Orphans of God

At the time of his death in 1992, Mark Heard enjoyed a cult following in Christian music circles. By any measure, he was an uncommonly gifted singer/songwriter, known for his striking lyric imagery and Tom Petty-like roots-rock sound. His desire to go beyond spiritual clichés won him the admiration of his peers and an impressive number of them offered their interpretations of his work on Orphans Of God, a 1996 tribute album. The reoccurring themes in Heard’s writing — sympathy for human frailty, anger at modern materialism — are well-represented here. Highlights among the more reflective songs include Bruce Cockburn’s performance of “Strong Hand Of Love” and Ashley Cleveland’s sensitive take of “It’s Not Your Fault.” Heard’s harder-driving side comes through via smoldering renditions of “I Just Wanna Get Warm” (by Dan Russell) and “Freight Train To Nowhere” (by Vigilantes Of Love). Chagall Guevara contributes a ferocious cover of “Treasure Of The Broken Land,” an anthem of resurrection that may be Heard’s greatest song. Whatever one’s faith may or may not be, Mark Heard’s music is well worth discovering — and Orphans Of God is an excellent introduction.