There are a handful of CDs that I unreservedly recommend to everyone I
know, regardless of their musical preferences or age or spiritual
background. Mark Williams’ latest independent release, Becoming the
Moon, is one of those chosen few. Having spent half a decade
touring, writing, and producing since the release of his second CD,
journals of a recovering skeptic, Williams’ latest recording
displays maturity, depth, and creativity alongside a true understanding
of the earthiness of everyday life.

Becoming the Moon is the sort of CD people identify with and
relate to, but the songs themselves are very personal. They reflect
Williams’ various roles: husband, ruling elder and artist-in-residence
at his local church, nerd, and most importantly, someone pursued by a
gracious, loving God.

Some songs are confessional. “What Luther Said” deals with issues of
pride and self-righteousness. I find myself singing louder and louder
until I am practically drowning out my CD at the end of the bridge,
belting, “I’m always bringing something / my works are all that’s left
/ that’s why I need some good news / just to save me from myself.”
“Eventide” is written as a hymn, declaring God’s faithfulness to bring
us home for eternity. “Impression” is about coming face to face with
our Creator, “I am undone in the sight of the King / my songs are but
words and my lips are unclean / this is your Holy Impression / on me.”

The fourth and fifth tracks on the album are a pair of love songs. The
first, “Arizona” laments love lost, dealing with the pain of getting
over someone you care about. Lucky for Williams, that wasn’t the end
of the story. The next song is about the same woman, Christina, now
his wife. Instead of having the slow, sultry tune of a love ballad
straight from your favorite adult contemporary station, “Keeper of our
Hearts” has a fun, more upbeat tune that matches the joyous nature of
love. Two more tracks, “15″ and “Chasing Me,” describe God’s pursuit
of Williams. Vivid imagery drives both songs, with lines like “I
didn’t know I was thirsty /until you dragged me in your stream / I’d
heard nothing about mercy / Until I felt your holy scream.”

What holds this album together is not merely good lyrics, but also music that
serves each song well. The sound ranges from contemporary folk to
rock, showcases several solid musicians local to Williams’ area and
shows a variety of influences. But what impresses me most sonically is
something you can’t notice from just listening. The basic tracks (lead
vocal, acoustic guitar, bass and drums) were recorded live in the
studio. The simple production betrays Williams’ vast talent and not
the fiddling of a good producer or the result of a hundred takes.

Mark Williams is a Christian and a musician. But he doesn’t make the
contemporary Christian music I tend to skip past on my radio dial. His
innovation and honesty make Becoming the Moon unique and worth
owning for yourself. And it makes a great gift.