Never for Nothing - CCM Record Reviews archive L
LA RUE : La Rue. (Reunion : 02341 0039 2).
La Rue are brother and sister Phillip and Natalie, aged 17 and
15 respectively. And, despite, their tender years, they have -
in my humble opinion - produced one superb pop album. With songs
written from their own teen hearts it would be easy to say that
the album will only appeal to a similar age range. However, that
is most certainly not the case, here. To pick out one song that
stands out would be very difficult but, "Fallen King"
would just get the vote from me. Reminiscent of Sixpence's "Kiss
Me", it has few words but a chorus that rings around your
head for days. "Someday" sounds a little like Out of
the Grey, and "Waiting Room" only confirmed this feeling.
It's a beautiful song and the vocals just melt together so well.
Are you a Christian just on a Sunday?". Well, that's what
the song "One Day of the Week" asks and, if that's you,
be sure that God knows your true heart. Brilliant album. 10/10. (March 2000, Album of the Month)
LA RUE : Transparent. (Reunion : 0234100682)
What made La Rue's self titled debut release the NFN 2000 CCM
Album of the Year was it's wonderful lyrical depth, portrayed
by two teenagers in an infectious pop style. With this follow
up, brother and sister - Phillip & Natalie - show that they've
been influenced by an edgier guitar style of indie rock.. Indeed,
"Wake up" wouldn't have been out of place on the current
All Star United Greatest Hits album. Later on, "I Can't Sing"
falls into the same category. The writing, however, has remained
the same and "Jaded" is written straight from how two
teenagers can feel with life. "Brianna's Song" is a
piano led duet while the pick of the bunch, for me, is "No
Goodbyes". On this track, Natalie takes the lead vocals while
Phillip adds effective backing for a very radio friendly song.
Their debut was an instant hit with me, while this one will have
to grow. 8/10. (April 2001)
LAKEWOOD LIVE : Cover the Earth. (Integrity : 27822)
Now, I remember Cindy Cruse Ratcliff in the days that she was
promoted as a Christian "rock chick", and still possess
the album to prove it. For whatever reason, Cindy has since been
led into leading worship all over America, and her soulful voice
seems to suit the genre well. Here, she's joined by Israel Houghton,
as well as the Lakewood Church Choir for more than 70 minutes
of powerful praise & worship. Both the title track and "Sweeter"
are outstanding tracks, and I can see the latter featuring well
on radio. What comes across to the listener is the great feeling
of togetherness of those gathered, and it's most certainly not
a Cindy and Israel performance. "Holy You Are" is another
striking number, while "I'll Never Stop Loving You"
tones things down a bit for lovely harmonies. The sleeve notes
say that 30,000 people attend Lakewood Church, Houston, each week.
Obviously, this album reflects just what's happening. 8/10. (March 2004)
LAMAR CAMPBELL & SPIRIT OF PRAISE : The Praise Collection. (EMI Gospel : DPRO17072)
Talk to me about Kirk Franklin, and I know who you're talking
about. But, mention the name of Lamar Campbell
and I would have asked "Who?". That is, until this CD
appeared. This release is a collection of songs from his three
previous albums, plus three brand new songs, thrown in for good
measure. Out of those new songs "Whatcha Here 4?" is
probably the best, in a sort of gospel meets hip hop sort of way.
The opening "Just For Who You Are" threw me a little
as it does sound like a female voice taking the lead. Whoever
he/she is, they have a real quality vocal, although not quite
as seasoned as, say, Shirley Caeser. The who album is very much
in the modern gospel sound, although "It's All About the
Love of Jesus" does sound like an old fashioned number that's
had an uptempo beat put to it. "I Really Want to See you
Now" is a laid back song that has some really sweet harmonies,
while "When I Think About You" comes across stronlgy,
especially with it's opening brass section. If I was to stick
my neck out here, I would say that this track would do well if
released in the UK as a single - it's that strong. Lamar campbell
gets a little carried away towards the end of the track listing
with some obligatory hollering but, on the whole, he's impressed
me. Check it out. 8/10 (April 2002)
LARRY FORD : Peace Be Still. (Heartbeat Music : 1902482).
American born Larry Ford is, as the sleeve notes say, an "adopted
Irishman" because of his long association with the emerald
isle. As one of gospel music's finest tenor's, Larry will be mostly
appreciated by the older generation. His finely honed vocals take
you through a trip of well known songs, mixed with one or two
lesser known. The backing music is nothing out of the ordinary
but compliments the singer, bringing out his finer points. Classic
hymns include "O For A Closer Walk With God", "I
Cannot Tell" and "Praise Him, Praise Him", while
more contemporary songs like Stuart Townend's "How Deep the
Father's Love" and Andy Park's "Down the Mountain"
also make an appearance. The nearest comparison I can make would
be Harry Secombe meets Daniel O'Donnell and, while not really
my cup of tea, I can still appreciate a good album. 7/10. (February 2002)
LAST BEACON : First Light. (Private Cassette Recording £2.20 from: Jon Gurr, 7 Stonelea Drive, Rastrick, Brighouse, Huddersfield, HD6 3PT).
Only two tracks on this cassingle from a band based in West Yorkshire.
Recorded, presumably, on a limited budget, the finished sound
could have been better. However, the first song ,'Run', is a mixture
of Brit pop meets Runrig. "Waiting at the bus stop of my
life" is the songs first line and gives you some idea of
the lyrical content as a whole. Some, might say that the words
are rather weak but I, personally found them oozing with honesty.
Some good guitar work, interesting break, and never mind the robotic
drummer. Track two 'Holy Day' is a quieter song and lacks any
real impact. Although the guys do try with their harmonies, it
just doesn't quite happen and, perhaps, it's one to work on. With
so little to go on, it's hard to give a wider view of the band
but with such a catchy song as 'Run' in their repertoire, (I've
been singing it for days now) there's sure something worth listening
to. 6/10. (November 1997)
LAST MAN OUT : All or Nothing. (CD from www.lastmanout.co.uk)
I've been waiting for an album like this for ages. Why? Well, I just wanted a new grass roots UK band to produce a guitar driven sound that would get me excited. Last Man Out are based in Scotland and this debut release leaps from your speakers with some really tasty sounds. At times they remind me a little of Kato, especially on the opening "Great & Glorious", but Pete Chalks lead vocals can also be a bit Jon Bon Jovi too. The songs are full of simple truths and the result is an album of praise and worship rock. Backing vocals are supplied by Susie Allan - who also plays keyboard - and they work really well with Chalk's lead. "Everything" has those good driving guitars forcing it's way through and "SOS" shows that Allan can also take over the lead vocals with confidence. "Fly" is a slower number but one of quality, while "Saved", "Only You", and "Yours" get things rocking again. I really enjoyed the overall sound of the band as the instruments seemed to gel instantly. It sounds as if a lot of time has gone into the production of this album and, if so, the time has been well worth it. 9/10. (October 2005)
LATE LATE SERVICE : Deep Peace. (Sticky Music : GUMCD35).
If the infamous 9 O'clock Service highlighted the down side to
Alternative services, then the LLS must take some credit for it's
continued, powerful ministry. 77 minutes worth of sound, that
has been split into 3 sections. SONGS doesn't start off too well
but "Visions of Heaven" begins the true worship of God's
love for us. "Heal Me", certainly helped me re-focus,
and the word 'peace' washed over me as I listened to "Young
Men..." and it's calming influences. PSALMS contains 3 new
settings to Psalms 116, 1, and 86. "Breathing fresh life...into
these venerable texts", states the information sheet. Unfortunately,
I personally believe 116 is in need of oxygen. It's difficult
to please the listener/worshiper all of the time and the other
two tracks have some excellent harmonies - of which one sounds
suspiciously like Prelude's 'After the Goldrush'. The final section
is classed as MEDITATION and, although I found "Into Darkness"
rather uninspiring, the epic lengths of "Lament" and
"Susan's Meditational Music" were, once again, very
helpful. The latter, 13 minutes of quiet, repetitive piano music,
is just so soothing. One recent review said of this album "Like
a blood transfusion for me....buy it and be inspired". In
medical terms, I'd say it was a tonic for the tired Christian,
and should be taken daily. 8/10. (December 1997)
LATE LATE SERVICE : Project Reformation/Dry Bones Dancing. (Maranatha/Word : 7016363848).
Performed by former members of Prayer Chain and Violet Burning,
as well as Chris Lizotte, this is an alternative worship experience
for today's generation. In the old cliche of it being a soccer
match, then the second half of the album is better than the first.
All too often, the songs just sound like a Lizotte solo, due to
his production work. Jaime Eichler provides the half time refreshment,
a beautiful song - written by Lizotte - sang with such feeling.
'Prepare the Way' reminded me a lot of Noel Richard's, complete
with it's stirring guitars and easily picked up chorus. The crowning
glory for the album is the closing "He Knows My Name",
just simply oozing with worship. What a pity that the classy stuff
is outnumbered by the rest. 6/10. (April 1998)
LAURA STORY : Great God Who Saves. (INO : 42432)
Most of you will have, at some time, sang the great worship song 'Idescribable'. Well, Laura is the young lady who actually wrote it. After paying her dues with a band, she's now released this solo album, and has a really delightful voice. The happy, opening song, 'Bless the Lord' sets things off nicely, and Immortal Invisible' follows suit. There's some good use of a banjo or mandolin on 'Mighty to Save', while the title track does bear a passing resemblance to Natalie Imbruglia's hit, 'Torn'. Whether she's singing with a full backing or just a stripped down acoustic sound, Laura seems to be right at home. Indeed , who would havetohught that she'd never even written or sang a song until she was in her twenties. Laura is the worship leader at Atlanta's Perimeter Church, and that experience must have rubbed off on her, and the song 'Perfect Peace' It's very simple lyric wise, but the more you listen to it, the more you realise that God's perfect peace is for you. If Laura keeps producing songslike this, then she's going to be around for a long time to come, and that's no bad thing. 9/10 (October 2008)
LEAD KINDLE LIGHT : Classic Hymns - A Choral Collection. (ABC Records : 50141 8203592 2)
Here's one for the purists amongst you that like nothing better
than a choral presentation of some of the best known hymns around.
What can I say, the style doesn't differ from one tune to the
next. The voices are exceptional in their quality and everything
swings from one song to the next. Personally, it's not my sort
of thing but hymns like "When I Survey", "Rock
of Ages" and "The king of love" are all treated
with respect. Nearly an hour of music and if this is your sort
of thing, I don't think that you'll be disappointed. 7/10. (February 2005)
LECRAE : Real Talk. (Reach Records).
This is the first album by Lecrae, who hails from San Diego. Like most hip hop CD's, once you've heard the first track you've heard them all. There is absolutely no variation between any of the tracks on this CD at all, every track has the same plodding drums/bass rhythm punctuated by a synth line consisting of about half a dozen notes that repeat throughout the whole track, and over the top of it all some guy trying to break the world record for the maximum number of words delivered in the quickest time possible. I have to say that this was the probably one of the most boring CD's I have ever listened to. I did let a couple of other people hear it, just in case it was me being hyper critical, but I'm afraid that I couldn't find anyone who liked it. Maybe hip hop just isn't hip in York, or maybe this CD would just go down better in America than Britain, but whatever the reason it doesn't do anything for me I'm afraid. There is some info about Lecrae at http://www.soundclick.com and there are two MP3's that you can download there too. Both are from this CD so you can try it out for yourself. 4/10 Andy Sayner. (January 2006)
LECRAE : Rebel. (Reach Records)
I've no background information to this artist, but he follows in the same rap/hip-hop style as DA T.R.U.T.H. It's a mammoth 15 track album, dealing with temptation, sin, love, mercy, etc….you get my drift. When I come across these albums that I wouldn't normally listen to, I'm always pleased to make the effort, and compare them with current UK chart acts. On the scale, Rebel comes out pretty well, as I think he's pretty good. The title track gives a sort of overview of Jesus' life, while "Indwelling Sin' looks at temptation and how to resist it. 'Breathin' to Death' is very much an Eminem clone of a song and I did, really, like this track. Another good song was 'Live Free', where Rebel proclaims that we do "live Free" by His mercy and peace. While this album hasn't made it into my car stereo, I can certainly say that if this style of music is your thing, you won't be disappointed by Rebel. 7/10 (April 2009)
LEELAND : Sound of Melodies. (Essential : 083061081225)
The title of this album really gives the game away. It's full of majestic melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Giving in to my better judgement, I can see quite a bit of Coldplay influences within the songs, as well as a little Killers drive, especially on "Can't Stop". The album took me a couple of plays to enjoy, but "Yes You Have" was an instant hit with me. It's about God purifying your heart and there's some nice harmonies too. "Tears of the Saints" is a slower song about leading lost sheep back to God, and it works very well. Later on in the listing I felt that the band loosened up a little and bouncy songs like "Lift Your Eyes" ventured into the land of pop rather than rock. Indeed, both "Too Much" and "How Wonderful" would make good listening to those of an easier style to the ear. It all ends with an anthemic finish which is, "Carried to the Table" - a great song of worship. Not an instant hit, as I said, but it is quite enjoyable. 8/10. (February 2007)
LEELAND : Opposite Way. (Essentail : 83061 085421)
For me, Leeland sound like a cross between U2 and Delirious?. Their power rock and guitar riffs can, at times, excite, and they get their message across with their well written lyrics. The opening 'Count Me In' is one for the guitar aficionado's, and it steams along. The more melodic 'Enter This Temple' talks about being more like Jesus in our lives, and is a timely reminder of how far short we fall. I instantly liked 'Wake Up'. It's a call for us all not to keep God a secret. Go out, "wake up" and tell the world about Him! If you've come through darkness in your life, then you'll recognise the sentiments of 'Brighter Days'. God's promise is to deliver us from the darkness, no matter what we've been going through in our lives. 'Don't Go Away' has an edgey feel to it, while 'May Our Praise' was the closest the band come to a Delirious type of number. Certainly an album to consider. 8/10 (August 2008)
LEGACY 5 : London. (Daywind : 1319D)
When the award winning Southern Gopsel group The Cathedrals retired,
two of the members decided to form a new group. The resulting
Legacy Five now have an established fan base, and a terrific new
Cd, recorded with the London Session Orchestra. As the Greater
Vision review testifies, this type of music has really got a hold
of me and this is another great album. Brilliant harmonies, right
from the opening ballad "Holy is Thy name". "I've
Got That Old Time Religion" is done in typical old fashion
style but the song itself is quite uplifting The use of vocal
stacking is pure gold on "Joy" but, then, the vocal
quality is there throughout the album. I wasn't so keen on the
brass sounds that accompanied "Meanwhile" but with goodies
like "I Found Grace" and "Committed to the Cause
of Christ", we're soon back on track. The band's desire is
to live their lives in accordance with God's will and deliver
performances that will inspire and encourage a widespread fanbase.
This album does the business, and the closing "Home Free"
should become one of the hit's of the year. 9/10. (June 2003)
LEIGH BARNARD : Countless are the Mercies. ( ICC ICC0874D)
This is a CD of worship music, it's a fairly middle of the road light pop/rock style mostly guitar led stuff. It's a strange CD really. There isn't anything particularly wrong with it, but then again, there's nothing particularly outstanding about it either. It just kind of drifts along somehow. I think that it might be that there isn't much variation in style or tempo, it could do with a couple of faster songs probably, some of the intro's make you think that this will be a faster song, but as soon as the vocals kick in everything just slows down again. It's a pity really because if you listen to any of the tracks on their own the songs are quite good, just not enough variation for me when listened to as a whole CD. There is an offer with this CD to get a free video of one of the tracks "Our God Reigns" (No not that one) on a CD-ROM. The other strange thing about this CD is that the title track is listed as a bonus track at the end of the CD. It must be one of those marketing tricks that we have come to expect from certain secular labels, who seem to think that the music buying public are a bit gullible. I doubt that this is going to be a multi-million seller. It's definitely not the sort of thing you'd expect one of the leading CCM labels to stoop to. 5/10 Andy Sayner. (February 2006)
LEIGH NASH : Blue on Blue. (Nettwerk : 0 6700 30478 2 1)
Like many, after the demise of Sixpence None the Richer, I often wondered what had happened to Leigh Nash - she of the ethereal vocals. Well, finally, here she is with her debut solo album, "Blue on blue". There's no mistaking those vocal traits from the moment she launches into "Along the Wall", but it's a rather unconvincing opening. "Nervous in the Light of Dawn" is, I think, about a personal wish for guidance and peace but, again, it's a rather weak number. Things then brighten with a catchy, shuffling love song, centering on a special relationship. "My Idea of Heaven". It's very cleverly written and has you singing along within an instant. Unfortunately, things take a dive in quality and most of the remaining songs belong in the waste bin. Leigh has co-writing credits on all of the songs, but I'm afraid that they just don't have much quality as far as potential hits go. "Cloud Nine" grabs a little of the limelight with it's catchy hooks but two good songs don't make for a good album. It's very ordinary and rather disappointing. 4/10 (December 2006)
LENNY Le BLANC : All for Love. (Integrity : 42472)
It has been a while since Lenny's last album, 5 years in fact, and the sleeve of this his new release promises "12 fresh worship songs". They partly fulfil this criteria in respect of being new original songs but they don't really provide a fresh perspective or sound. Produced by Lenny under the watchful guise of Don Moen the overall sound of the album is typical worship cd fare to be honest - It's slick and neat but, for my mind, over processed. The first song "Ascend" is excellent. I like its strong melody line and as a result it is a worship song in the traditional sense - it will work well sung by a congregation. The second track "Walls Come Down" is pretty good too and it gives a sense that this album could really be something special. After that though I find that Lenny's great songwriting somehow struggles to shine through. I know there are some great songs amongst the bulk of the album, such as the touching "All for Love" but there just does not seem to be enough distinction between the songs. It's a trap that many albums in this genre have fallen into of late and a crying shame that this has suffered the same fate. 6/10 Robin Thompson (December 2007)
LIES DAMNED LIES : Lamentations. (Sticky Music : GUMCD32)
Three years ago I went to the local art gallery and viewed the
paintings in a new exhibition. I couldn't believe it, they were
awful. I walked around them all twice and then decided to have
a cup of tea. Suitably refreshed, my eye was caught by one of
those said paintings. "Wow", I thought, "that's
really good", and so were most of the others. In similar
light then, comes this album written around Lamentations. It was
only with the fourth listen that I began to appreciate the early
Pink Floyd sounds, and the Sting-like vocals. Even the previously
abysmal 'Mumble & Moan' started to appeal. 'The Sea' is the
opening track and goes through 4.5 minutes of atmospheric music
before jumping into a nice song. I can't pretend to understand
the relationship between Lamentations and the chorus of 'Happiest',
"You, sitting on my shoulder, talking about Bethnal Green'.
Nevertheless, I've heard nothing like this in CCM before, and
LDL may well be pushing back the frontiers. Currently 7/10
& rising. (January 1997)
Liezel Goosen is originally from South Africa, but has recently joined a church in the north-east of England as one of their worship leaders. This album has just been released here in the UK and contains 13 original songs. Liezel has a very pure and clean vocal style, which I found very refreshing to the ear. The music is definitely "MOR" and that should appeal to a whole range of adult listeners. The first track is called "Living in the Sunshine" and it's a catchy, bouncy little number. The same can be said of "That's Why God Made You" as well as the foot tapping "Fix Me". Liezel says that the songs have been written as part of her life-story, through experience and emotions, and the lyrics do seem very personal. "Draw Me Lord" does exactly what the title says, while "If It Hadn't Been For You" gives thanks to God for being in her life. "Heaven" sees her relax into a "lounge bar" singing style which I didn't enjoy so much. Meanwhile, the album closes with the title track which sounds like a spoken Psalm over some nice backing music. Four songs are sung in her native language, but the Cd does come wit a short translation of each, which I found helpful. I certainly thought that the album has a crisp and clear sound, and found it a joy to listen to. Liezel is a welcome addition to the UK CCM scene. 8/10. (October 2006)
LINCOLN BREWSTER : All to You. (Vertical Music 35622)
Lincoln Brewster has an interesting pedigree, having turned his
back on what would surely have been a successful secular music
career in order to concentrate on leading worship. Three successful
years with ex-Journey frontman Steve Perry are testament to that.
This makes for an interesting live worship album, as Lincoln's
undoubted talent on the guitar is allowed to shine through. There
are numerous guitar solos on this cd, which some people may deem
inappropriate, but I would contest that this demonstrates that
Lincoln is giving his best and his all to the Lord. The album
gets off to a rousing start with one of Lincoln's own songs, "Majestic"
and this is followed up by an excellent rendition of Joel Houston's
"Everyday". The frenzy continues with "Love the
Lord" and the bouncy "All to You" before moving
into a period of more reflective worship. This features a version
of Marc James' "Surrender", a haunting adaptation of
"Great is thy Faithfulness" and one of the albums highlights,
a rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Another Hallelujah"
(with new lyrics by Lincoln). The album then finishes where it
started, with a couple of guitar driven praise numbers. There
is much to commend this album, not least Lincoln's unequivocal
talent on the guitar which makes this stand out from the ever
increasing crowd of live worship albums. The emotion and passion
of the occasion are captured well and the production, by Lincoln
himself, under the watchful guise of Don Moen and Chris Thomason
is first rate. There are a couple of downsides. For me, some of
the songs, especially the more reflective ones, don't seem to
stand out greatly and are a little derivative. The best numbers
are not those written by Lincoln. Secondly, I would like to have
seen the whole thing even more guitar driven, in a style akin
to that adopted by Paul Oakley, but that really is a personal
preference. All in all though, an album that is likely to be the
best live worship album of the year, and is just a whisker short
of being superlative. 8 ½ /10 Robin Thompson. (December 2005)
LISA McCLENDON : Soul Music. (Integrity : 26392)
I didn't hear Lisa's debut album last year but, apparently, it
received critical acclaim for her neo-soul style and insightful
lyrics. Her influences include Curtis Mayfied, Natalie Cole and
Harry Cornick Jnr, and she serves as a worship leader in Jacksonville,
Florida. The music isn't, I must say, my favourite genre but I
have tried to look beyond my own personal taste to provide this
critique. Positively, she does write, or co-write, most of the
songs, and they range from "Stuck", a story of love,
to "Accountability" and it's plain adgenda. I found
the title track to be one of the best on the listing, as it had
a catchy feel that easily captured my imagination. "Vibe
Out" and "You Are Holy" also had that "certain
something" about them, and I found these three the most enjoyable.
Other's? Well, perhaps I just couldn't listen as open minded as
I would have liked, as too many times I was tempted to reach for
the "off" button. 5/10. (February 2004)
LIVE WORSHIP FROM NEW HORIZON. (ICC : ICCD69730)
Never heard of New Horizon? Me neither. So, for the uninitiated,
New Horizon is a 7 day interdenominational Christian event held
at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. Last
year's event saw David Lyle Morris and Ian Hannah lead the worship,
which attracts some 4,000 people each day. "All Hail the
power of Jesus' Name" is a favourite hymn of mine but I had
never heard it sung like this before. It was a truly amazing rendition,
and that song alone hooked me into some great personal worship.
All too often, live praise albums are just like the last one but,
not this one. It was really good to hear some new songs (to me)
like "Father We Dedidcate". If I was from Australia,
I would call it "a beaut". "Blessed Are the Poor
in Spirit" is a tremendous song, and the feeling of those
gathered just leaps from the album into your soul. There is really
so much strong, pure worship and praise on this album that I could
go on and on about it's content. Let me say no more, then, than
this is a top notch release. 10/10. (February 2003, Album of the Month)
LIVING HOPE : With Faith. (CD : £5 from R & H Thompson, 199 De La Pole Avenue, Hull, Yorkshire, England, HU3 6RF)
For their first venture into the world of traditional praise and
worship, husband and wife duo - Robin & Helen Thompson - have
released this mini album containing 7 self-penned songs. Also
available is an accompanying songbook containing full lyrics,
guitar chords and acetate masters - a boom for church worship
leaders. It's primarily Helen that does the singing, with Robin
concentrating on his excellent guitar work. "Almighty God"
and "You Have Broken Me" are simple acoustic numbers,
both worshipping the Lord, and doing a fine job too. "Here
We Stand" is my favourite. It's an uptempo number that has
a catchy chorus, and you can easily see many congregations praising
with this! As fine as Robin's vocals are, his "Mighty King",
I'm afraid, seems to be quite a struggle and doesn't work for
me. On the other hand, there's never been a question about the
power of Helen's vocal chords, only now there seems to be a mature
warmth with them, too. If you long for good old fashioned p&w,
you won't be disappointed. 8/10. (December 2002)
LONDON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR : 21st Anniversary Concert Live at Abbey Road. (Kingsway : KMCD2844)
Together with some of the many great artists they have worked with over the years, this album sees the London Community Gospel Choir celebrate it's 21st birthday. It's a couple of years since I saw the choir live in my home town and, then, they really blew away a packed audience. Their delivery compares pretty well with that of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and there's a fair range of songs on this album. 'How I Got Over' and 'Faith' are typical gospel numbers, and the choir deliver them very well. Then, it's time for the first guest, Paul Carrack, with a great version of 'The Living Years'. As the track listing went on, I realised that I was enjoying the guest tracks more than those by the choir on their own. Both Matt Redman and Martin Smith take the lead on 'Blessed Be Your Name' and 'I Could Sing of Your Love Forever', and these were very enjoyable. Of the other songs, I quite liked the electro-funk sound on 'Dance' but I failed to get as excited as I had at the live event. The package comes with a DVD of the concert but none of my media players were able to play the disc. 6/10 (May 2008)
THE LONGING: The Longing. (Authentic (6100101)
Out there in the big wide world of worship music, it's often hard to find something that stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons, but I believe The Longing have cracked it with their self-titled debut album. The longing are a 4 piece band from Nashville who play as if they've been together for years. The lead singer & main songwriter Jason Ingram has released his own solo material whilst also having written for the likes of Rebecca St James; not a bad pedigree with the other band members also being seasoned pros, which shines through in every song without exception. The opening track "Heal This Land" lulls you into a false sense of security with a gentle melodic intro before launching into a rocky chorus with some force (and very effective that is too). The next track "Salvation Songs" follows on in a similar vein - not a quite such a pace, but keeping your head nodding away all the same. Even the old classic "To God Be The Glory" gets a reworking. Most CDs I have contain a couple of corkers that I tend to play over and over again, but this is a rarity in that I can listen all the way through without fiddling with the repeat buttons. The Longing's style is a mixture of Delirious, Sonic Flood & to a lesser extent Vineyard, producing some very strong phrases that'll have you singing along & tapping away without realising. All but 2 songs have been written by the frontman Jason & he successfully manages to remain original with his lyrics, steering well clear of tired & clichéd worship fayre which is a huge blessing in most listeners' books! One that has to go to the top of the pile. Can't wait to see what else they're going come up with. 10/10 Simon Redfern (June 2007, Album of the Month)
LOOSE GOOSE : 'Break Over Me'. (Loose Goose/Nelson Word)
Imagine Iona playing a set of contemporary praise and worship
songs, and you've got a good idea about how Loose Goose sound.
With both current and ex-members of the aforementioned band providing
the music, it's not surprising that we've got that sort of sound
here. LG are three members of the worship team at Holy Trinity
Brompton's first church plant, St. Barnabas. It is an album of
p&w, and opens with the enigmatic 'Show Me Your Ways'. Carolyn
Stillwell's vocals are the strongest of those on offer, and she
really shines out on 'Back to Avalon' and 'Eternity' where the
voice is very Cheresque. This latter song is probably the pick
of the pile and many will instantly join in the chorus of 'No
more tears, no more pain, no more fear, no more shame'. If you
like the quieter, atmospheric type of worship, you'll like this
a lot! 7/10. (November 1996)
LORDSONG : Refuse to Be Afraid. (Daywind : 8713162)
After hearing the great track "While I Wait" on a Daywind sampler, I was really
looking forward to some terrific southern gospel from this new trio. Sadly, I'm
still waiting. Not that I really dislike any of the other tracks, it's just that
they're all a bit too thin. In fact, the album was over before I realized that
I'd heard every track. "Empty Fields", "He Didn't Have the Heart" and "Nothing
Compares" just don't ever rise above average. Inspirationally, only the
aforementioned "While I Wait" did anything for me. As for the rest? I guest they
would be okay in a shopping mall. 3/10 (November 2003)
LOU FELLINGHAM : Promised Land. (Kingway : KMCD2853)
Lou Fellingham is, perhaps, best known for being the lead singer of top UK band Phatfish. However, her debut solo album of 2006, 'Treasure', created such a stir, that she's been flown out to Los Angeles this time to record her follow up. Along with husband Nathan, she's joined by some terrific musicians, and co-writes most of the songs. And, when the music starts, it's pretty powerful stuff. The title track stirs you into praise, while 'Come Let Us Enter' really motors along. Lou has sung on a lot of praise compilations over the years, and it's a credit to her that her voice is so sharp and clear. She has blossomed into a fine singer and is at her best on songs like 'Mercy From the Throne' and the bouncy, 'Breathe'. Of the ten songs featured, the first five are very strong, so I'm somewhat bewildered that the second half of the album tails away with some lesser quality songs. Indeed, I found little to get excited about after track five. The album has already topped the Christian charts in the UK, so it's evident that I may be missing something in my critique. However, for me, it's only 6/10. (September 2008)
LOUNGE WORSHIP Vol.3 : Chill Out Celebration. (Spark : SK7184)
The sleeve notes on this CD describe it as "Songs of worship and inspiration to help you find a quiet space and time in the fast paced and noise filled world of today" It's full of dreamy synth pads, saxophones, and boring vocals. To be honest I've heard more inspiring lift music. This CD is a complete bore from start to finish. The choice of songs is a bit strange
too, "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers, and "I Belong To You" which is a Lenny Kravitz song to name a couple, but the really strange one is Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" not the kind of track you'd expect on a CD like this, and it doesn't work at all. It's a long CD too running in at well over an hour
long, and if there was any real variation between the tracks it wouldn't be so bad, but it just seems to drag on forever. I fell asleep listening to it twice before making it all the way through, so I guess as chill out music it does have the desired effect. At one point I was wondering when the first
track was going to end, when I looked at the CD player I realised that we had actually made it to track three and I hadn't noticed, as there was no noticeable change of tempo, style or choice of instruments at all. There is no band name to be found anywhere on this album, just a list of the musicians who played on it. So I'm guessing that it's probably an idea that
originated in a church somewhere, which is fine, a lot of good worship CD's have been produced that way. I'm just not sure that this is one of them though. 3/10 Andy Sayner. (May 2006)
LUV ESTHER - The Musical. (Fierce)
Based on the life of Esther, the musical that has been touring the country draws in some of the Bible's essential messages for life today. The media reports hail it as a great success, and it was only a matter of time before the soundtrack appeared. Without seeing the presentation itself, I've got to say that on it's own, the album doesn't really shine. There's a whole bunch of musical styles on show, and the Britney type rip-off of "Ordinary Day" sounds cheap and nasty. But, there's worse to come as Vaudeville makes a return on the tacky "Welcome to Our World". Out of the blue comes a dance track, mid-album, that is so out of place with everything else you actually wonder just what the writer's were thinking of. "For This Very moment", for me, is the pick of the listing. It's a lovely ballad that is sung well, and with a lot of passion. On their own, the rest songs fail to live up to the press hype of the musical itself. Maybe you had to be there. 3/10. (January 2006)
LYNDA RANDLE : God On The Mountain. (Gaither : 844692)
This is the first time I've come across Lynda's music, but I hope it's not the last. Beginning with the nice and easy gospel of the title track, her vocals soon melt into your heart. The timeless classic, "One Day at a Time" gets an airing, while the soulful "He Will Carry You" is just the thing for a heavy heart. Her slower paced songs can be likened to those of Marilla Ness, and that's no bad thing. I didn't particularly like the bluesy sound of "Until I Found the Lord", but found myself tapping my feet to "There is Power in the Blood" - a song that features full choir accompaniment. Lynda has a splendid vocal quality and it's at it's best, perhaps, on the closing ballad "It's All Right". What I'd call, a very easy and enjoyable listen. 8/10. (November 2005)
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