Reviewed by David Faulkner

2005 saw Stuart Townend again lead worship at Ireland's The Mandate event for men. His trademark contemporary hymns of a reformed charismatic persuasion mesh well with some of the more traditional evangelical hymns. (There are not many worship choruses here.) Townend is backed by the male members of Phatfish in fairly restrained mode, but Alan Rose adds some tasty lead guitar. Townend's own compositions stand well with the older material and include some of his most recent songs. It is refreshing to hear the songs pitched for the male voice, in contrast to other live worship CDs. The bonus CD celebrating 10 years of the event contains worship led not only by Townend but also of course by Robin Mark. If there is one disappointment it is the way some older hymns have verses omitted. Nevertheless this is a class recording, pleasingly, in the circumstances, produced by a woman - the dependable Caroline Bonnett.

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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