Reviewed by Tony Cummings

To quote from the blurb "Jesus Culture Music exits to ignite revival, to compel the body of Christ to radically abandon itself to a lifestyle of worship." And certainly the raw power and sheer abandon of their stadium rock approach to worship is one of the most spirit-enriching sounds in the worldwide church. The title track led by Chris Quilala with its dramatic use of surges of sound is a spine-tingling opener while Kim Walker-Smith's vocal on the mid-tempo "Freedom Reigns" is sublime so that when she reaches the chorus "Freedom reigns in this place. . . Jesus reigns in this place" the effect is electrifying. It builds and builds over a ringing guitar riff and is surely a song which will connect worldwide. Recorded and filmed at this year's Encounter event at the revivalists' base at Bethel Church, Redding, California, 'Come Away' has a wonderful mix from Sam Gibson (Delirious?) while the accompanying video, directed by Nathan Grubbs, of some of the songs from the event, adds another dimension to the worship powerfully transmitted here. As well as "Come Away" and "Freedom Reigns" other wonderful moments are "My Soul Longs For You" with its nagging guitar riff while the closer on the CD, "Rooftops" has another magnificent vocal from Kim as the song surges to the heavenlies. "I bow down to your name/From the rooftops I proclaim/I am yours" she sings acappella at the close, and our hearts respond. Years ago a prophecy was given that "contemporary music was going to be a spearhead for revival in Britain". Here we might well be witnessing the forging of a razor sharp instrument of war able to pierce even the darkness and unbelief of this battered nation.

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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