VOCALISTS. HIS ABILITY TO CONVEY A LYRIC WITH HEART AND CONVICTION IS ON FULL DISPLAY HERE WITH WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE? LOWRY’S VOCALS ARE TOP NOTCH AS USUAL AND FIT PERFECTLY WITH THESE INCREDIBLE SONGS. THIS CD IS A WELCOME ONE IN THIS TIME OF DARKNESS. THE OVERWHELMING MESSAGE OF THIS RECORDING IS THAT GOD’S LOVE IS THE ANSWER!! ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE. ONLY HE CAN HEAL THIS SICK WORLD. JESUS IS LIFE AND LOVE. LOVE IS THE GOLDEN RULE. WHAT IF WE COULD LEARN TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER INSTEAD OF BEING SELFISH AND HATEFUL TO OTHERS SIMPLY BECAUSE WE DON’T AGREE ON SOMETHING. WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD AND MUST START TREATING EACH OTHER THAT WAY. THERE IS NO ROOM FOR HATE SO LET US SPREAD THE LOVE OF JESUS AND PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!
GO OUT AND GET THIS CD ASAP!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.marklowry.com