Mark Farner

In the years since the dissolution of Grand Funk Railroad, Mark Farner has been a solo artist and leader of the Mark Farner Band. But perhaps his greatest passion has been making music that preaches to his passions, both as a Christian and an American. This release on the Nashville label KMG reissues two of Farner's albums on one disc. The first, 1988's Just Another Injustice, kicks off with "Airborne Ranger," an awkward rocker that suggests Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone." Complete with overdubbed fighter jets, the song is a tribute to its titular hero. But it also establishes the first thematic prong of the album, which examines modern-day American patriotism. Later, songs like "Writing on the Wall" and the title track brood over whether the country will be ready to stand up for its values when the chips are down. Farner tempers this sentiment with rather upbeat Christian material, including the rollicking "Come to Jesus" and sentimental ballads like "Give Me the Works." The second album included on this disc is 1991's Some Kind of Wonderful. As the cover art features Farner before the silhouette of an enormous crucifix, it's pretty clear what's in store. Lyrically, each song examines themes of salvation, grace, and social commentary from a Christian viewpoint. Throughout, Farner proves his voice hasn't lost any of the elasticity or power that he displayed with Grand Funk. But the arrangements here aren't very memorable, and tend to serve only as a platform for their lyrics. A highlight of Some Kind of Wonderful is the title track and GFR classic, with a simple shift in pronouns ("she" to "he") to sync it up with Farner's Christian ideology. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide