After being profoundly involved in the Passion movement and CDs for a lengthy period of time, and after overcoming some arduous times, Rocketown Records' duo Watermark (Christy and Nathan Nockels), have produced their latest work, and fourth album to date, The Purest Place. The Nockels have been married for 10 years and have 2 children. While their previous albums focus on the difficulties of being new parents, The Purest Place focuses on their younger years, when they led worship. The album's title was derived from a prayer and is meant to signify the "purest place they can imagine, the center of the heart of God, Jesus". Additional Christian artists including Charlie Hall, Tim Hughes, and Caedmon's Call's Danielle Young all make contributions to the album as well.

The Purest Place, produced by Nathan Nockels himself (Point of Grace, Downhere, Tim Hughes, Passion worship projects, Phillips Craig & Dean and Matt Redman), is meant to be a worship-driven project that is very much focused on Jesus. The album has been classified as "adult contemporary" but can touch the hearts of more than just adults. It represents truth, simplicity, and vision. With Christy providing vocals and Nathan as producer and serving as a pianist and harmony vocalist, the album shows Watermark's progression. Christy Nockels' strong vocals and the album's meaningful lyrics bring you on an interesting yet touching journey through most of the album.

The Purest Place already has its first single, "Glory of Your Name", which was inspired by The Passion of the Christ. As the third song on the album, "Glory of Your Name" could be considered one of Watermark's best songs yet. The album is full of effervescent power and worship and most definitely exemplifies the couple's roots as worship leaders. The Purest Place features original songs such as "My Covering", "Invade", and even Watermark's classical touch with "Soli Deo Gloria" (inspired by Bach).

If you're a fan of mainstream artists such as Sarah McLachlan and Dixie Chicks, or Christian artists Mercy Me, Ginny Owens, and Out of the Grey, you should check out the talents of Watermark.

- Review date: 8/5/04, written by Jessica Vander Loop