Jonny Shepherd - New Day

Published Tuesday 5th February 2008
Jonny Shepherd - New Day
Jonny Shepherd - New Day

STYLE: Rock
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 41728-13374
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Allan Clare

A little internet investigation reveals that Jonny has been leading worship for around 10 years - he's a worship pastor at Rugby Christian Life Centre and has led worship at New Wine and Youth For Christ events. This shows Jonny's obvious spiritual maturity - which is also clearly heard in the heart of worship throughout this album. These are songs of praise, declaration and, above all, faith! There's a dramatic start with "Take My Life" - a rewrite of the old Frances R Havergal hymn, where a repetitive melancholy piano and Jonny's vocals alone are joined three minutes in with the band (George Berridge on bass, Chris Burgess on drums and Joe Cox on electric guitar). This is followed by "My Reason" which is an excellent congregational song which I wouldn't mind singing on any Sunday morning. Elsewhere, "Angels Bow" showcases some heavier guitar work, "Please Forgive Me" has a rootsy acoustic feel while two ballads "Everyday" and "Mystery Surrounds" reminded me a little of David Crowder in his more reflective moments. There's a lot of variety in the production and many of the songs are pleading and praying for revival. "We Have Heard" has some excellent vocals from Cheryl Shepherd: it would have been good to have heard more of her. In days where contemporary worship albums seem to have been churned out from the same factory, this really is a breath of fresh air.

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 milton williams in Rugby @ 11:34 on Feb 16 2008

Some of the most inspiratioal worship songs of our time. It draw us in into the presence of God.
Johnny and Cheryl are so humble and with that humility I believe God will take them to a higher level.



Posted by Emily in Rugby @ 13:23 on Feb 9 2008

This is an amazing album and you can hear all the hard work that's been put in it. The lyrics speak of truth, faith and hope and the sound is so fresh and new!



Posted by Sara Rattenbury in Rugby @ 12:09 on Feb 6 2008

I agree with this article, this album brings a uniquely different feel to worship, and we are all waiting for revival, aren't we? I own a copy of this album and have given some copies to friends and we all think it is excellent. And if you do want to sing 'My Reason' as a congregational song then come and join us at Rugby Christian Life Centre!!!!



Posted by Beth in Rugby @ 11:51 on Feb 6 2008

Indeed!!!!
Jonny Shepherd is completely anointed, guys like this need more ears to hear their work.



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

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