GENRE: MODERN WORSHIP
LABEL: INDEPENDENT
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 13, 2009
RATING: 4 OUT OF 5

If you’ve been attending Lighthouse for a little while now, then you must have heard of the Mark White Band. But, on the off chance that you haven’t—they’re a modern worship act from the local Detroit area. And trust me when I say that their material is right up there with Starfield, David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, and Charlie Hall. One listen to their debut album “Now & Forever” and you will likely be convinced of the same thing. With the right exposure, these guys are on the brink of making a big splash.

Offering up eleven original worship songs, the quality is a rarity from a small time, local outfit. But, it seems like the Mark White Band is dedicated not only to glorifying God through their words, but also through the quality of their musicianship and production.

“Glory” kicks things off and is a high-energy praise song. It really starts things out on a right note. Actually, after hearing the track once, I put it on repeat for the rest of the day before moving on to the rest of the album to review. It’s just an amazing number and needs to be heard to fully understand what I’m getting at. “Forevermore” is more of a Starfield-influenced number—one part praise, one part all-out rocker. It’s not as palpable as the first track, but it should get people on their feet and dancing. “Priest & the Lamb” is a piano-infused piece where Mark White’s vocals really shine. Mark Labelle’s work on the keys are particularly impressive, accompanying White’s voice perfectly. “Moment” is a quiet, acoustic ballad that is both worshipful and contemplative. However, “God of Ages,” in my humble opinion, is the best track on the entire album. It’s a mid-tempo rocker that could easily get the group recognized if it hits AC radio. It’s not the strongest song lyrically, but it is catchy and well-delivered. “Hallelujah” is another light, piano-driven ballad. Title track “Now & Forever” starts out sounding a bit like Coldplay with its synth-pop vibe, but soon takes off into a crashing din of loud praise.

The album is not without its drawbacks, though. “Another Breath” is fun, but a little bit cheesy. It strikes me as more of a middle school or high school number. Better yet, it’d be good for the Christian camp scene.

In a market that is being inundated with more and more worship acts every year, the Mark White Band is a welcome voice that stands head and shoulders above the rest. I cannot stress how good I think this group is. If “Now & Forever” were the only album they ever released, the world would be a darker place for it. What I mean is that, it is so good, it would be a shame that this were all they had to offer. The church needs to always be creating fresh art, new expressions of praise to the Creator. The Mark White Band has taken that call seriously and crafted a wonderful piece of art to be enjoyed and engaged by the listener—and accepted as praise by God.

Track Listing
1. Glory
2. Forevermore
3. One God, One Hope
4. Priest & the Lamb
5. Great Love
6. Moment
7. God of Ages
8. Another Breath
9. Hallelujah
10. Now & Forever
11. Double Doors