CD Reviews

Mark Bishop - Everyday

Producer: Jeff Collins/Mark Bishop
Label: Sonlite Records
Website: www.markbishopmusic.com

Since the retirement of the Bishops nearly 5 years ago, Mark Bishop has enjoyed much success. Coming off the heels of his last release, "There is Love . . . Then There is His Love", Mark continues to make great strides as a soloist and songwriter. Though it is the opinion of this writer that the aforementioned recording, as well as "Can I Pray for You" will go down as two of his greatest recorded works, "Everyday" is still an exceptional effort.

In Mark's signature storytelling manner, the recording starts off with the touching story, "I DON'T BELIEVE IT" before moving on to another story titled, "IT ALL WORKS OUT". Both songs have strong messages about faith in God, faith in what He can do and that He will take care of His own.

Mark and Lauren Talley turn in a spectacular duet on the inspirational sounding, "WITH ME ALWAYS" before the pace finally picks up for "REMEMBER WHO HE IS, REMEMBER WHAT HE DOES". This is one of those tunes that will stick with you long after the song is over.

"LET JESUS IN" is a story in song about someone full of conviction that eventually came to a saving knowledge of Christ. The song ends with an invitation to everyone to "Let Jesus in . . . He'll be your Savior, He'll be your friend . . . He'll wash away all your guilt and your sin . . . just open the door and let Jesus in."

With its strong patriotic overtones, "LET THE ANGELS TAKE THE FALLEN" doesn't end without bringing it back to a more spiritual theme as the final chorus rings out, "Let the angels take the fallen . . . take the Son back to the Father, He's the One who died for all." This song is a bit of a departure from Mark's normal writings, but it's still a good song.

Taking a contemporary look at the wise men searching for Jesus, "I'M LOOKING FOR JESUS" ends with the thought that everyone, whether they know it or not, are looking for Jesus and the peace that only He can give.

Mark has always written songs about "the old days" and "THE CHURCH HOMECOMING" reminds us of days gone by when we had all day singing and dinner on the ground at church. The song will no doubt bring a smile to your face as you sing along about the old days. Speaking of which, Mark brings back one of his early tunes originally recorded by the Bishops in 1990 called "MIRACLE ROSE", and it was great hearing the song renewed before Mark closes with a honest song in prayer titled, "LORD GO WITH ME". For those who suddenly find themselves facing insurmountable circumstances, the chorus rings out their hearts cry . . . "this must be that valley that they sing about . . . this must be that problem I won't figure out . . . this must be that mountain I can't climb if I'm alone . . . Lord you must go with me, I can't make it on my own . . . Lord go with me."

Mark has always been an extraordinary songwriter who writes from a totally different slant than most, and it has worked very well for him. I thought this was an excellent piece of work all the way around. I wouldn't consider it his absolute best, as I consider his previous two recordings as the best thus far, but this is definitely a keeper and will no doubt yield many favorites and chart topping singles. Mark's true fans, like myself, will undoubtedly be very pleased!

Personal Favs:IT ALL WORKS OUT; WITH ME ALWAYS; REMEMBER WHO HE IS, REMEMBER WHAT HE DOES; LET JESUS IN; THE CHURCH HOMECOMING; MIRACLE ROSE; LORD GO WITH ME