Wade Bowen “Then Sings My Soul…Songs for My Mother” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Saved, Just Over in the Glory Land, The Old Rugged Cross

Initially, "Then Sings My Soul... Songs for My Mother" was not made for our listening pleasure.  This CD was supposed to be a vaulted family heirloom circulated only among Bowen's family, neighbors, and friends. But thanks to the incessant pestering of friends who heard the album, Bowen was gently nudged to circulate this record to the public. Not that Bowen has ever been a connoisseur of chart placements and hit records in the first place, this record makes no kudos whatsoever to stylish trends or the borrowing of money making beats.  Rather, adorn simply with the pastel colorings of rustic instruments like the Hammond organ, the piano, guitar, steel and fiddles, this album prides itself on its sparse and stripped down feel.   

Initially, suggested by Bowen's dad to make an album for Wade's mom's birthday and Christmas present, this album consists of 11 Christian hymns and one original "Saved." If you are familiar with the average hymnody of the Christian church, the song-set here comprises of no surprises. But the beauty lies in what Bowen brings to these classic paeans. Baring his soul with a palatable honesty and sincerity, Bowen offers a spine chilling rendition of a piano-backed version of John Newton's "Amazing Grace." Then he goes old school --- I mean, George Jones-Vern Gosdin old school --- with the steel guitar-infested "Softly and Tenderly." Then Bowen comes up, close, and personal with "In the Garden." Unhindered by its backing, this is as close as we can get to Bowen.  Feeling like he is standing right in front of us, he takes his time to linger with us in the serenity of Christ's abiding presence. This is a tender divine moment not to be missed.

Bluegrass fans get a treat with Bowen's treatment of the Southern Gospel favorite "I'll Fly Away."  Never quite a fan of the hymn's tacky lyrics, Bowen saves this song by injecting it with verve and energy. Adding in a touch of Muscle Shoals blues that Ronnie Milsap in his funkiest moments would be proud of, "Just Over in the Glory Land" continues this theme of heaven. In the hands of lesser singers, it can be tempting to turn "The Old Rugged Cross" into a dirge.  But not with Bowen.  His effective use of vocal punctuations via his pauses and his creative turn of notes, adds a pulverising dimension to one of the greatest expositions of the Cross of Jesus Christ.  "Saved" is the album's sole original and it's also the most rowdy piece on the set that finds Bowen fanning his R&B flame into his brand of rugged Americana Gospel.

"Then Sing My Soul... Songs for My Mother" is indeed an apt gift for Bowen's mom. It's filled with hymns that not only have shaped the church, but these are songs that defy the test of time.  Despite the copious renditions, each of these hymns is still so singable and so worshipful.  Thanks be to God, we get to share in enjoying this gift together with Bowen's mommy.

 

 

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