Chris Bowater - Crown Of Beauty

Published Wednesday 14th September 2005
Chris Bowater - Crown Of Beauty
Chris Bowater - Crown Of Beauty

STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 13308-1366
LABEL: Kingsway KMCD2640
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2005-08-19
RRP: £12.99

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This is a return to form for the seasoned worship leader whose influence over the years has touched so much of today's worship culture. The sleevenotes explain that, after a decade of mentoring other writers, a fresh season of writing was called for. And fresh is exactly what this collection is, with each track memorably standing out in its own right. Most of the tracks here are penned by Bowater himself with a few covers thrown in for good measure (Stuart Townend's "Image Of Invisible God" and "Seems Like So Long Ago (Mercy Over Me)" by Robert Critchley for instance). Bowater's vocal delivery is extremely reminiscent of the late Roy Orbison's fragile strength and this adds to the quality of each song. During the more built up sections in some of the tracks, Bowater's vocals could have been more in the forefront but on the whole producer John Hartley has done a magnificent job. It would be a tough task to select a standout song from 'Crown Of Beauty' - whether it be the powerful song of humility "Not To Us O Lord" or the tender "Your Word", the hymn-like "Teach Me How To Pray" or the haunting "O The Deep Deep Love" - so it would be best to accept this release for what it is: a beautiful collection of worship songs by a writer who has returned with one of his best ever offerings.

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 Gillian Riley in England @ 08:55 on Oct 18 2005

This is a great album from start to finish. Difficult to pick out a favourite track, Not To Us reminds us that God should be in control in every aspect of our lives. Show Me Your Ways always draws me closer to the Father with the desire to know Him more and O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus washes me with Father's love - a great album.



Posted by Beate Blecher in Germany @ 07:56 on Oct 5 2005

„Crown of Beauty“ is somewhat different from earlier albums. Since having become familiar with it, it has become my very favourite CD.
Chris Bowater’s voice is very “natural”, less soaring, rather more gentle, relaxed, with a slight edge of roughness now & then.
My overall impression: This is not a performance, but comes across as completely sincere - a genuine expression of reverence, love & trust from someone who lives what he says.
All Bowater songs are new, and the 4 songs by other authors are an excellent choice, too. I find it impossible to decide which I like best.




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

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