Godfrey Birtill & Band - Hijacked Into Paradise

Published Friday 27th November 2009
Godfrey Birtill & Band - Hijacked Into Paradise
Godfrey Birtill & Band - Hijacked Into Paradise

STYLE: Pop
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 82496-15999
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2009-08-14
RRP: £12.00

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

You might love it, or you may strongly dislike it. But you're hardly likely to feel lukewarm about it. It jumps out at you and demands a response. Clearly, Godfrey's songs work best in a live setting, but this is often achieved at the cost of professionalism of sound, re-takes, production, etc. With 'Hijacked Into Paradise', Birtill seems to have hit the mark - a live recording with wonderful live vibes, and matched by top notch recording and production, care of Dan Bowater and others. Birtill writes his own songs, of course - and boy do they stand the test of originality! Clearly it's these, at times incisive, lyrics, the build-up of atmosphere, the audience participation and the percussion (c/o Paul D'Oliveria) that are most prominent throughout this set, but the band's delivery is at times enhanced by some great trumpet and trombone, and by female group vocals. Certainly the passion he injects into every stanza of every song is thoroughly impressive. Certainly also, this guy has faith in a big God, and there's definitely a lesson to learn from that. Personally, I struggle with Birtill's predominant style - brawny, often repetitive choruses with lyrics that make me cringe. Eg, "I wanna honk, I wanna ho, I wanna hoot, I wanna hey, I wanna flip, flap, flow, fly, Excuse me while I kiss the sky" (from "Let Me Shout"). Then there's the "Beep Beep" song, and another "Yeah, Yeah" chorus. One song sees Godfrey having a go at those who have a go at him. In the midst of all this there's a couple of more adorational moments - "All Of My Heart (Forever)" and "Redeemed", a piece of thoughtful praise which clearly represents Godfrey's love of the Lord. Generally, however, these songs differ markedly from most contemporary worship styles. The majority here I don't find particularly worshipful. Much as I love strong, lively worship, this format just doesn't tick all the necessary boxes.

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 chickenmmamma in Norfolk @ 09:18 on Jun 29 2010

When we first got album to be honest we bought it for the kids and I didn't take it very seriously. I think now Godfrey's prophetic edge makes him ahead of his time and recently after playing it in the car to and from a conference it was clear to see that he had written songs about things that prophets are now saying. give this a good chance and a fair hearing. He is not polished or convential, certainly more than a little left of field, but he is on the nail for the spirit of the nation. We play this all the time, my kids are now really into worship and our spirits are waking up - definitely indespensible.



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