Mike Bowling Group - Graceland, CD Review

Jul

2006

Mike Bowling Group - Graceland

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[16] Comments

Label: Daywind
Website: http://www.mikebowlinggroup.com

If you haven't seen an ad for the new Mike Bowling Group recording - you're probably living under a rock somewhere. The ads tote the slogan - "one of the most anticipated debut releases in Southern Gospel history." That's a pretty hefty slogan to live up to. I mean - Mike Bowling is no stranger to Southern Gospel, having had an extremely successful run as both a soloist and as a member of groups like the Perrys, New Hinsons, and LeFevres. But can even the multi-talented Mike Bowling live up to the expectations that his ad campaign have set for the release of his newly formed group's debut album - Graceland.

The answer is a resounding "YES!" Joined by his brother, Jeff, sister-in-law Kim, and cousin Karen, Mike's group has the making to be Southern Gospel's next great artist. The group's debut - Graceland - is a collection of songs that entertain, minister, and everything in between.

The album kicks off with the progressive-country flavored "Mercy & Grace" and shows that the group has all the right stuff. The traditional Southern flavored "There's Power In the Name of Jesus" is a bonafide radio hit in the making and probably is a hit with crowds in concert settings. The first single "Graceland" (featuring the Jordanaires) is a sizzling summertime tune just waiting to be cranked up in the car with the windows rolled down. "It Aint' Over When It's Over" has a catchy lyrical hook and an equally memorable melody line that is a highlight of this already strong collection of songs - recalling a slight old-school Crabb Family feel. "Table In the Wilderness" is about as "Mike Bowling" as you can get with it's strong Hinson influence and unequalled vocal delivery by the group.

Karen shows up on the Freeman-sounding "His Grace Is Sufficient", and it makes the listener wonder where this girl has been hiding all these years. Jeff Bowling gives what is possibly his strongest vocal to date on the beautiful "I'll Be Down On My Knees", and his wife Kim pulls an equally impressive take on "Because of Who You Are." The album closes with "Come Unto Me" - a beautiful ballad that is a lyrical call to the unbeliever and is possibly Mike Bowling's finest vocal delivery since "He Gave Me Water" on the It's My Life recording.

Graceland is a little bit of Mike, a little bit Hinson, a little bit old-school Crabb Family, and a whole lot of wonderful musical moments. Graceland is without a doubt Southern Gospel's strongest debut album to release in years.

Reader Comments

I really enjoyed this new recording by MBG. While it is a VERY exciting I did find some aspects lacking. If Mike was going to sing 70% of the songs on this recording, he should have stayed a soloist. I had heard so much about Karen Parker, I was excited about hearing her, but I only 1 song by her…and 1 song by Jeff and 1 song by Kim for that matter. I realize Mike is the “star” (for lack of a better word) and realize it may be more of a record company idea than Mike, because I don’t see him as being a “stage hog” so to speak. I would have liked to hear more of Karen as well as the others. After all, it is a group now. Everyone made such a big deal because Tony Gore sang everything when he had Majesty…I don’t see the difference here.

As far as the songs go, I loved “Mercy & Grace”, “There is Power in the Name of Jesus”, “His Grace is Sufficient” (You go Karen!), “It Ain’t Over When it’s Over” (this song sounds almost note for note like the Carroll McGruder song, “It Ain’t Over ‘Till it’s Over” from a few years ago, but I digress…), “I Remember the Day the Lord Saved Me”, and “A Table in the Wilderness”.

I am not dissing the recording at all, just making some observations. I really enjoyed it…with the exception of the title song, “Graceland”. That song just doesn’t do anything for me at all. That is the only song that gets the skip button when it comes on. But overall, this really is a great CD and am so happy to see Mike singing in a group again. He was awesome as a soloist, and he’s awesome in a group environment. Hopefully the next recording will allow the other guys a chance to shine. Overall, I would have given this 4 1/2 stars.

Commented by On 07/01/2006

I guess I have to disagree a bit James. I mean - after all - it is THE MIKE BOWLING Group. I don't have a problem with him taking the majority of the tunes when it is his group - just like I don't mind it when Karen Peck has the majority of the solos on KPNR recordings. (I think I would feel MUCH different if he had in fact all of the solos.)

This is no slam to the other group members, because they know I love them - but the draw here is Mike Bowling. At least for the first few albums, it's really going to be his name that sells the CDs.

Commented by On 07/01/2006

This is the stuff Dove Awards are made of....excellent CD.

Commented by Tim-He's Alive On 07/03/2006

I recently heard the song "Graceland" on the radio. It's a very unusual song lyrically. I still haven't decided if I like it. My first impression of the song was that it was keyed a little too high for Mike's comfort zone. He sounded strained on a few notes.

Commented by On 07/04/2006

I'm kind of at a stand still here with my opinion on this recording. I agree with James a little. I too was wanting to hear more from the other singers, but i also keep in mind that Chris has a point as well. Come to think of it, it was'nt Kenny and the Hinsons, but he was featured on most of their "hits". That's just one example. And then there's Loren with the Perrys. 80% of the songs released by the Perrys features Loren doing the solo. I really don't feel this should be an issue at this point. Now, if it continues for projects to come, then it will become an issue. Over all, I think this project will have GREAT results.

Commented by On 07/07/2006

WOW......that is all I can say. Mike, Jeff, Karen, and Kim's project is amazing. The songs and the arrangements are incredible. I haven't bought a CD that is this excellent in ages. The talent this group shares is definately a blessing.

Commented by On 07/11/2006

I haven't had the chance to hear this recording yet, but I assure you all ...I can't wait. I remember when they snag together years ago, it was great. They use to sing a song called, I Wont Drop My Anchor. I do hope that they will record this again. I would always request that song at our local radio station. I do plan on getting this recording this week. Be looking for my comments posted here.

Commented by On 07/12/2006

I SEEN THIS GROUP AND MET THEM AT THE CRABBFEST 06. AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE, THEY ARE GODLY PEOPLE AND THEY DON'T REALLY SEEM TO CARE WHO SINGS THE MOST, AS WE SHOULDN'T EITHER. THEY ARE WONDERFUL AND LOVE THE LORD JUST AS WE SHOULD. DON'T GET ME WRONG, I LOVE ONE AS MUCH AS THE OTHER SINGING, BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO I HEAR. IF THEY ARE SINGING THEIR HEART OUT FOR THE LORD AND NOT ME...THEN WHY SHOULD IT MATTER WHO IS THE ONE SINGING OR IF THEY CAN EVEN SING FOR THAT MATTER. I LOVE THEM AND ALL WHO GIVE BACK WHAT THE LORD HAS BLESSED THEM WITH...I GET THE BLESSING FROM THEM. I PRAY FOR ALL WHO ARE TOO CRITICAL TO GET THE BLESSING FROM THIS GROUP OR ANY OTHER ONE. LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND EVERY THING ELSE WILL COME WITH TIME. JUST LEARN TO LOVE AND NOT CRITICIZE AND EVERYONE WILL GET ALONG SO MUCH BETTER IN THIS WORLD. WE ARE NOT THE RIGHTOUS JUDGE OF ANYONE...AS IS NO ONE IS OF US. GOD BLESS ALL.

Commented by On 07/13/2006

Well, i have to say that this group is awesome. I first heard them this year at crabbfest. The spirit of God flows freely and God is truly glorified by them. Mike has always been my favorite soloist but the harmony with this group is out of this world. I can't wait to see what God has instore for this group because I know that it is going to be something great. The cd has some awesome lyrics. Number 6 is my favorite, it is how we all should be.

Commented by On 07/15/2006

I bought this CD a few weeks ago and if you dont like then you're nuts. And the title cut "Graceland", in my opinion is one of the better songs on the project. If he was straining, I don't think Daywind would have released it (since they are one of the best record companies in the business)

I give this project an A+

Commented by On 07/17/2006

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