Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

David Baroni is a worship leader, songwriter and psalmist. Over here he is probably best known as the writer of "O Mighty Cross" and "Bow Down". 'The Bondslave, The Bride And The Battle' is an unusual recording given the fact that the songs were written spontaneously on three separate occasions that David chose lo record. What makes them even more incredible is the strong prophetic nature of the songs themselves. Rather than simply worshipping God, the songs alternate between prophetic songs from God to the listener and spontaneous passages where Baroni responds to the word he himself has just sung! The 26 minute epic "The Bondslave" is a spectacular example of this intertwining of worship and prophecy which is both stirring and uplifting. The song begins with many words of challenge and encouragement from God before leading you into a place of response. The other pieces each have their own texture. The shortest, "Captured By Your Presence", is more like a "standard" worship song, if there is such a thing. Instrumental musical passages act as a "selah" all through this album allowing the listener to reflect before David continues to pour out his song. The Bride" shows David flowing in spontaneous worship with the moods of this piece ebbing and flowing both musically and thematically alongside his singing and playing. The closing "The Battle" begins with a three minute introduction before David stirs his own soul with spontaneous worship.

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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