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Mark Lowry - Mary Did You Know?

Label: Gaither Music Group
Producers: Michael Sykes and Michael English
Songs: "Christmas Medley" (includes "Deck The Halls," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "Frosty The Snowman," "Up On The Housetop," and "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas"), "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer," "Jingle Bell Rock," "The Christmas Song," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "Let There Be Peace On Earth," "How Did We Live Before Christmas?," "Manger Medley" (includes "Away In A Manger," "Silent Night, Holy Night," and "O Come, All Ye Faithful"), "Mary, Did You Know?," and "Hallelujah"

Mary, Did You Know? features Mark Lowry singing a collection of Chrismas classics. He has opted for a combined secular and sacred approach with the first half featuring songs like "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "The Christmas Song." The opening "Christmas Medley" is mostly instrumental with Lowry entering at the end to sing "Holly Jolly Christmas." Tracks like "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "Jingle Bell Rock" are about what you'd expect, but Lowry seems to be holding back a bit with his signature comedic vocal flair.

After Santa reaches town, "Let There Be Peace On Earth" begins the transition to more serious fare. The track that follows is "How Did We Live Before Christmas?," a spoken narrative written by Lowry and the only new selection on the CD. It begins by reflecting on modern Christmas trends and comparing them to the period of history before Christ's birth. In the end, Lowry concludes "Christmas isn't gifts and toys or waiting on St. Nicholas. Christmas is a Savior's birth." Such sentiments, while very true, would be much more convincing if they didn't follow a series Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty songs.

On the other end of the spectrum, Lowry turns in an expressive vocal performance on "Let There Be Peace On Earth" and some tender moments on "Away In A Manger" that are over too soon. "Mary, Did You Know?" doesn't quite attain the moving emotional intensity found in previous versions of this song recorded by Lowry. The version he recorded on Still The Greatest Story Ever Told with the Gaither Vocal Band is still his personal best.

The grand scope of Christmas can't effectively be covered on one CD. Mary, Did You Know? tries, but it's very difficult to segue from visions of sugar plums to the manger scene. Also, too many cover tunes gives the project a rather generic flavor.

Now don't go away from this review thinking I'm saying this is a bad CD. I've been spoiled in the past by the creativity of Mark Lowry, so I naturally expected more from this release. It could have been better, but it certainly isn't bad. The music quality in particular is top notch with original orchestrations from Steve Mauldin and Dave Maddux. Gordon Mote assisted with arranging and plays some slick piano lines. The production team of Michaels (Sykes and English) consistently solicits the expertise of outstanding musicians and background vocalists.

There's nothing really unique about this CD to attract new fans, but existing Mark Lowry fans will want to consider purchasing Mary, Did You Know? I saw a Gaither ad offering this CD, a Homecoming Christmas title, and the new Signature Sound Christmas project for $44.95. Individually, it's listed at a $17.95 MSRP, which is a bit pricey compared to projects of similar quality. Maybe you can find it on sale.

Reader Comments

   (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 12/01/2004

I found it kinda strange that you didnt even mention the best song on the entire project " Hallelujah" I dont think I've heard anybody that has bought this CD not make a comment about this song and how powerful it is and you seemed to just look right over it, maybe you didnt make to the last song HUMM? With background vocals by Amber Franks and Kim Lord of Lordsong this song is without a doubt the best song on the project. Maybe you need to slip it back in the player and catch the last song.

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   David Bruce Murray ~ 12/01/2004

Your speculation that I only listened to part of the CD is wrong. I do think "Hallelujah" is a good cut, but it's interesting you think it's the best due to the BGVs.

I thought "Let There Be Peace On Earth" was Lowry's best vocal performance, so that's one I emphasized in the review as being very expressive.

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   (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 12/01/2004

Wow, only 3 1/2 stars? This is a great CD. It really captures the fun and the spirit of Christmas. The variety of songs is more than interesting and Mark's performance is alomost flawless. I must admit that I didn't understand the long medley of instrumentals without Mark singing, but even that was excellent music. I think this is going to be the second CD that David and I disagree vividly. I would have given this CD 4 1/2 or 5 stars.
I do agree with David about the old Imperials cut of "Let There Be Peace On Earth". I didn't think anyone but the Imperials could ever do that song, but Mark does a fantastic job on it. it's probably my favorite on the CD.

Deon

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   (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 12/01/2004

I have to strongly disagree with David's review. This is a top notch album, one sure to be a favorite for years to come.

I agree that "Hallelujah" was the highlight of the disc, whether or not the girls from LordSong did BGVs. It's just plain the best song on the disc.

After reading your blog David, I get the impression that you're not much of a fan of Christmas music. Those of us that are really appreciate traditional approaches to Christmas music, and this album is a great one.

I would definitely have given this album 4 1/2 stars. Top notch.

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   (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 12/01/2004

I have to agree with David on this one. It's a good CD, but not a great one. Compared to other Mark Lowry projects, I would certainly rate this one at the bottom of the heap. 3 1/2 stars was a good call on David's part. I would have given 3 stars.

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   David Bruce Murray ~ 12/01/2004

Note to self: In December 2014, ask Chris and Deon how many times they've listened to their Mark Lowry Christmas CD. :o)

Actually, I love Christmas music as long as the artist brings something fresh to the table. I start working with my Adult Choir on a Christmas cantata every September, so I get a pretty good dose of Christmas music four months of the year. I see why you might have got your impression from one of my blog entries, Chris, but it's not the case.

When it comes to Christmas music, most artists prefer to be traditional and unfortunately, also derivitive. I have nothing against being traditional, but I dislike music that fails to set the artist apart from other artists.

One of my favorite Christmas CDs is a very traditional collection by Russ Taff, but that's because Taff put his own unique mark on each song. He gave the CD an overall concept with his vocals and the production work of James Hoolihan.

Another recording I've been playing for the last couple of weeks is Handel's Young Messiah. Very traditional material, but they gave it a bit of a modern twist (for that time, anyway).

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   SouthernGospelNews ~ 12/01/2004

David,

I hate that the entire Unthank clan disagrees with you, but we loved this CD and we loved the tradition of Christmas which includes singing the same songs each year the same way. We also like the innovative songs as well. Which was why we liked this CD, it had both!!

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   (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 12/01/2004

Sorry, David...I respect your reviewing abilities, but I have to agree with the Unthanks on this one and disagree with your rating. I too reviewed this album for a public website and I stand by my 5 star rating.

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   (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 12/01/2004

Don't know about Chris, but I only listened to it six times. I thought that would be enough to review it. In fact I thought that I had sent you an E-mail asking us to tag team this CD, but when I checked all of my back E-mails, I must have clicked the wrong button when I thought I sending it to you, because I can't find it being sent to you at all.
I wasn't expecting anything heavy for a Christmas CD. This CD was what Christmas CDs are about. Good variety, fun, and worshipful.
I can't believe that Russ Taff is your favorite Christmas CD. I was just listening to it and was amazed at how sloppy some of the diction isn and even how pitchy he is on some notes. You better get out those studio monitors and listen to that CD again. LOL

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   (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 12/01/2004

Ooops, Susan pointed out that I misundertood what you were saying. Well, as a matter of fact. I do listen to most all of my Christmas CDs every year, as I take them to work with me and listen to them as I work. So the Mark Lowry CD will be listened to a lot.

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