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.
Author: David Bruce Murray
| Author's Website: http://www.musicscribe.com
Written: 11/30/2004
| 
Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 34
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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!! 
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.
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
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.
I have not listened to the CD and cannot comment on its' quality. I agree with David that if an artists puts out a CD -- and not just for Christmas -- that the project should set the artist apart from other artists. It should be unique.
David,
I dont think I ever said that the BGV's from Lordsong made the song "Hallelujah" I was simply making the comment that they participated on the cut. I did say it was a very powerful song, powerful relating to the message in the song not vocals. Dont get discouraged David, I'm sure you'll get review right somewhere down the road, but you were way off on this one. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Singer 57, fair enough. I was expecting some disagreement about my conclusion, but not the implication that I didn't even bother to listen to part of the CD.
By the way, you might want to check out this review and see if you think I got it right.
http://www.musicscribe.com/rev101.html
Deon, I didn't get your email about tag teaming this CD review.
Yeah, I figured you didn't get it. I think I must have hit the delete button instead of send. I wasn't trying to say that you should have gotten it, I was trying to say that I didn't send it. Again, I failed in my intentions... LOL
I should have followed up on the E-mail I thought I had sent.
Maybe when reviewers arent really happy with the projects or formatted CDs to review,they should pass them on over.Maybe another person at the website could have appreciated Christmas music and given the project a better rating.How dare you give mark Lowery a 3 
I have to say, you are always fair and honest with your views.I just agree with the Unthanks on this one.
Dale
I haven't heard the CD either...but I will agree that the effort one puts in a regular mainstream recording, should also be put into a Christmas CD. It should not be second rate, as a lot of Christmas recordings are.
James, get the recording and listen to it. There was no slack of effort on this recording. There was a different effort put into this recording, much as a different effort would be put into a childrens recording. This is a Christmas recording, and done the way a Christmas recording should be done (IMHO). It has some fun light, cheery songs, some warm loving songs on it as well as some worshipful songs on it. You can tell be listening that great effort was put into this recording. It is one that I will listen to for years to come.
Dale,
We could limit our reviews to the CDs we really like, but then our review section would be pretty boring . . . nothing but a string of "highly recommended" CDs. Some sites and publications take that approach.
I'd much rather read a review that points out both the pros and the cons, personally, because then I can form my own opinion about whether or not I'd like to buy the CD for myself.
David,
You are so correct. Anyone has every right to disagree with a review, but we will not restrict our reviewers to only reviewing CDs that they like. Mark Lowry is a big boy, and he can take whatever any reviewer wants to say. The same should be for anyone who sends in a CD for review.
It should be clear that we don't have a problem disagreeing with our own reviewers, as well as our reviewers disagreeing with our reviews from time to time.
I have listened to the CD and think its a Great. Everything I would expect from Mark Lowry.
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
I haven't heard this CD.. but if it's Christmnas music.. I would probably give it 1 star.
Chuck
http://www.sglive365.com
Chuck...ya old scrooge! LOL
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
Scot,
It's not his back that he needs help with, it's his EARS.... LOL
Deon
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.
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.
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?
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".
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!
Chris, ripped was probably to strong, so I take it back. James, I understand differing opinions and strong ones. I've been known to have both. Like my previous post for instance. I just thought David was giving the "official" review for SOGOSPELNEWS.com and it struck me odd that other SOGOSPELNEWS reviewers would then appear to take it apart. That's all I'm saying.
Perhaps I'm just the odd one and don't understand how the web site works. No offense meant.
Well I guess you could say that it is the "official" review, but that doesn't mean the other reviewers won't agree or disagree. We don't all sit around and discuss ratings and reviews.
Yes we do...but only when we disagree! 
Kevin, the reviews are assigned to and/or requested by the reviewers in advance. However, we don't form any sort of "official" group opinion in advance. When you see my name on an article, I'm expressing my own thoughts . . . not speaking for the staff.
By doing this, each CD reviewer develops their own personality. If you find yourself disagreeing with me on an ongoing basis, you can read my reviews and make buying decisions accordingly. Same thing if you generally agree with me. The real point of a review, IMO, is to help the reader decide whether they'd want to purchase the product. If you can get that information from my review, I'm happy, whether we actually agree about the product's quality or not.
Besides, the more the other reviewers rip into me now, the more I get to rip into them later! Heh heh. ;o)
Anyway . . . that's how it works.
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