Allan McKinlay - When God Speaks

Published Saturday 24th September 2011
Allan McKinlay - When God Speaks
Allan McKinlay - When God Speaks

STYLE: Pop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 118029-18456
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Recent years have seen Ayrshire-based McKinlay's reputation as one of Scotland's foremost worship leaders increase and his latest release, following on from the inclusion of its title track in Scottish worship collective Satellite's respected debut album last year, is a substantial milestone in the man's career. Refusing to be battered by difficult economic times and with "hard work, sweat and tears", as McKinlay points out in the sleevenotes, this work was largely recorded and produced by the man himself with what resources he had at the time. Far from sounding homemade, McKinlay succeeds in offering up a huge sound with the likes of the opener "Only One Alone" and the thundering "He Reigns" and songs like "All Things New" showcase a powerful and accomplished vocal performance. Throughout, McKinlay refreshingly refuses to shy away from the thornier aspects of faith and a heartfelt realism is conveyed in songs like "Kingdom Come" which cries out to God to "invade this Earth" in the midst of "dark damaged towns steeped in depression". Elsewhere, the stunning "O To Be With Jesus" talks about the "filthy pit of sin" - words you don't hear in many modern worship songs - the writer inhabited prior to being saved. McKinlay and keyboardist James Mayers close proceedings with a time of spontaneous worship which rounds off a brave and absorbing release from a worship leader whose ministry goes from strength to strength.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Scott in Kilwining @ 09:21 on Dec 20 2011

Great Album,

it is permanently playing in our Kitchen!



Posted by George in Glenrothes @ 22:09 on Sep 24 2011

This album is much more than a good Christian contemporary music CD. The words and music seem to draw you into a special place - a place of worship, of awe, of wonder, of praise. The songs are not just for listening to; they minister to you, they encourage and inspire you. The words speak hope, reality, truth and eternity. So glad this CD is in my collection.



Posted by Steven Anderson in Glasgow @ 19:12 on Sep 24 2011

Great review of a great album. I seriously think Allan's new album is one of the best I've ever heard. Several awesome songs that churches all over the land need to be using.



Posted by Cam McVey in Glasgow @ 10:43 on Sep 24 2011

Brilliant, brilliant CD. Just get it!



Posted by Jack McConnochie in Leicester, England @ 10:10 on Sep 24 2011

Really good and accomplished cd, you will want to listen to many tracks again and again, and join in worship with Alan. I gather you can purchase the record direct from Alan's website, or look for him on Facebook and follow the link there.



Posted by Michael in Glasgow @ 09:42 on Sep 24 2011

Fantastic review for a fantasic album from one of the most truly annointed yet still largely undiscovered worship leaders this country has produced in recent years. Allans vision is for the Kingdom and not just for denomintion or country, and without the constraints of these placed upon him, his voice is one
that bucks a trend of conformity so prevalent within the church, and cries out for true freedom and relationship with a living loving Father God.



Posted by Mr & Mrs McKinlay in Ayrshire @ 08:17 on Sep 24 2011

A well deserved, great review!



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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