Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I really am impressed with the 'Re-leased' series of albums which, as it describes itself, is "an innovative project showcasing new writers of worship songs." Unlike the first 'Re-leased' album which had some songs sung by the writers themselves but others voiced by session singers, 'Re-leased 2' wisely lets each composer perform his or her own vocal duties and though that means that showcased here are some occasional less than top quality voices the 'Re-leased' concept now feels like an exercise in empowerment giving talented worship leaders access to a good studio (Lincoln's renowned DB Studios), good producer (the always reliable Howard Williams) and good session musicians. One or two of the singer/songwriters here will be known to Cross Rhythms readers (like the hugely underrated Graeme Clark whose 'As For Me' album was reviewed back in CR78) while I remember Fiona Poulson as an 18 year old singer/songwriter who in 1992 came to play a gig in Walsall (a place your greybeard editor was then living). The latter remembrance makes me suggest to our friends at DB Studios that for the next volume (and there is a 'Re-leased 3' on its way soon) they also provide mini-biographies of the artists featured so that Chris Gawor, Donald Carvel, Joan Tully, Mark Rowe, Jon Oates and the others escape from the anonymity of the packaging. But the main thing, the music, is excellent, with Chris Gawor's haunting mid-tempo "You Are Wonderful", Joan Tully's tender ballad "Lord I Come To Worship You" and Fiona Paulson's sweetly introspective "Adopted By The King" all passing the old grey whistle test. All in all then, a pioneering new resource giving much needed exposure to new worship music talent.

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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