Owen Hayward - All That Remains

Published Monday 1st March 2010
Owen Hayward - All That Remains
Owen Hayward - All That Remains

STYLE: Rock
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 87599-16269
LABEL: Independent OHCD0001
FORMAT: CD EP
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Simon Eden

With a little blues riff sounding like it is played on a banjo comes the initial hook that draws you in to a smooth lullaby by the Southampton-based worship leader. The guitar work throughout this album is its strength with various riffs either from acoustic guitar or electric lead guitar. The second track "Can You Hear Me" has a soaring electric guitar solo and fifth track "We Will Stand" has an opening bass riff that sounds of heavy metal cello! These aren't songs for congregational worship but are clearly intended for personal contemplation and reflection. The disappointment with the album is that the vocals are breathy and weak, whilst the lyrics have numerous worship clichés (eg "You are my rock"). The backing vocals from Hannah Holley are, ironically, much stronger than Owen's.

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 annon @ 13:52 on Mar 4 2010

Completely disagree with Cross Rhythms reviewer calling Scripture cliches. I'm sorry, nothing could be further from the truth. I really don't understand this comment, when the bible exhorts us to 'speak to on another with psalms hymms and spiritual songs' - the more of God's powerful word in worship the better! King David sang what became scripture, and so set a precedent.

Nice melodies and varied chord sequences. Interesting use of different instruments creates a unique sound. Great to chill out to and respond to god on a personal level.
Perhaps a couple of slightly sloppy vocal recordings in places.

Great album.



Posted by lukey in newcastle @ 17:32 on Mar 2 2010

nice offering from a young worship leader, sounds like it comes from the heart, agree that translating some of the songs for main congregational worship would be very hard if not impossible.

but i don't think that this was the intention, Owen has clearly worked hard (with limited funds as some of the recording is a bit poor) to produce an EP that is fresh and unique, challenging the status quo of same old christian dross, 4beat/ 4bar smash it out on a electric guitar that is still very popular with the big worship leaders. not that there is a problem with a bit of 4:4, but when it is all you do there is.

cliches, look in the bible 2 sam 22:2, psalm 18:2 + 61:2 +92:15, Isa 26:4, matt 7:24 all taking about god being are rock, i have no problem with scripture in worship, so very cheep shot Simon Eden and whist you mite not like i, i personal found this ep to be a grate help in my own walk with Jesus. most male worship leader would play second fiddle to hanna singing (only exception Israel Houghton).

overall good, fresh, unique, attempt to get your own music out in an industry dominated by very gifted but getting a bit old and tired worship leaders. well done owen



Posted by Annon in Southampton @ 17:23 on Mar 1 2010

Brutal. No comment on the overall feel of what I believe to be a great offering if (as you say) personal worship. One thing that really gets mr though. No one ever slates redman or Hughes in these reviews for using cliches. . . Strange no?



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