Album Review: Mother – 20 Songs About Mother by Various Artists
Released in 1977 under Nashboro Records, Mother – 20 Songs About Mother is a heartfelt gospel gem that taps into the soulful essence of funk and soul music. This collection brings together top gospel artists to celebrate one of life’s most universal themes: mothers. The album feels like a warm hug from someone who gets it—someone who knows how much moms mean to us.
The tracklist reads like a love letter to motherhood, with songs ranging from uplifting anthems to deeply reflective ballads. Two tracks stood out for me personally: "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and "Give Me My Flowers."
"Will The Circle Be Unbroken" hits hard because it’s not just about mothers—it’s about legacy, connection, and faith. The harmonies are tight, almost haunting, pulling you into this idea of eternity where love never ends. It makes you think about your own mom and whether she’ll recognize you when you meet again on the other side. Heavy stuff, right? But also beautiful.
Then there’s "Give Me My Flowers," which punches you right in the feels. You know that saying, “Give people their flowers while they can still smell them”? Well, this song nails that sentiment. It’s raw, honest, and reminds you not to take your mom—or anyone—for granted. The vocals here are so powerful they could probably knock down walls. I found myself replaying this one more than once, partly because it made me grab my phone and text my mom (awkward but worth it).
What strikes me about this album is its authenticity. These aren’t polished pop tunes; they’re real stories told through gospel traditions. Each song carries weight, like the artists poured every ounce of their souls into these recordings. And honestly, it shows. Even though it came out in the '70s, the messages still resonate today. Maybe even more so now, given how fast-paced and disconnected our world feels sometimes.
If I had to nitpick, some tracks blend together after a while since the theme stays consistent throughout. But hey, if you’re looking for variety, maybe an album entirely dedicated to mothers isn’t what you need anyway.
Here’s the unexpected part: listening to this record felt less like entertainment and more like therapy. By the end, I wasn’t just thinking about my mom—I was reflecting on gratitude, loss, and everything in between. Plus, the title itself cracks me up a little. Twenty whole songs about moms? That’s commitment!
Final verdict: If you’re a fan of gospel music or just want something that speaks to the heart, Mother – 20 Songs About Mother is worth adding to your playlist. Just don’t blame me if you end up calling your mom halfway through.
Thanks for the 3 track from the Nashboro "Mother" compilation, nice with mothers day just round the corner. I have now heard 14 of the tracks from this LP, so if you are able to put up any of the following six that I haven't heard that would be grand....
Angelic Gospel Singers Will My Mother Know Me There
Ann McCrary Smith Mother
Prof Harold Boggs Thank God For The Mother You Gave
The Brooklyn Allstars Motherless Child
The Spiritual Five If I Could Hear My Mother Prayer Again
Sons Of Faith Mother Had It
Regards,
Pete