Producer: Jeff Collins/Mark Bishop
Label: Sonlite Records
Website: www.markbishopmusic.com
There is music…then there is Mark Bishop Music! I have said it before and I'll say it again…Mark Bishop has the uncanny ability to stir our hearts with his songs and he has the vocals by which to sing those songs with such feeling and emotion. I call Mark Bishop the “James Taylor of Southern Gospel.” Mark is one of the most unique songwriters in this industry. He can weave a story in song better than any other writer I know. This is by far, his greatest works ever.
The recording starts with the medium tempo “BRING LAZARUS BACK” , which offers some profound insight into the story of Lazarus. I love the musical dynamics of the song, and find it very captivating. Things get thrown into high gear with the extraordinary song entitled, “I SAW GOD IN A VISION”, which is the story of Jonah written from an interesting perspective. In an almost comical light, the song ends with some useful advice for those who choose not to follow God's voice …”don't go near the water!”
The title song, “THERE IS LOVE (THEN THERE IS HIS LOVE)” is a wonderful song comparing the love only we can comprehend here in this life, to that of the wonderful love of Christ.
The medium tempo, feel good song “DON'T LET THIS WORLD GET YOU DOWN”, which sounds amazingly similar to something James Taylor would sing, leads very well into the infectious, “I'M GONNA MAKE IT IF I CAN”. Be careful, this song won't leave your head after hearing it and you'll be singing it long after the song is over!
“JESUS IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART”, offers up something very different for Mark musically. Teetering on the line of Southern Gospel and Inspirational, Mark does very well expanding his musical horizons, while staying true to the music that is distinctively Mark Bishop. Cool background vocals too!
Mark went back and re-recorded what is possibly his best known song, “YOU CAN'T ASK TOO MUCH OF MY GOD” and the song still is a joy to hear, even after almost 10 years since it first hit radio.
The soft tones of “JESUS LISTENS” gives us the assurance that “Jesus listens when no one seems to care…when your troubles are more that you can bare…Jesus listens…He's listening right now.” “WHERE I KNELT DOWN” follows up with its medium tempo and mellow sounds reminding us how precious an altar of prayer is.
No Southern Gospel recording would complete without a good power ballad, and “ON THAT GREAT DAY” is the grand finale' for this recording. Well, not actually because keep listening because Mark provides one of his profound novelty tunes entitled, “A SONG ABOUT NOTHING” and the recording leaves you with a smile.
I said in my review of Mark's last recording, “Can I Pray for You?” that it could be the recording whereby all other Mark Bishop recordings would be measured by. I take that back, THIS is the recording whereby all other Mark Bishop recordings will be measured by! Granted, I will say that “Pray…” is probably my personal favorite recording of Mark's, but musically, vocally, lyrically and all things recordingly (I made that word up), this is the best recording Mark has ever done.
Personal Favs: BRING LAZARUS BACK; I SAW GOD IN A VISION; DON'T LET THIS WORLD GET YOU DOWN; I'M GONNA MAKE IT IF I CAN; JESUS IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART; WHERE I KNELT DOWN
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/31/2005
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Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 5
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Mark, once again the Lord has truly done His work through you. What an amazing gift He has given you - thank you for using it for His glory, and for our enrichment. May God keep you safe as you continue to minister for Him.
The Bryants
I've had the pleasure and honor of being Mark's radio promoter since "Great Things" - the Bishop's first Crossroads release. Promoting his songs up the chart is kinda' like rolling tires downhill - ain't much work to it! Even before Mark came to Crossroads, I was aware of and admired his prowess with the songwriting pen. What a talent the laid-back gentleman from Kentucky has been given. We're blessed to have him here and love him to death!
One of the best recordings I've ever heard. The writing on this album blew me away. Great Job Mark!
I absolutely loved the song Bring Lazarus Back. I never even thought of it from that perspective. It really makes you think. My husband loves the song Son of a carpenter.
My daughter gave me the CD "The Bishops Stories" for CHristmas. It's a great CD, but I especially like the song "Perfectly Honest". How or where can I purchase the music to that song? I play the piano, and would love to have the music. That song really speaks to my heart.
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