Search - Mark Heard :: Mark Heard - Greatest Hits

Best of Mark's early years

D. Atkinson | Durham, NC | 06/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a delightful passport back to the early 80's when I listened to many albums Mark put out. This "Best of" collection features the heart of Mark's early albums. His lyrics are heart-felt, and from a Christian perspective, Mark always had a unique insight into the weaknesses of the church, gently prodding & convicting believers with great songs like "Everybody loves a Holy War" and "Stuck in the Middle".Mark's lyrics never pulled any punches - always saying what he thought and never letting hypocrisy stand unchallenged. His heart for people shines through his songs. He had a lot of influence on other musicians (both in the US and Europe) until his death on the stage in 1992. If you listen to this CD, you will hear a man with his heart on his sleeve who was ahead of his time. The passage of time ("The Winds of Time") has not diminished his work at all."

A Must-Have in Your Music Collection!!!

Batmanbrb | Seymour, IN United States | 06/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first 'heard' of Mark Heard in college back in the 80's, a friend of mine had this Greatest Hits collection on cassette and he played it all the time... and I'm so glad he did!! Over time, Mark Heard has become my all-time favorite Christian Male Artist. My all-time favorite female artist, Sam "Leslie" Phillips, does back-up vocals on many of these songs. I loved it that he wasn't preachy in his songs and I saw eye to eye with everything his lyrics spoke of. Often times, his songs focused on short-sighted, but popular, Christian themes that should make you stop and think about how you are living your Christian life. Of course, the music here is very 80's light rock, but it is done with perfection. There is not a bad song here! I absolutely love "Heart of Hearts"; which sternly and emotionally states, 'Way down in my heart of hearts, way down in my soul of souls, way down I know that I am a fortunate man, to have known divine love.' "Winds of Time" is another favorite of mine, 'It takes a saturated soul to withstand the winds of time'. "Stranded at the Station" is a humorous but serious look at Christians who receive God's love, but don't share it with others nor do they do anything to further the Kingdom. "Threw It Away" is symbolic of many churches, even today, 'They had eyes to see but they focused on darkness, they threw it away. They had ears to hear but they did not listen, they threw it away.' Another favorite of mine is "One of the Dominoes" - challenging Christians to stand their ground and not follow what everyone else is doing. I can just go on and on about this CD... it is the most amazing and insightful Christian CD you will ever buy. It will definitely challenge your faith and it will make you think twice about some things you are doing in your own life. I cannot recommend this CD enough. Thank God this CD was released!!"

Mark Heard: Greatest Hits of the Home Sweet Home Years

Robert Taylor | Dallas, Texas United States | 10/05/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The title of this CD is somewhat misleading since the record does not encompass the whole of Mark's career. The CD should be called the best of the Home Sweet Home Years for that is the period the CD covers. Mark produced several records before this period including Appalachian Melody for Larry Norman's Solid Rock records and of course his mature work as Ideola and his masterpieces of the early 90's for Fingerprint records. None of these recordings will be found on this CD! For what it's worth this CD does include some great songs including some that deal with Mark's concerns with world affairs, "Everybody Loves a Holy War" (which seems more relevant today than ever before) in the same vein of social criticism is the wonderfully satiric "Nothing Is Bothering Me." Then there is the early eighties pop masterpiece "Dancing at the Policeman's Ball." The song "Heart of Heart's" is not only a wonderful song epitomizing the artist's deep faith in God, but also features a young Leslie Phillips (better known as Sam Phillips) on backing vocals. But my personal favorite of this collection is "Threw it Away" (co-written with friend Pat Terry.) The song originally appeared on the great album Ashes to Light a record dedicated to Francis Schaffer. All that being said the CD is good, but if you are interested in Mark's music I suggest also buying Mark's High Noon disc which features songs from Mark's final trilogy of records."