Mike Bowling. That name has been synonymous with strong songs, a Hinson-like vocal style, and one of the strongest solo ministries in recent years. Kelly Bowling. That name is associated with the lady who stood next to Jason Crabb for years and could hold her own there as well. After the Crabb Family separated last year, Mike & Kelly entered their new chapter in ministry together - and it couldn't sound any better.
Mike & Kelly are joined by Jeff Snyder on their debut recording Faith to Believe. Mike produced all but one track on the album, and you can tell right off the bat that this is a musical match made in heaven. Mike's traditional country style is found on cuts like "I've Never Walk Alone" and "The Only One". He even goes for a bluesy sound on "Notified" and traditional Southern on "I Never Shall Forget the Day". Kelly's influences are abundant as well - especially on the sweet sounding "A Miracle Today", Gospel-tinged "It's Alright", and Crabb Family-esque "God's Not Through With You." Jeff Snyder proves a worthy vocalist on "Oh How Sweet Is the Victory" - and clocking in at just under two and half minutes - proves to be one of the strongest cuts on the disc with it's up-tempo country sound. Jeff also pulls out a fantastic vocal on the beautiful "Keep Breathing".
Lyrically - you won't find much that goes outside of what Mike & Kelly have been singing about all these years. Songs like "Your Cries Have Awoken the Master", "We Have a Savior", "A Miracle Today", and "God's Not Through With You" speak right to the need of the listener and shows the true heart of Mike & Kelly Bowling. Also - with songs being written by such greats as Sue C. Smith, Becky & Sonya Isaacs, Marcia Henry, Ronnie Hinson, Chad Cates, Carroll McGruder, Mike & Kelly, and more - the songs are bound to be ministry oriented.
Faith to Believe is a fantastic introduction to the ministry of Mike & Kelly Bowling. Their progressive-meets-country sound is right at the center of where Southern Gospel music has been heading over the last couple of years - and the group performs it flawlessly. There's not one mis-step on this recording. But with two veterans and one musically savvy newcomer on board - did we expect otherwise? Faith to Believe is hands down the best recording of the year.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 09/01/2008
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 13
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The best recording of the year? It is good, I agree, but that's a pretty big statement! I enjoyed the CD, but really did not find it terribly different from or better than other Mike Bowling projects in the past.
I agree...I wouldn't say it was the BEST recording of the year, but I can't find fault with the 5 star rating either, because it's truly is a great recording; MUCH better than the Mike Bowling Group "Graceland". This new release sounds more true to who Mike & Kelly are, musically. If the Original Hinsons were still around today, I can definitely see them releasing something exactly like "Faith to Believe."
The only song I really just cannot get into is their rendition of "We Have a Savior". After hearing Priscilla McGruder sing the song, no one else has been able to touch it in my book. I don't know if it's the style or what, but I just can't get into M&KB;'s version. I just hit the skip button when it comes to the song.
Otherwise, this is an exeptional piece of work. Though I wouldn't call the BEST of 2008, it definitely is one of them!
I undeniably stand by my statement. It's the only CD I've heard this year where every song is a winner - yes - that includes "We Have a Saviour". 
We need to write a song to the tune of "Stand By My Man" and title it "Stand by my Reviews"! LOL!
Well we can all agree to disagree right?!
James, what has your favorite cd been so far this year?
Mine has been Kim Hopper's solo project...much better than her first IMO!
There are two that I would rank as the best of 2008 so far this year:
Dove Brothers Quartet - Life
Gold City - Moment of Truth
Though I agree, Kim's new solo release is the best of the two ahe has released. I have been a fan of Kim since her days with the Greenes. Her new release is awesome.
I wouldn't call it the best CD of the year, but that's at least partly due to when it was originally released (2007). :o)
“Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more.”—-Mark Twain
By the way, I think the best two CDs so far this year are Kim Hopper's and _When God Ran_ by the Kingsmen.
If forced to pick just one, I'd go with Kim Hopper's.
“Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more.”—-Mark Twain
Actually - the new CD never saw it's release in 2007 like originally planned.
I liked the Kim Hopper CD - but I don't think it's the year's best by any stretch. Isn't it great that we can think so differently?
So far, my favorite has been Gold City's newest, but I have not heard all the new stuff I picked up at NQC....
So far, Gold City's newest is my favorite, but I haven't heard all the stuff I bought at NQC.....
oops.... I wondered why it didn't show up.... it went to the 2nd page. my bad.
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