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Nov

2004

Mark Lowry - Mary Did You Know?

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RATING:

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

i never heard mark lowry's christmas project but i have seen him sing and do mary did you know?on the gaither's christmas homecoming having a background vocal singer with him but that song is an awesome song becuase it really does ahve a good christmas story message.merry christmas and god bless to all southern gospel music fans.and to those who love gospel msuic and serve the lord

Commented by On 12/07/2004

I haven't heard this CD.. but if it's Christmnas music.. I would probably give it 1 star.

Chuck
http://www.sglive365.com

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Commented by Chuck ** On 12/14/2004

Chuck...ya old scrooge! LOL

Commented by ** On 12/14/2004

I haven't heard this project, but as (practically) the only staff reviewer not to have made a comment, I wanted to chime in. I agree with David. I don't know why, I just feel sorry that all the other staff is piling on him. Not that he needs my help or anything, I just don't like seeing everybody pick on one guy. So, DBM, I've got your back on this one.

Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind once I hear the CD!!

Scot Eaves

Commented by ** On 12/22/2004

Scot,

It's not his back that he needs help with, it's his EARS.... LOL

Deon

Commented by On 12/23/2004

Deon's rating: 5 stars = "A true masterpiece. A must buy for any fan.
My rating: 3 1/2 stars = "A great effort. Solid piece of work."

This is not a "must buy for any fan." If it were, it would be universally acclaimed at this point (Dec. 24). Other ears have heard it by now. :o)

I'm content to stick with my initial rating. The description for 3 1/2 stars accurately reflects the actually quality of this CD . . . great effort, solid work.

Commented by David Bruce Murray On 12/24/2004

OK, it is after Christrmas so I will be putting up my Mark Lowry Christmas CD. I will however be getting it out next year on the day after Thanksgiving to listen to again for the Christmas season.
Just for the record, there are several 5 star recordings that have been reviewed by David and myself that are still setting on the shelf waiting to be purchased and for others to acclaim. I stand by my rating of 5 stars for this one. It is an exceptional Christmas recording.

Commented by On 12/27/2004

Does anyone else find it strange that a reviewer for this web site gives his review and then gets ripped for it. By the other reviewers no less. If you don't like the way he does reviews perhaps you should assign them to someone else. Am I missing something or does this seem somewhat cannibalistic?

Commented by On 01/06/2005

Actually Kevin, you won't find it strange at all to see other reviewers disagree with a different reviewer here. We are very open to everyone expressing their opinion.

BTW, David didn't get ripped for it. It always amazes me how people equate disagreement with being "ripped".

Commented by On 01/06/2005

Exactly Chris. I have disagreed with other reviews and vice versa. It's called an "opinion", and this site allows for differing opinions, even by its own staff members. What a concept! LOL!

Commented by ** On 01/06/2005

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