Reviewed by Stephen Luff

Holland's Kees first came to the public's attention when he was asked to lead worship at Flevo music festival in 2002. He returned the following year and this time the experience was recorded and became his first release 'This Is My Cry', which is disc one of this set. The other CD is his second album 'Broken' from 2005. The first disc opens with popular worship songs "All That Matters" (Eoghan Heaslip) and "Your Name Is Holy" (Brian Doerkson). Although these are good performances and the musicians with Kees are tight and engaging, there is not a lot on disc one to make the album stand out amongst the many high quality live praise recordings issued each year - until you get to the self-penned seventh song "This Is My Cry" with lyrics that really connect with the listener. The same effect is repeated with the bonus track "God Of The Moon And Stars" (a recording of which was once handed out as a gift to prostitutes). 'Broken' was recorded in a makeshift studio housed within a chapel in Switzerland and "Your Amazing Love", the opening track, just overflows with worship and praise, with Kees emotional tones flowing from the speakers, cutting through the concerns of the moment. The atmosphere continues with the self-penned tracks "Jesus More" and "The Praises Of The Lamb". Although more contemplative than 'This Is My Cry', 'Broken' is equally strong and there are some radio friendly praise tracks like "All That I Want" and "The Fathers Place". Overall this package is a great way to investigate the early albums of a powerful worship leader still fairly unknown outside of his homeland.

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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