Chris Taylor - Journey Into Love (Songs For The Road)

Published Tuesday 16th July 2013
Chris Taylor - Journey Into Love (Songs For The Road)
Chris Taylor - Journey Into Love (Songs For The Road)

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 139704-20707
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Mini-album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

Not to be confused with the two different American Christian music Chris Taylors, this one is a Worcester-based singer, songwriter and school teacher. This album won me over right from the piano intro to the first song "Broken (I Will Wait)", a touching reflection on human frailty and the challenge of building a relationship with God - "I can hear you calling/But I'm too weak to respond". This is a fine album of intimate prayerful songs, featuring Taylor's warm voice, the excellent vocal backing of Lexie Stobie, and subtle instrumental arrangements that complement rather than dominate. As implied by the title, love is the central theme and some of the songs echo St Paul's reflections on love - the most accessible of these is "Love Is The Greatest" - "If I had faith to move a mountain/Would it be worth a thing at all?/For without love, I rise to take a fall". "Love Is All Around" takes up the same theme with a catchy melody - any of these would perfectly suit a wedding setting. "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me" has a nice bluesy feel reminiscent of songs like "The Water Is Wide" or "The House Of The Rising Sun". In the one non-original song, Taylor delivers a straightforward but contemporary version of "Amazing Grace", a worthy addition to the many versions of that classic. With such great songs I was only sorry that this was a mini-album. Here's hoping the next one is a full-lengther.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Andy @ 12:46 on Mar 19 2014

I support the high rating given to what I think is still a relatively undiscovered album. I'm a music lover and worshipper rather than an aficionado. I find it gentle and beautiful but never insipid. The vocals are heartfelt and lyrics poignant (e.g. "Arms open wide on the cross"). The best I can say is that this CD has now been in my car now for over a month and the songs are in my heart, helping me to worship inside and out.



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