Search - Watermark :: Grateful People

A Farewell to be Grateful for

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 04/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In 1998, Watermark was one of the first artists on new label Rocketown Records. Now, feeling that God is calling them to other things, they are releasing a final CD as a thank you to their fans.



Recorded live in August of 2005, this CD is a collection of the best loved songs from their career. They open with "Take Me There," a hit from their first CD and an upbeat praise song that speaks of the longing for a closer relationship with God. All four of their CD's are represented by the time this one is over with songs like "Glory Baby," "More Then You'll Ever Know," "The Purest Place," and wonderful medley of "Gloria" and "Friend for Life."



Along the way, they have made some good friends in the music business, and several of them show up to help with the songs. My personal favorite appearance is Point of Grace who sings on "Who am I?" a song both groups have recorded individually. Of course, one reason this is my favorite is because I love the song. It's always a good thing to marvel at God's grace for us. Other appearances include worship leader Chris Tomlin on the title song, a song from Watermark's independent days. Also making appearances are Shane and Shane on "Arise and be Comforted," Ed Cash on "The Purest Place," and Charlie Hall on "Captivate Us."



What is surprising about these appearances is the lack of fanfare the artists receive. While the CD was recorded live, there is no talking between tracks. These artists just start singing in their songs and you have to refer to the CD to know they are there. While it surprised me, it makes the CD better for repeated listening since there's no talking to try to skip.



Long time fans will not be disappointed with this disc. The duo doesn't try anything fancy here, just a nice collection of their songs. As such, you get a CD that is worshipful and God focused, just like their other CD's have been. It still easily fits in the inspirational market with their piano and guitar based sound. In fact, my only real complaint with them has always been too many slow tempo songs.



Unlike most best of compilations, this one does offer several previously unreleased songs from the days before they signed with Rocketown. "A Grateful People," and "Arise and be Comforted" both fit into this category. In addition, they offer new songs like a wonderful combination of the classic hymn "In the Garden" with praise chorus "There is None Like You" in place of the regular chorus. It really works well and breaths new life into these songs. They close the CD with two studio recorded songs. "Light of the World" is a praise song about all Jesus can do while "Elliana's Song" is a hidden track about the joy their daughter has brought into their life.



For eight years, Watermark has been focusing our attention on God with their wonderful music. This CD is a great way for all their fans to remember their wonderful music."

Waterview's "A Grateful People" Review

Image Lady | Chicago | 07/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Watermark's latest and last CD, A Grateful People, is a celebration of ten years of ministry, marriage, and family for group members Christy and Nathan Nockels. Christy is the lead singer while husband Nathan provides background vocals and is the instrumentalist for the group. Watermark began their music ministry in 1977 as worship leaders in Texas church. The name "Watermark" is derived from the definition of the word, "an impression only visible when held up to the light." "The Light (Christ) of this world is moving and pursuing people...so that He becomes visible through us to the world" (Nockels 1). Popular with fans, this group's music is frequently played on Christian radio stations. I saw Watermark in concert on June3, 2006 at Moody Bible Institute's "Front Row Live" to promote their new album. This is the group's last tour as they are end their music ministry to allow Christy to stay home with their children, Noah Luke (5) and Elliana Noelle (3). Though Watermark is a favored group among Christian artists and the fan will miss them, the audience responded with spontaneous applause and a standing ovation that overwhelmed the Nockels. The audience remained standing as they began to perform songs from "A Grateful People," their latest CD. Everyone in the audience knew most of the songs and we sang along of them. Christy's deep rich vocals and humble demeanor set the tone for the evening and put everyone in a spirit of worship.

When I first heard the music from "A Grateful People," I found it to be quite moving and uplifting. Listening to this music continually reminds me of the greatness and goodness of God--after all, this is the purpose of worship music. The CD is a collection of five No. 1 songs from previous albums: "The Glory of Your Name," "Knees to the Earth." "Captivate Us," "Friend for Life," and "The Purest Place" (title song from their last album). The current title song "A Grateful People," "Light of the World," "Take Me There," and "Who Am I" are four brand new tracks on the CD. There are a few songs that have been recorded with other popular Christian groups. To complete the tracks, "Elliana's Song" was written for the couples' three-year-old daughter, Elliana. Although their voices are very distinct, Christy's sound is very similar to Janna Long of Avalon, another Contemporary Christian group (Janna and Christy are performing on a new collaboration together, "Sing Over Me," due out August 1st).

While every song on the CD is a favorite, the tracks at the top of the list are: The Glory of Your Name, "In Your Garden (There is None Like You)," and "Captivate Us." The second track, "The Glory of Your Name," speaks to the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. Though Christmas and Easter occur at a specific time, fans find it appropriate to celebrate Christ's sacrifice any time of year. The second verse in "In Your Garden (There is None Like You)" is worth mentioning here:

You speak and the sound of your voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

And the melody that you give me

Within my heart is ringing

"Captivate Us," speaks of drawing closer to God in order to experience His healing and peace.

Based on the reaction to the songs from "A Grateful People" CD, as witnessed at the concert, the fans will be pleased with this latest and final CD album from Watermark. Though Christy and Nathan will no longer record and tour as Watermark, they will be performing on some weekends at women's conferences and other such venues. Notwithstanding, the public will still hear the rich and velvety voice of Christy Nockels of Watermark. Christy leaves us with these words, "Much love and blessings to all who have encouraged, strengthened, and who have marked our lives on this beautiful journey. We are truly grateful people" ("About").

"

One of the best worship albums I've ever heard

Vicente Morua | Tallahassee, FL USA | 09/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit that I bought this CD for one song. However, I heard the whole CD one night, and I instantly began to worship God in a completely heartfelt manner. Christy Nockels' voice reflects the sincerity and heartfelt love she has for God. All of the lyrics in this CD really strike a chord with everyone who has heard them. So far, three of my friends heard my CD and have consequently gone out to buy it. It really is a must-buy for Watermark fans and anyone who enjoys pure worship."