Martin Flett - See...

Published Friday 7th March 2008
Martin Flett - See...
Martin Flett - See...

STYLE: Pop
RATING 3 3 3
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 41737-13383
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Dancin' Dave Derbyshire

I am sure that Yorkshire-based Martin is very sincere in penning these worship songs to the Lord. These are songs of someone on their knees before an awesome God rejoicing in his grace and longing for more of his presence. But the more I listened the more I found Martin Flett's voice jarring and distracting from these glorious truths. "Perhaps his gift is more on the song writing side?" I wondered. But on closer inspection I found the music very formulaic and I longed for these ideas to be expressed in more creative ways. But I am sorry to say that all the tracks sound as though they are simply recycled from other worship songs that abound in the Church today and are not even put together in a creative way. After receiving what appears to be a very generous five square rating for his mini-album a year or two ago I am surprised that Martin Flett went ahead and released this full album anyway. Unless there are some signs of improvement in his skill I would echo the previous reviewer's comment that these songs are best kept between the singer and God. Unfortunately I can see no such signs here.

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 Rory Keegan in Leamington Spa @ 19:47 on Dec 2 2008

St Paul's, Leamington Spa runs an occasional laid-back, cafe-style, entertainmenty, outreachy event entitled Cafe Create. It was started some years ago by the former head of CYFA Steve Tilley.
I have been to numerous Cafe Create evenings and have always enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the cool mixture of bands, solo artists, comedy and story telling that's on offer.
The most recent event took place last saturday 29 Nov 2008 and featured the Cafe Create debut of a local singer songwriter of outstanding flare and ability.
His 'set' (I think that's the correct term) offered an intriguing mixture moods from snappy comedy to the thought full and reflective. Yes, there's a Christian subtext to some of them - but you dont feel you're being earbashed, if you know what I mean.
His between-song chat (dry humour-vg) helps set up the next number, giving just enough context - but wisely, he lets the songs speak for themselves.
Excellent vocal delivery - confident and on the note, and, particularly appreciated by this listener, having taken the trouble to craft interesting and original lyrics, he makes sure every word can be heard. (You don't have to be Julie Andrews to appreciate the importance of clear diction!)
Tip-top guitar-playing as well from this tall troubadour in a tilted trilby. Look out for him, His name? Martin Flett



Posted by David Derbyshire in Birmingham @ 16:11 on May 17 2008

I am really sorry. It always pains me to write negative reviews and I do try to do this in a Christian way with much prayer. I am asked for my honest opinions and am very sad when these hurt people. You are right that I am not a song writer myself but I assure you that I do love worship music. I admit that I may be missing something and I am glad that people have been blessed by Martin’s music. Since this is the case I would encourage him to continue to lead those people in worshipping God with his songs. We are all learning and I hope that your feedback will help me to be kinder in my wording in the future. Every blessing.


Reply by Peter Flett in Shipley @ 17:00 on Jul 26 2008

Thank you for your reply to my original comment, I too may have been a touch harsh and send my apologies accordingly. We clearly are still going to have to agree to disagree about the value of his work and it could be easily said that most worship music is formulaic in form in order for others to play/sing and is perhaps its appeal. To be creative takes practice and only by trying will it become better.

[report abuse]


Posted by P Flett in Shipley @ 09:43 on Mar 9 2008

Whilst Martin is my son and therefore I could be accused of being biased I could not help but feel that the reviewer has taken this as an opportunity to vent his general dislike of 'worship' music in an unkind unchristian way. Songwriting is something that needs to be simple so that people can join in and sing along therefore simple is good. This album has already brought much enjoyment to people related and unrelated to Martin, some who dont even know him, and have been adopted quite readily into some services being sung with great gusto. I wonder how many songs the reviewer has sat down and composed and then had the guts to put his/her hand in their own pocket to publish!D



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