Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

One of the first acts to be signed by Michael W Smith's Rocketown Records, 'The Purest Place' is Watermark's fourth studio album since their eponymous debut in 1998. Watermark are Christy (vocals) and Nathan (guitars, keyboards and production) Nockels and, before entering the CCM, both led worship in Oklahoma alongside fellow Passion frontman Charlie Hall, who co-wrote and guests here on the powerful "Captivate Us". More recently Nathan Nockels also has made a name for himself as a top Nashville producer for the likes of Point Of Grace, Matt Redman and Tim Hughes, and the latter also contributes vocals on the title track. Watermark themselves say that this album signifies a conscious return to their worship-leading roots and "to a renewed vision of who we are and what we are called to do." Musically it does nothing startlingly original or profound but producer Nathan has crafted efficient arrangements which well support Christy's earnest delivery. Vocally she reminds me of the underrated Cindy Morgan, with occasional touches of the late, great Sixpence None The Richer's Leigh Nash. The songs here often have their inspiration in the Nockels' personal experiences: "Mended" thanks God for the restoration of a broken friendship; "Invade" calls upon the Lord to inhabit their family home; album highlight and first US single "The Glory Of Your Name" was written following their viewing of Mel Gibson's movie The Passion Of The Christ. All in all, this is a strong contemporary praise album, though not one likely to provide the UK Church with many new anthems.

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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