Robin Mark

Item: Come Heal This Land
Author: Olin Jenkins

Come Heal This Land

(2002)

Reviewed by Olin Jenkins

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Label Hosanna! MusicThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

ccm celtic worship

While reviewing the laid-back, relaxed Shout to the North (Worship Together), I did not carefully read the liner notes for that particular release and was certain it was a follow-up to Robin Mark's Revival in Belfast. Incorrect. The liner notes to that project clearly state that it is a compilation of 1998 and 2000 Mandate conference recordings, putting that project before Revival in Belfast. Therefore, let's get back on track.

The follow-up to Mark's brilliant Revival in Belfast is Come Heal This Land, and I was immediately taken aback by the Hosanna! single release, "Hallelujah," before hearing the entire project. In a hurry? If the listener wants to make a quick judgment whether this project is akin to Revival in Belfast, pick up a demo copy and skip to "Take Me to the River," the title track, "Hallelujah," and "Forever," and sample a few moments of introspective songs, "In the Beauty of Holiness," "Everything Cries Holy," and "Lord Have Mercy." If these are pleasing to the palate, Come Heal This Land is a must-have project.

This recording is an excellent worship experience in and of itself, beginning with the jig "Mulhaires, Traditional Irish Reel," flowing into the upbeat "Take Us to the River," complete with beautiful whistles. From "No One Like You Lord" and onward, the only possible weakness I find is that -- as a listening as opposed to worship body of work -- the listener may detect a formula of a slow build from a melancholy, insightful tone to increasing intensity. The climax of Come Heal this Land is perhaps in two places: the title track or the hauntingly beautiful "Hallelujah" (I personally feel the latter tune isn't long enough!). Mark ends the project with a rousing version of Chris Tomlin's "Forever" and a bonus track, the lovely "Ancient Words."

Come Heal This Land builds on Robin Mark's excellence as a worship leader from the Shout to the North recordings to Revival in Belfast and as a worship event, it is nearly flawless. Perhaps varying the tone of the songs would make the pace flow more smoothly. However, there are too many moments of brilliance and beauty in Come Heal This Land which should not be overlooked by the listener in either worship or sheer enjoyment. This project is more than well worth one listen.

4.5 tocks