Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This is a double CD re-release of ’My First Love’ and ’Love’s Compelling Power’ originally recorded in 1996 and 1997 respectively and, before you shout about this being another needless reissue, this package is actually quite worthwhile. Taken from the internationally acclaimed Stoneleigh Bible Weeks, there does seem at first glance to be a few over familiar songs (“My Jesus My Saviour”, “How Deep The Father’s Love” and Matt Redman’s “Once Again” for example) but it is worth bearing in mind that when these songs were recorded they were still relatively fresh and have since become stalwarts in the Church worship scene. On each of the discs, the worship is lead by Stuart Townend and David Fellingham and with 27 tracks in total it is certainly value for money. ’My First Love’ gets off to a promising start with Paul Oakley’s “There’s A Place” with gems like the Celtic-tinged title track (written by Townend) and Oakley’s “Fire” thrown in for good measure. ‘Love’s Compelling Power’ includes tracks like Andy Park‘s anthem “The Spirit Of The Sovereign Lord” and Fellingham’s “By Your Blood” and, whilst it doesn’t quite match its counterpart, it ambles along pleasantly enough.

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