Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This fascinating compilation is subtitled 'Treasures From The Basement Vol 1' and brings together 16 of the numerous recordings made in the '80s and '90s by Colin & Carol Owen. Back in that era, Colin & Carol were, along with Jarrod Cooper, the main worship leaders at Britain's annual Kingdom Life events and with their liltingly melodic songs were key figures in helping thousands of churchgoers find fresh ways of worshipping the King of Kings. Jarrod, now of course one of the UK Church's best known preachers, duets with Carol on a couple of tracks here (one of which, "Grace, Mercy & Love", is one of the album's outstanding moments). Other recommended cuts here are the gentle, hymn-like "Jesus, You Are The Way" and the elegantly beautiful "Lord Of My Life". Throughout Carol's clear, pure-toned voice carries these Scripture-based songs, and although Colin and Les Moir's production is distinctly easy-listening, there is still much here to show what effective worship leaders Colin and Carol once were. I know for a fact that there are churchgoers out there still searching for long-deleted cassettes of the Owens' heyday so this set will be more than welcome by them, and is a helpful reminder that it wasn't all rock guitar-driven anthems when modern worship was finding its creative feet. And some of these songs could well do with an airing in the church today.

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