The Martins

Item: Light Of The World
Author: David Murray

Light Of The World

(1997)

Reviewed by David Murray

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Label Spring HillThe LighthouseDecember 1997

ccm country southern gospel

The relaxing a cappella strains of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" bookend Light Of The World, the latest mini-library in song by the family vocal trio known as The Martins. Six of the tunes were written specifically for this project, including the title cut penned by Mark Lowry and Phil Johnson. Michael Sykes (The Gaither Vocal Band, Ponder Sykes and Wright) produced five of the six new songs, as well as arranging and producing the Smokey Mountain style "O Come Let Us Adore Him." Lari Goss (Gold City, The Cathedrals) produced the two a cappella tunes, "Oh Holy Night" (with an a cappella first verse and chorus) and the Joel Lindsey tune, "Heaven's Child."

Before you reach the end of Light Of The World, you'll be exposed to pop, country and inspirational stylings. The Martins possess a rare vocal blend that is pleasing in a variety of settings. On any project that includes various styles, decisions regarding song positioning become increasingly difficult. One spot on Light Of The World creates a somewhat awkward transition for the listener. "Go Tell," with its driving country arrangement (a Michael Sykes production signature) and its "trash can" ending is immediately followed by the beautiful, slow a cappella introduction to "O Holy Night" that causes the listener to abruptly shift gears from a happy bouncy mood to reflection and meditation. Otherwise, the song flow on Light Of The World is fairly smooth.

Writers Harrie and Joyce Martin McCollough have re-arranged a sentence to create the song title, "I Am You Are." The verses describe the manger setting, while Mary sings the names of Christ to him in the chorus. (Incidentally, "Ancient of days" is misprinted in the cassette liner notes to read "Ancient of babes," which would have been an interesting juxtaposition, had it been the true lyric.)

You are wonderful, little Prince of Peace Tiny Counselor, Oh Mighty God You are Ancient of Days Precious newborn King "I Am" You are

Light Of The World is an inspiring and uplifting project. It's always nice to hear artists perform new Christmas songs, rather than repeating the same standard fare. If beautifully blended vocal harmony, musical styles ranging from classy a cappella to The Oak Ridge Boys, and new Christmas lyrics sound like your cup of tea, you should enjoy this offering by The Martins.