Reviewed by Paul Poulton

Stadium rock seems to have keeled over, but where Springsteen's and Queen's anthems left off, the new generation of worship writers seem to have taken over. There seems to be a formula to writing worship songs for large gatherings, and three or four of the songs at last August's Stoneleigh week follow the recipe, which is: get the first 10 or 11 notes of the chorus to be exactly the same note and then dip one or two tones at the end of the phrase. It's good stuff for conferences because with only a few days available, the crowd can't go too far wrong when there's only one note to remember! The children's song "Jingle Bells" manages to get seven notes of the same pitch out before it changes, but 11 may be getting close to pushing the bounds of songwriting a bridge too far. Many more and it would be poetry. There are 13 songs recorded, by 13 songwriters and the spirit of praise is certainly evident. There are some lovely songs here reflecting the revival theme of the week. It must be very difficult recording and mixing events where the audience is part of the song. Mark Altrogge's excellent song '"Grace Upon Grace" is slightly hindered by clapping that is behind the beat. One or two of the songs are hindered still further by the wack of the snare. I don't mind the snare being up in the mix but I do think it needs to be evened out by the kick being up there. too. I know something has to go, with such a big line up, but if a song is strong it can get by without being driven along artificially. Stuart Townend takes the male vocals, he also wrote a couple of the songs. His song "I Wont Let Go" has a lovely groove, with a guitar lick finishing on a dominant seven note at the end of each line, making the song compulsive listening. Dave Fellingham helps lead the worship, and there is an inspiring prophecy by Ken Gott. There could well be a few songs here for you to sing at your own church. The lyrics are beautiful and after all. what does it all matter if Christ is preached, and the Church lifts Jesus higher?

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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