As surely all but the youngest readers of Cross Rhythms will know, Graham is the most important worship songwriter and leader of the post war years. But as his popularity reached truly unprecedented levels in the '90s his album output faltered. Where once every release seemed to contain at least one worship song classic destined to circle the globe as it lifted and envisioned the worshipping Church, suddenly his touch seemed to falter as perversely the number of releases increased while his productions became uncomfortable, lumpen exercises in quasi- black gospel. But a few years away from the scene, during which time he wrote The 'Millennium Prayer' project, sees him return with an album which is to my ears and heart his finest ever. It's not simply that producer Andy Piercy (once, like Graham, a Youth For Christ musical evangelist when Ishmael & Andy burnt up the miles in the '60s) has given Graham's songs a new, updated sound. It's the consistent quality of the songwriting here. There're surely three or four songs destined to impact the Church. And when one hears the spine tingling duet with Martin Smith "Lord You've Been Good To Me" over that simple synth bed one has little doubt that thousands of teenagers will be drawn to worship through the maestro's way with melody and biblical themes. Seldom does one hear an album with the deft musicianship, songwriting craft and Spirit anointing to make it worthy of investigation by a 15 year old as well as a 65 year old Christian. But this tender hearted exploration of the ways and wonder of God's grace is such an album.
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Posted by David in Edinburgh @ 08:40 on Nov 24 2005
Spot on review. This is collection has such staying power!
The songs are rich in scripture, musically satisfying, and
wonderfully produced. Why aren't more of these songs
congregational staples? Baffles me.
Spot on review. This is collection has such staying power! The songs are rich in scripture, musically satisfying, and wonderfully produced. Why aren't more of these songs congregational staples? Baffles me.