Mark Schultz - Come Alive

Producer:  Bernie Herms, Shaun Shankel, Paul Mills, and Brown Bannister
Record Label:  Word/Curb/WB Records
Website:  http://www.markschultzmusic.com

In some ways it’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since Mark Schultz released any new material.  In other ways it’s not considering many of us have been clamoring for a new release from the singer/songwriter who has a tendency to tug at our heartstrings with every release.  Schultz’s last release - Broken & Beautiful was a huge seller - with over 300,000 units sold to date.  His penchant for writing sappy songs that have true life stories have been a trademark of his - most notably tunes like “He’s My Son,” “Letters From War,” “He Will Carry Me,” and “Remember Me.”  Schultz carries on that legacy on his fifth studio release - Come Alive.  There’s a lot of familiar territory on this release.  Mark sticks to his guns - and even so - manages to offer up one of the strongest pop records of the year - and possibly of his career.  The album kicks off with the extremely radio-friendly “All Has Been Forgiven” before moving into “Grace Amazing” and first single and album highlight “He Is.”  There’s not a lot of new ground to cover here - as with all of Schultz’s releases.  His familiar Billy Joel meets MercyMe style is prevalent on this release.  There’s a lot to like here - big, soaring melodies and hearfelt ballads.  You’ve heard one Schultz record, you’re heard them all, and that’s not a bad thing considering Schultz’s great writing abilities.  Lyrically is where this record shines.  There’s a lot of topics covered here - including new parents facing the birth of a child doomed with sickness (“What It Means to Be Loved”), growing children (“Live Like You Are Loved”), God’s hand during trying times (“He Is”), repentance and restoration (“Closer Than I’ve Ever Been”), and worship (“God of Glory”).  He covers it all here - and like past releases, does a very good job.  Again, if you’ve enjoyed Schultz’s music in the past - you’ll love Come Alive.  Even though we’ve heard this all before musically - there’s so much to love here it’s hard to complain.  Schultz makes great pop music.  Period.