| Length: | 42:41 |
|---|---|
| Producers: | Michael Sykes and Lynn Keesecker |
| Cuts: | Bein' Happy |
| Things To Do | |
| Goin' Up Yonder | |
| Look For Me | |
| We Fall Down | |
| A House Of Gold | |
| I Don't Belong | |
| Farther On Down The Road | |
| It Wouldn't Be Enough | |
| I Can't Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand) |
Mark Lowry has set his customary foolishness aside long enough to make a recording with no parodies, Christian celebrities selling plates, or crazy artwork. (OK, there is ONE semi crazy photograph.) The album is appropriately titled But Seriously. Gaither Vocal Band fans have had the opportunity to hear Mark sing "normally" for several years, but this release should be a pleasant surprise to those who have only followed his comedy career.
But Seriously unveils a variety of musical styles from country/gospel to pop/inspirational. Delivering confidently in his staunch baritone voice, Lowry tackles Southern Gospel favorites like "I Can't Even Walk" and "Look For Me" (a duet with his mother Beverly Lowry). He also incorporates new classics like the powerful inspirational tune "We Fall Down." (Bob Carlisle performed it on the 1998 Dove Awards broadcast.) Lowry delivers an original cool jazz number called "Farther On Down The Road" that he co-wrote with Joyce Martin McCullough and Harrie McCullough. Tempos vary greatly, including pensive/reflective songs like the Gloria Gaither/Buddy Greene tune "I Don't Belong" and Don Aldridge's classic "It Wouldn't Be Enough," medium speed numbers like the easy going pop tune "Things To Do," and toe tappers like the tongue in cheek opening cut "Bein' Happy."
Lowry obtained an all star supporting cast for But Seriously. Top Nashville session players like Steve Brewster, Sam Levine, Tom Hemby and Terry McMillan provided the tracks. English, Martin, Sykes, Younce and Goodman are a few surnames that appear in the list of background vocalists. The BGVs are strong in the mix, giving the recording a harmonious vocal group character in places, but not so strong as to cover the lead. Don't assume But Seriously is merely a Gaither Vocal Band with Lowry doing all the lead lines. Rather, it is a solid solo project that has varying blends of voices in the background. Although it's often difficult to take Mark Lowry seriously, this recording showcases his versatility as a vocalist who can deliver in a variety of musical styles.
(For more information about Mark Lowry or ordering But Serioualy, see http://www.marklowry.com.)