Music Review: A Grateful People by Watermark

Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: A collection of Watermark hits
Cons: Live experience adds little to the disc (which can be good or bad)
The Bottom Line:
Watermark retires
But leave with one last concert
That their fans will like




A Farewell to be Grateful for

In 1998, husband and wife duo Watermark was one of the first artists on new label Rocketown Records. Now, feeling that God is calling them to other things, they are releasing A Grateful People as a final CD to thank their fans.

Recorded live in August of 2005, this CD is a collection of the best loved songs from their career. They open with "Take Me There," a hit from their first CD and an upbeat praise song that speaks of the longing for a closer relationship with God. All four of their CD's are represented by the time this one is over with songs like "Glory Baby," (born out of the pain of loosing a child) "More Then You'll Ever Know," (a tribute to good friends) "The Purest Place," (longing to be where God wants us to be) and wonderful medley of "Gloria" (joining nature to praise God) and "Friend for Life" (praise to Jesus for his sacrifice for us).

Along the way, they have made some good friends in the music business, and several of them show up to help with the songs. My personal favorite appearance is Point of Grace who sings on "Who am I?" a song both groups have recorded individually. Of course, one reason this is my favorite is because I love the song. It's always a good thing to marvel at God's grace for us. Other appearances include worship leader Chris Tomlin on the title song, a song from Watermark's independent days. Also making appearances are Shane and Shane on "Arise and be Comforted," Ed Cash on "The Purest Place," and Charlie Hall on "Captivate Us."

What is surprising about these appearances is the lack of fanfare the artists receive. While the CD was recorded live, there is no talking between tracks. These artists just start singing in their songs and you have to refer to the CD to know they are there. While it surprised me, it makes the CD better for repeated listening since there's no talking to try to skip.

Long time fans will not be disappointed with this disc. The duo doesn't try anything fancy here, just a nice collection of their songs. As such, you get a CD that is worshipful and God focused, just like their other CD's have been. It still easily fits in the inspirational market with their piano and guitar based sound. In fact, my only real complaint with them has always been too many slow tempo songs.

Unlike most best of compilations, this one does offer several previously unreleased songs from the days before they signed with Rocketown. "A Grateful People," and "Arise and be Comforted" both fit into this category. In addition, they offer new songs like a wonderful combination of the classic hymn "In the Garden" with praise chorus "There is None Like You" in place of the regular chorus. It really works well and breaths new life into these songs. They close the CD with two studio recorded songs. "Light of the World" is a praise song about all Jesus can do while "Elliana's Song" is a hidden track about the joy their daughter has brought into their life.

For eight years, Watermark has been focusing our attention on God with their wonderful music. A Grateful People is a great way for all their fans to remember their wonderful music.

CD Length: 65:02

Tracks:

1. Take Me There

2. The Glory of Your Name

3. A Grateful People/Bless the Lord (with Chris Tomlin)

4. Gloria/Friend for Life

5. Who am I? (Grace Flows Down) (with Point of Grace)

6. Glory Baby

7. More Than You'll Ever Know

8. Arise and be Comforted (with Shane & Shane)

9. In the Garden (There is None Like You)

10. Knees to the Earth

11. The Purest Place (with Ed Cash)

12. Captivate Us (with Charlie Hall)

13. Light of the World

14. Elliana's Song (hidden track)