Reviewed by Nigel Bayley

There's something very engaging about 'Wide Wide World' and I think I've worked out what it is. Most of the Vineyard worship leaders I've experienced are very good at what they do, but all of them seem to have come out of a pretty similar mould. Canada's David Ruis clearly broke his and though no longer with Vineyard is a powerful and prophetic voice as this 2001 project demonstrates. His innovative and eclectic style certainly lifts him above the crowd, but it's his unconventional songs that really grab the attention. The title track starts intriguingly before bursting into life and never letting up until the crowd break into spontaneous worship six minutes later. Both "Mercy Is Falling" and "Anything For This Love" are built on pumping bass lines that really draw you in and get your feet tapping. Then suddenly the wonderfully tender "What Child Is This?" and "True Love" change the mood completely without losing any of the focus. And so the album continues with surprising and inventive songs coming one after another, and the lyrics and atmosphere of each one combine to give the clear sense that David is truly worshipping and not just putting in an excellent performance. This really is a refreshingly different yet hugely impressive live experience which I have been both blessed and challenged by.

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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