|
15 Jun 2004
Mike Bowling - Where I Stand
 Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites  [11] Comments
 Label: Daywind Records Mike Bowling. There's no denying that he is one of, if not the, most successful soloists in the history of Southern Gospel. Numerous number one hits, several top selling titles, and a resume that bodes better than most group owners, Mike Bowling has come a far way in his short time as a soloist. Each release has had that country flare, but the great thing about Mike's music is his sincere delivery and heart felt vocals. On his second release for Daywind Records, Mike shows off more of that heart, yet also demonstrates even more so why he is considered one of the finest vocalists on the Southern Gospel stage today. Where I Stand kicks off in fine fashion with two rollicking country-flared Southern numbers, “God of Every Situation” and “Never Seen Jesus”. “Movin' On” finds Mike flirting with other sounds, such as bluesy vocals and instrumentation, along with duet vocals from one of the finest female vocalists in the industry today, Joyce Martin-McCollough (The Martins). Joyce has a knack for adapting to any style put in front of her, so her blend with Mike is exceptionally strong. “It'll Be Worth It All” is a mid-tempo number with a Today's Country feel with a choir background. It's a style that Mike should try out more, as it's really his forte and really shows off his stellar vocals. The album wouldn't be complete without Mike's signature ballads. It's nice to hear Mike on the upbeat numbers, but he really shines on the ballads. Mike's got a vocal prowess not quite met by others in the Southern Gospel genre, and Mike really shows off those vocal chords on numbers like the first radio single “The Heat of the Battle” or “One”, a beautiful wedding number. However, the truly beautiful moments are when Mike's at his softest and most tender spots. “Solid Rock and Shifting Sand” is sure to become a crowd favorite, as the Gerald Crabb penned tune speaks of finding one's way back to the cross after losing sight of it. It's Mike's softest moment on the disc, and it showcases him as more than just a pretty voice, but a vulnerable artist who is capable of sharing his heart with the audience. Mike's already got a solid fanbase. Where I Stand will do nothing to tarnish his appeal, and it will more than likely earn him a few more fans along the way. Reader Comments
I agree with the four star rating. This is a very solid CD from a production standpoint and Bowling sings convincingly. While the songwriting is very good, I didn't feel the songwriting was quite as strong as on previous Bowling releases. There's no one song that just jumps out and sounds like an instant hit. Still, if you are a country gospel fan, this is a great CD.
“Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more."---Mark Twain 
I am still very partial to his last CD. There are some great songs here, but I thought his last CD was better. My fav song on here is "No Time Like the Present".I agree with the rating. I may have given it 4 1/2, but I won't argue with the 4.
This is probably my favorite of Mike's 4 solo albums. "Solid Rock and Shifting Sand" and "Heat of the Battle" are probably my 2 favorite tracks on the project... I find myself repeating those all the time lol. Mike is by far my favorite soloist and I Love this recording
|
Now Playing About This Article
Mike Bowling - Where I Stand
 Written: 06/15/2004  Author:  Category:
CD Reviews
Comments: 11 Favorited:
Add this entry to Your Favorites
Favorited by:  Email this article RSS
feeds
(What's an RSS feed?) Recent FeaturesFeatures Archives |
|
