Mark Bishop “A Different Light” Album Review

Prime Cuts: The Refrigerator Door, Couldn't Feel Any Better (Featuring Chris Freeman), More than Enough
Overall Grade: 4/5
Mark Bishop is a storyteller extraordinaire. With a keening eye towards the minute details of life's happenstance, Bishop flourishes a three dimensional realism in his story-songs that we can't help but be drawn in, not as a spectator, but as a member of the story's plotline. Over the years, he has had crafted an oeuvre of such narrative songs that has set him out in the sea of Southern Gospel singer-songwriters. "A Different Light," despite the titular, continues on this sublime legacy. This is the type of album that will keep you listening intently because you can't help but be drawn by the luring of his song's protagonists.
"A Different Light," which features 11 new songs all written by Bishop, is Bishop's first album since 2014's "This is What It's All About." The set begins on a note of bombast. Keeping the Gospel central, "More than Enough" is a string accompanied and choir-backed anthem that celebrates the redemption Jesus on a majestic note. One would wish co-producer Jeff Collins would have brought more of that pomposity to "I'm in Good Hands." With Bishop's high tenor and the song's understated country backing, the song lacks some percussion and bass to give it more of a gravitas. Much better is the folk sounding "Tell Me You Saw Me;" a delightful banjo-led piece about living out the Gospel in our lives.
The album's highlight is also the album's lead single "The Refrigerator Door." In the tradition that has become Bishop's signature, this is a wonderful story song that gives a mental picture of how God's love can be found in the smallest things in life. The way Bishop sets up the song, the attention paid to details, and the development of the song's plotline make this song a "must-hear." "Fly Fly Away Little Birdy" continues to take us on a nostalgic narrative trail of a father watching his son growing up. Brimming with so much wisdom like the Father in the book of Proverbs, "I'm Gonna Wish I Had Worried Less" is filled with so much Godly advice from a father to his son.
Nevertheless, on songs such as "God is Powerful" and "Finish Strong, Finish Well, Finish Empty" and "He's Always Been a Friend," there is a run-in-mill feel to them. They sound almost like Bishop has been hitting a writer's block. However, despite some uneven spots, the songs on "A Different Light" does have some extremely shinny moments. When Bishop spins his songs around those well-thought out stories gleamed from the heart to heart interactions of his characters, they are definitely worth our full-on attention.
Tags : Mark Bishop a different light Mark Bishop “A Different Light” Album Review mark bishop interview Sonlite Records
Hot Trends
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Here Are Lyrics to Chris Tomlin's "How Good It Is"
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Tobymac’s Hits Deep 2026 Tour Featuring Crowder And Jeremy Camp
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Aodhán King and Abbie Gamboa Unveil "Throwing Paint"
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Chris Rice Facing Allegations for Sexually Assaulting a Former Male Student
-
Ross King Mourns the Loss of His Wife Staci After Courageous Battle with Cancer
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
Bill Gaither and Gaither Vocal Band Launch 2025 “Love Like I’m Leaving” Tour
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Jonathan McReynolds & American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Release “Still”
Most Popular
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Here Are Lyrics to Chris Tomlin's "How Good It Is"
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Tobymac’s Hits Deep 2026 Tour Featuring Crowder And Jeremy Camp
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Aodhán King and Abbie Gamboa Unveil "Throwing Paint"
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Chris Rice Facing Allegations for Sexually Assaulting a Former Male Student
-
Ross King Mourns the Loss of His Wife Staci After Courageous Battle with Cancer
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
Bill Gaither and Gaither Vocal Band Launch 2025 “Love Like I’m Leaving” Tour
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Jonathan McReynolds & American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Release “Still”