Mike Franklin Ministries

A Lifetime of Love

A review by Henrietta Brown

Mike Franklin’s first solo CD, A Lifetime of Love, runs the gamut in styling – from traditional Southern Gospel to a bit of progressive Southern to definite Spiritual and back. It goes full circle in subject, starting with Mike’s own composition of “It Took Those Nail-Scarred Hand,” a slow-paced, heart-felt prayer, and ending with “The Unseen Hand,” from the pen of A.J. Sims. It’s like he is saying, “Those nail-scarred hands started a journey that the unseen hand will bring to completion.” What a marvelous concept!

Between the beginning and the end of the journey, Mike makes several stops along the way. Kevin Wright’s “One Drop of Blood” paints an amazing picture of what the blood of Jesus has done from the day he shed the first drop. It washes away our sins and makes us better than new.

The familiar “Fill My Cup, Lord,” written by Richard Blanchard, shows a slightly different style of vocals, beautifully framed by the keyboard wizardry of Jason Webb. In fact, the musicians on this album display their talent for interweaving music that enhances rather than dominates the vocals. In addition to Jason Webb on piano, the musicians are Bryan Sutton on electric guitars, Kevin Williams on acoustic guitars, Marty Shrabel on bass guitar and Aaron Minick on drums.

The next stop on the journey is a song from the pen of Toni Jolene Clay, “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.” This one is slightly progressive and helps us focus on the importance of living our lives in the light of eternity.

Another song from Mike’s pen is “My Father.” This upbeat ballad is a personal testimony of sorts, and transitions from how Mike’s father led him to the Son who took him to the Father who took him for His own. How much the world needs to hear this message today: Fathers need to take their sons to Jesus!

Again from Mike’s own pen, “Headed Home” is an upbeat traditional Southern Gospel song that looks forward to the day we see Jesus face to face.

Slowing the pace is “Secret Place,” written by Shauna Hord. Mike sings this quiet song of communion with Jesus in a manner that brings with it a feeling of peace.

Toni Jolene Clay and Ed Miller collaborated on “The Year of Jubilee,” a great song with a victorious message. Mike delivers this with all the conviction and excitement that message brings.

Before ending the circle with a definite Spiritual style on “The Unseen Hand,” Mike shares with us what every child of God knows – “Only Jesus.” The joy of knowing the only One who can fulfill our every need comes through as Mike sings this wonderful song written by Pat Baze.

After hearing Mike for years as the exceptionally fine tenor in the Melody Boys Quartet, I expected excellence and ease to be evident in the vocals. What I didn’t expect, but was excited to find, was deep abiding joy and love of Jesus that comes to the forefront of every single song on this CD. What a great job!

My favorites, although difficult to pick, are “It Took Those Nail-Scarred Hand,” “One Drop of Blood,” “My Father,” and “Only Jesus.”