Reviewed by John Irvine

Elsewhere in this issue we review the tape which goes along with this collection of Psalms set to music. Fans of the lona Community's style of worship will pretty well know what to expect. Like John Bell's previous offerings there's a mixture of traditional and original tunes, some suitable for soloists, some for small singing groups. The congregational songs lend themselves to minimal accompaniment: each song is arranged in clear four part harmonies with guitar or piano an optional extra. Although lona songs work very well with untrained singers, obviously you need someone with musical training to teach the parts. Either that or you buy the song tape and work it out for yourself. In his introduction to the collection, Bell correctly points out that to call the Psalms 'praise songs' is to belittle them an the gamut of human experience which they cover. This collection helps widen our appreciation of the Psalms -Psalm 6 deals with a worshipper pouring out anxiety, frustration and mental anguish before God; Psalm 25 deals with trusting God; Psalm 42 deals with a person for whom the days of fulfilling faith and worship seem in the past; Psalm 83 deals with a protest to God. There are also Psalms of praise and worship, in all 24 settings to be used in worship. As such, this is a very welcome addition to the large number of 'praise and worship' books, and a very worthy addition to the series of songbooks the lona Community publish.

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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