Reviewed by Simon Carpenter

If you like watching BBC's Songs Of Praise, and I must admit that I do, though don't tell anyone, you'll love this collection of hymns by the doyen of contemporary hymnwriters, Timothy Dudley-Smith. 14 of his best are here, beautifully performed in tasteful arrangements by All Soul's musical director Noel Tredinnick, which given his regular appearances on that programme explains the Songs Of Praise style. For most of the selection TDS has contributed the music as well as the words, he did after all start out as a poet. But a couple are set to tunes that I personally know better from my choirboy days as "Oh Sacred Head Surrounded" and "My Song Is Love Unknown". Brave to set new words to such well known tunes. However, my favourite from this collection, both for the original hymn and its arrangement, is "Safe In The Shadow" - reminiscent (and this is meant as a compliment) of the Fisherfolk in their heyday. Overall, hard not to like, even if you are as big a Matt Redman/Martin Smith fan as I am!

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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