Come Alive by Mark Schultz

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"Mark Schultz is a gifted artist simply because most of his songs are overflowing with emotions."

It’s been ten years since singer/songwriter Mark Schultz embarked on this creative journey. In his newest collection of songs, Schultz invites us to celebrate life’s greatest joys, as well as toughest challenges, affirming God’s presence in each and every moment.

The Dove Award winning artist pulled from real life experiences to pen the songs on Come Alive. His powerful voice provides an overwhelming praise offering to His God. His soaring vocal range covers the arrangements well as he pours out his heart and weaves stories through the music. There is a continued consistency to his style of music, (whereas other artists might attempt to include every diverse genre on an album).

In crafting songs for the new record, Schultz co-wrote with his friends Matthew West, Mercy Me’s Bart Millard and Barry Graul, Joy Williams as well as Bernie Herms, who also doubles as one of the four producers on Come Alive.

The poignant praise-infused rendering of “He Is” was inspired by two different stories found at markschultzmusic.com. Its simple melody and authentic lyrics honor God’s unfailing character amidst the tragedies of life. “He is, He was and always will be,” is a glimpse into the lyrics of one of my favorite tracks on this CD.

A love song from a mom’s perspective, “What It Means to Be Loved,” was inspired by his wife Kate. The heart-warming lyrics include these words, “I want to give her the world / I want to hold her hand/ I want to be her mom just as long as I can and live every moment until that day comes/ I want to show her what it means to be loved.“ The full story behind this song can also be found at Schultz’s web site.

We see the artist’s desire to reconnect with the Almighty in a very rhythmic, deliberate anthem titled “God of Glory.” The final track “Love has Come” has the ‘80s “We are the World” feel mainly because of the collection of other CCM artists contributing their voices. It was a sweet anthem ending to Come Alive.

Many of the songs on Come Alive were inspired during a bicycle trip Schultz took across the country that raised over $250,000 to benefit the James Fund, which provides assistance for widows and orphans.

Mark Schultz is a gifted artist simply because most of his songs are overflowing with emotions. He continually touches on the human condition and God’s sovereignty, which, in turn, gives hope.

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Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.