Mark Lowry - Some Things Never Change, CD Review

Nov

2003

Mark Lowry - Some Things Never Change

Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites

Label: Gaither Music Group
Website: [url=http://www.marklowry.com]http://www.marklowry.com[/url]
Producers: Michael Sykes and Michael English
Song Titles: “All That Matters To The Lord,” “Some Things Never Change,” “I Call Him Lord,” “Jesus Laughing,” “God Doesn’t Know,” “I Wanna Go To Heaven,” “Too Big To Miss,” “I’ll Trade The Old Cross For A Crown,” “He’s There,” “Isn’t It Amazing,” and “Make It Real”

Mark Lowry is well known for his comedy videos and the 13 year stint he pulled as baritone for the Gaither Vocal Band. Lowry shows more of his serious side than typical comedians, though, and over the years he’s proven himself to be gifted in the realm of more subtle communication through song. Consider “Mary, Did You Know?” It was written and recorded by Lowry with the Vocal Band, and aside from Michael English‘s original version, I find Lowry’s to be the most compelling rendition I’ve heard of that song . . . that’s not a mild compliment, considering that since English’s version came out that song has been recorded by just about everyone and their brother.

Some Things Never Change gives us a chance to see more of this side of Lowry. It’s essentially a follow up to his 1998 vocal solo release But Seriously. 11 tunes are included, and most are new tunes. Lowry reaches back for a few re-makes. One is Dottie Rambo‘s “I Call Him Lord,” first published in 1975. Another is “Make It Real,” written by Suzanne Jennings and originally recorded by Lowry with the Gaither Vocal Band on their I Do Believe release. Speaking of the Vocal Band, a third re-make features an almost reunion of their early 1990s line-up. Michael English and Bill Gaither join Lowry for a modern quartet version of “I’ll Trade The Old Cross For A Crown.” I call it an “almost” reunion because Reggie Smith provides the tenor part in lieu of Jim Murray or Terry Franklin. English and Smith get some exposed solo lines, too. It’s not just backup singing for Lowry.

One of the more introspective numbers on Some Things Never Change is “God Doesn’t Know,” which Lowry co-wrote with Bruce Carroll. The message is summed up in the line “God doesn’t know a sinner He can’t love.” “Isn’t It Amazing” is in a similar serious vein . . . written by Geron Davis. This is an inspirational number about the incredible sacrifice God made for us. Lowry is backed by a choir of background vocals.

Comedy isn’t missing from this recording, though. Two novelty tunes are smack dab in the center of this CD. The first is a multi-dimensionally interesting tune called “I Wanna Go To Heaven.” It’s interesting on a production/performance level, because Lowry sings all four parts of a quartet arrangement. On a lighter level, lines like “if the golden streets were stainless steel, if the gates of pearl had a plastic feel, if the marriage supper was a happy meal” etc., will have you chuckling. The other novelty number is a Ray Stevens style “talk your way through” tune called “Too Big To Miss.” The Old Testament story of David and Goliath is viewed with Lowry’s unique perspective. He originally wrote the lyrics in 1984, and comments in the CD liner notes that with this song “rap was born . . .sorta.”

Liner notes aren’t mentioned often in CD reviews, but Lowry includes a thought provoking paragraph about the guy who took out the trash at the recording studio while he was doing these sessions . . . well worth reading if it makes you think twice about how you treat people you meet in life. Also, while we’re on the topic of liner notes, Lowry writes a sentence or two describing some background element or motivation for each song on the CD . . . interesting reading if you’re curious about that type of thing.

Excellent production and a broad palette of musical styles makes Some Things Never Change a great product. It’s a step up for Lowry in craft compared to But Seriously. Despite being a new recording, “Make It Real” may be viewed as redundant from the previous version. That’s a minor issue considering that you get 10 other tunes that haven’t seen the same degree of exposure, though. This CD earns 4 1/2 stars easily.

Reader Comments

:thumbsup: I give this album a thumbs up! I love the song "I wanna go to Heaven" It's all the Mark anyone could ever want... :rolleyes: I was pleasantly suprised when I heard the song called "too big to miss" I thought oh no.. he is after us pleasantly plump folk BUT NO its a song about Big ole Goliath.. The only thing missing is another solo with his momma.. Great Album Definetely a must get!!! DJDEB

Commented by djdebsing On 11/22/2003

I really love and appreicate Marks ministry, however seeing that Michael English has his hands in this it will be a long time before i consider supporting this project. It is my personal belief that a christian should use other christians who have a good testimony.
Sorry Mark :(

Commented by On 11/25/2003

Mr. Kozlowski, it's also my beleif that we as Christians should forgive people as Christ did and pray for their full restoration, not turn our backs on them. I thank God that Mark has been there to help and support Mike English and hold him accountable as a true brother in Christ should do. I also hope if you are ever put in a position of needing forgiveness for making a mistake that your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are more forgiving and supportive than yourself.

Commented by Terry Franks On 11/25/2003

Mr Franks; The issue here isnt forgiveness...its about proving ones self. Michael not only committed adultry but he became an illegal drug additc all while putting on a front that all was well between him and God and that is sin and that is wrong and he needs to prove himself.
I do admit that you have a good point about Mark being a help and support and admit that you are correct about that. We all need that.

Commented by On 11/25/2003

Mr. Kozlowski,

How do you expect Michael to "prove" himself if people have that attitude that you have...that him and anything he is part of is not worthy. You arent even giving him a chance. And further more, if you require more from Michael than God does, then that is another issue entirely. Bless you Mark, for you talent and your friendship to your brother.

Commented by On 11/26/2003

Well I belive it's like this. God can and will use the voice of whomever is singing the song whether they are a Christian or not. The lyrics are what is important. If that person is a Christain or not, it's not for us to decide. Now is it!!!
There is nothing to prove we're not to worry about that. Let God take care of His bussiness. Mark, Great job on your new album.

Commented by On 11/26/2003

:offtopic: GREAT JOB MARK!!

Commented by On 11/26/2003

"I'm not gonna support Mark, because Mark is friends with Michael . . . "

Yeah, I've heard stuff like that before . . . it's been a while, though . . . I think the last time was when I was a third grader.

One thing is for sure. In spite of being famous for his silliness, Mark Lowry is one of the most mature minded human beings in the public eye . . . he's never come across as one who turns his back on his friends when they're down in the dumps of sin. We've all been there, and we've all had it happen to us. Thank God for friends who look past our weaknesses and still love us.

Commented by On 11/26/2003

Well said David!!

Commented by On 11/26/2003

Mark K....I cannot believe you actually wrote that. I suppose you know Michael on a personal basis? I suppose you know how he , after his perscription drug problem, put himself under the guidance and authority of some respected ministers for counseling? I suppose you know how he at a personal financial loss left Pop music to concentrate on Gospel? I suppose you know that Michael is traveling this country singing and proclaiming the redemption and mercy God has shown to him? I suppose you know that people by the hundreds are moved and encouraged and inspired by Michael's testimony of God's forgiveness? My goodness with friends like you , who needs enemies? Have you ever read who Jesus associated with...why? Because he FORGAVE them. I am absolutely amazed at the lack of biblical understanding and mercy in the Church today. Michael's track record for the last few years has been one of a man who has renewed his love for the Lord and recieved His forgiveness. That testimony will reach more people than your piety ever will.
Thank goodness not everyone has this attitude , or this world would bever see a Christlike example.

Commented by Mark Forester On 11/26/2003

Page 3 of 6 Comment Pages « First < 1 2 3 4 5 > Last »

Add Comments

If you are seeing this form you are not a Member or have not logged in. Why not consider becoming a Member? All comments must be made with a valid email address. Comments with invalid email addresses are subject to removal.

Membership allows you to have a prepared signature of your choice applied to every comment you make, as well as the ability to choose an avatar to display next to your name to help identify your posts. Members are also given opportunity to vote weekly in our Weekly Chart as well as special Members Only contests, polls and giveaways during the year. If you are already a member, login here, otherwise please register here.

**Note: Forums membership is a seperate membership.

By posting you agree to our Comments Policy

Name:
Email:
Location:
URL:
Comment:
	Remember my personal information
	Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please enter the word you see in the image below: