The Best of Mark Schultz

Over the past decade, Mark Schultz has proven himself one of the most eloquent singer/songwriters in Christian music. Schultz’s first best-of collection does a good job showing how he has evolved as both a storyteller and a musician since his 2000 debut. From “He’s My Son” onwards, Schultz has used the family as his focal point, pointing out larger truths through the struggles of parents and children. His easy command of narrative form unites tunes as different as “Broken & Beautiful,” “Walking Her Home” and “Letters From War.” Musically, his piano-centered approach has given him a distinctive sound, though more recent releases (like “Love Has Come”) have adopted a muscular, guitar-heavy approach. Schultz’s soaring high tenor — pop in feel, with a hint of country — delivers these tunes with both urgency and sweetness. Schultz has never been the most trendy of Christian artists; sincerity rather than hipness is more his style. This collection offers a fine survey of what this Spirit-filled piano man does best.