After years of being in the Christian music industry, Watermark is here to
stay. This week marks the release of their third album, and arguably their
best disc to date. If you haven't heard their stuff on the radio, then
you've probably heard them join in worship with the rest of the Passion
team. And, if not that, you may have heard Nathan's top-notch production on
CDs from such established artists as Point of Grace and, again, all the
latest Passion albums. Don't miss this disc!

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CONSTANT - WATERMARK (2002)
by Dan Ficker

"God is constant," says Christy Nockels, asserting that "just as God and His
character are constant, I want that to be true about Watermark." The release
of a third album alone distinguishes this duo as a band that is here to
stay. Through the title and the message on the album, they make a commitment
to strive to be Constant to the Christian music industry. The other half of
this duo, Nathan Nockels adds his lush instrumentation and inventive
production skills to his wife's deep lyrics and astounding voice.

Despite the constancy of this work, the listener familiar with Watermark
will notice a bit of a difference from the opening of the title track.
Nathan decided to tone down the synthesizers and producer's tricks to
deliver a more raw sound, although you may still hear the studio sounds
sometimes. Opening with a strong drum loop, the title track tells of God's
constant nature, and how God's heart "is full of people who will constantly
be running after you." Although the buzzword is used a lot on this track,
the theme is alluded to more subtly throughout the rest of the album. Hinted
at in the previous track, "Seek Me" tells of the joys that are found when
one finds God.

Although not as polished as some other tracks, the true heart of Watermark
can be found in "Friend for Life," which asks for the flowing water of
Christ to pour over them. Opening with some quiet piano, the Nockels lead us
in a taste of heavenly worship, singing "Holy" in praise to God. The song
swells into a choir of angels worshipping around the throne, singing the
simple words of the book of Revelation, then fades out with quiet echoes of
the earlier worship.

Written with renowned composer Wayne Kirkpatrick, Nathan and Christy
realize, through reading Scripture, that God is so amazing that they had "No
Idea" how great He is. Shifting from the relationship to God for a minute,
"Made for You" talks about the marriage relationship in Watermark. Opening
with a somber violin and Nathan's first ever duet with Christy, this honest
track works very well as a conversation between man and wife, and a promise
of fidelity to each other. This love song will probably be used in some
upcoming weddings just as Steven Curtis Chapman's "I Will Be Here" has been
used for years.

Going to the next step in the marriage relationship, "Noah's Song" tells
about the joy of bringing up their baby boy, Noah, and the reminders of
their childhood that they receive through Noah. This piano-based song also
refers to Jesus' teaching of becoming "like little children," and even
includes some early words of Noah at the end. "Carry You" was written in
Noah's playroom and accelerates the pace, reminding their son of many simple
truths, especially God's continuous presence and protection.

Ending the disc with one final duo of peaceful songs, "Remember" uses a
pulsating rhythm and then switches to some simple drums, while Christy is
reflecting on God's presence and love throughout her life. Much like "Who Am
I?/Grace Flows Down" from their last album, "Still" finishes the album with
epic proportions, quelling any merit of their own and centering their music
on the only constant, God. The lush piano and calming strings help the
listener to take a cue from the lyrics and use the quiet and stillness to
listen to God.

Exploring the many facets of God and life in Christ, Watermark has found
that there are many things that remain Constant. Musically, the work of
Nathan and Christy Nockels is still being refined, although it is no doubt
their best to date. Lyrically, the honest reflections on life and heavenly
revelation are a much-needed refreshment from the usual pop/contemporary
style, and that is something that will not change. As is common with
Watermark releases, this is one work of art that most listeners will not
want to miss.

Find out more about Watermark on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/watermark


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AVAILABLE TUESDAY, APRIL 23 (at cMusicWeb.com or at your local store)

THE BALLPOINT COMPOSER - FREDDIE BRUNO
Another emcee from Uprok Records, Christian Music's biggest hip-hop label,
Bruno delivers his first collection of beats and rhymes.

I'VE GOT A FUNNY FEELING ABOUT THIS - BOB SMILEY
In the small world of Christian comedy, Bob Smiley is big. Although
definitely not as institutionalized as Mark Lowry, Smiley delivers a CD full
of stories, jokes, and other stuff that he thought would be funny for you to
listen to.

1000 GENERATIONS - VINEYARD USA
Influenced a lot by British worship artists, this disc delivers 11 tracks of
new worship written and performed by college-aged leaders. The result is a
disc with a definite fresh sound.

OUR GOD OF WONDERS - VARIOUS
Trying to cash in on their success for the City on a Hill series, Essential
releases another collection of worship tunes. Included are old ones from
Third Day and Sonicflood, as well as new ones from upcoming artists Sarah
Sadler, Paul Coleman Trio and Squint's Adore.

SEPTEMBER - STILL BREATHING
Tooth and Nail's hardcore division, Solid State Records, delivers an
interesting new band. Featuring a screaming female on lead vocals, the
lyrics sound like most other metal bands; you just have to trust them that
they are saying good things.

12 STONES (self-titled)
Coming from the same label as CREED, Wind-Up Records, 12 Stones delivers a
similar rock sound with the similar spiritually-focused lyrics. I guess
Wind-Up decided that if CREED was a hit, they should just sign another
one...

UNUSUAL - ALL TOGETHER SEPARATE
Truly a unique blend of cultures and styles, even the album cover tells
that. This racially diverse group brings together rap, rock, jazz, and more
for a unique listening experience. This was last week's PICK OF THE WEEK.


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (at cMusicWeb.com or at your local store)

CONSTANT - WATERMARK
See above for more info on this PICK OF THE WEEK.


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View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
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http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
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