Never for Nothing - CCM Record Reviews archive W
WARREN BARFIELD : Reach. (Essential : 02341-0100-2)
Warren Barfield was born in Carolina, and released his debut album in 2003. Of his new album, he says "This record is talking myself through the last year or two of my life. It's a lot of questions about things I've faced in the career and the business world, a lot of things I've faced in my personal life, things I've faced with my family. It's just talking me through who I am and what I stand on." I found that his songs tended to talk about his relationship with God, more than anything else, in styles such as blues and Michael Bolton type pop. "Saved", not surprisingly, is all about being saved, nd the song stands a good chance of being a radio hit. "Beyond the Walls" is another good song, but I struggled to make any real religious sense of the lyrics. Warren talks freely about God's love and being born again on songs like "Unleashed" and "Come Alive". I really liked Warren's vocals throughout, even if I didn't care for all the songs. I think he has a tremendous vocal quality and with the right songs, could make an even bigger splash than he has done already. 7/10 (August 2006)
WARRIORS WORSHIPPERS : Distinguished
This is the debut album from the San Diego based duo of Gino Mingo and Marcus Price who are both ex-NFL players. It is a gospel influenced R'n'B album featuring 10 original tracks plus a short interlude. The first few tracks, including the title track, are uptempo numbers, designed to get the album off to a good start but I found that they seemed to lack something, and it wasn't until "Say Something" that I thought the album was going to grab me. Unfortunately, it started to fall away with two archetypal ballad numbers. The brief respite of "It's Worth It" proved to be another false dawn. Let's be clear, it's a slick, well produced and very well performed album. But, as with so many albums, it is weak on the song front. So, rather than being distinguished, it's a little indistinguishable. Gino and Marco are excellent singers, typical of their genre, and make a very good job with the material they have got. But their talent is not enough to make this an album that can provide the freshness their website promises. The signs are there, but stronger material is needed. 5/10 Robin Thompson. (August 2008)
WATERDEEP : Everybody's Beautiful. (Squint : 080688598921)
Featuring two husband and wife teams, Waterdeep try to combine
their moral based lyrics with a number of different musical styles.
For instance, play the first couple of tracks and you think that
you're in alternative rock land. But, by the time you reach track
4, it's time for pop. Remember Van Morrison and Sir Cliff Richard
teaming up to sing "Whenever God Shines His Light"?
Well, Waterdeep's version is almost a carbon copy and is the best
of the opening numbers. Then, after being lulled into a false
sense of security, Lori Chaffer's screeching vocals make you reach
for the volume control on "I'm Still Here". Husband,
Don's vocals are much better and his contributions on "Stranger
in This Land" and the title track produce this albums best
moments. Personal niggles about this CD also include the naff
computer enhanced video, and Squint's compulsive back to front
packaging. Sorry, it's just not funny anymore. 5/10. (February 2000)
WATERMARK : Constant. (Rocketown Records : 080688619121)
In a world where little is stable, there exist few things to count
on, fewer still that remain faithful through time. "God is
constant, and He has been pursuing each of us all the days of
our lives even before we were born," says Christy Nockels
- one half of the husband and wife duo. So, you may have gathered
that all the songs on this album are very personal, and written
by a couple who seem to have taken over the pure pop sound that
another married couple (Out of the Grey) used to produce. There's
a great prayer in the form of "Friend For Life", and
some lovely epherial backing vocals on "Holy" - my pick
of the bunch. no matter what you've done or gone through in your
life, track 8 says, "Let the God of all creation Carry You".
Simply said but beautifully produced. Nice album and Watermark's
best yet. 8/10. (July 2002 and August 2002)
WATERMARK : The Purest Place. (Rocketown : 826872003228.
Where Out of the Grey once ruled the CCM airwaves, Nathan And Christy Nockels seem to have overtaken their counterparts to take the mantle of top husband and wife duo. Their recipe for success is built around plain and simple gospel truths, sung to a similar pop style. Certainly over the last 3 years or so, this duo have consistently recorded and produced listenable albums for the MOR connoisseur. I can't say that there's one track that stood out from the rest, they're all above average, but not exactly earth shattering. "Knees to the Earth" came close to breaking the mould with it's song of pureness, and of one submitting everything to a loving God. Similarly, "Invade" prays that Jesus will come into your life, and into your home". The vocals and instrumentation are fine, but I'd just like Watermark to go that extra mile and find that something extra that would give them a really top-flight album. 7/10. (June 2005)
WAYNE KIRKPATRICK : More. (WORD : 7019930603).
This guy writes some great material for the likes of Amy Grant
and Michael W Smith, and then still saves a few for himself. Sadly,
quite a number of those don't have the cutting edge and this tends
to be a run of the mill release. "From the Heart" tells
about how you must clear out the rubbish that we harbour inside
and love from a clean heart. It's a good opener and leads into
the title track that heads four or five MOR rockers of little
distinction. "Drop Everything" reminded a fellow listener
of Paul Weller but, for me, Wayne shows very little of the talent
he really possesses. 4/10. (October 1997)
WAYNE WATSON : 'Field of Souls'. (Alliance).
With a whole host of top producers working on this album, the
result is a collection of songs in a number of styles. Piano based
tracks encompass Worship, Rock, Country and Soul in this packed
offering. There's a couple of bright, bouncy numbers to open things
up before 'One Time...' treats us to Wayne's more mellow voice.
The beautiful 'Blessed Are' is the prime cut and brings the album
to a close, but not before we've sampled the stylish love song
'Wait A Little Longer'. Wayne Waston may be another new name to
many of you but he's worth getting to know. 7/10 (April 1996)
WELSH REVIVAL HYMNS CENTENARY EDITION 1904-05. (Kingsway : KMCD2648)
The songs on this album were all sung during the Welsh Revival of one hundred years ago, when Wales experienced a mighty outpouring of God's spirit. They also have strong Welsh associations, whether it be the words (either in Welsh originally or translated from the Welsh) or the melodies. Recorded in Coventry Cathedral by the Saint Michael's Singers, there are twelve songs featured. Opening with "Here Is Love, Vast As the Ocean", the listing smoothly goes through such hymns as "Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer", "I Hear Thy Welcome Voice", and "Who Is on the Lord's Side?". Listening through the album I scribbled only a few notes. What could I say? Every hymn was delivered in perfect style by an, obvious, competent gathering of singers. Basically, if you like good old fashioned cathedral, or church, praise, then you'll enjoy this. 7/10.(September 2005)
WES DAVIS : Draw Me Close To You. (Word : WMD015)
Wes Davis has toured the far corners of the British Isles plus
dates in America and Africa. "Draw Me…" is his
6th album and shows him in worshipful style. A key selling point,
I am told, is that he sings some of the "most popular worship
songs of today". True enough, but so do far too many other
artists! The result is an album of songs that you know so well,
you'll probably know most of the words - if not all. Wes' style
is quite laid back and suits time of worship to a tee. His own
songs are very good and "This Husband Loves His Wife"
- written as a first anniversary present for his own wife - shows
a great writing talent. "Gentle Breeze" is another that
stands up well, too. However, we're treated to 6 covers before
the first of these and, by then, things have got just a little
tedious. Why do so many artists want to sing the same songs? For
instance Doug Horley's "Out of My Depth" and Matt Redman's
"Heart of Worship" have almost been recorded to a point
of embarrassment. It's my first taste of Wes and, frankly, I'm
disappointed. Let's have more original stuff, Wes. 4/10. (November 1999)
WES KING : What Matters Most. (Word : 080688611729)
Focussing the listeners on God and the family, Wes King's first
release for Word Records offers straightforward, thought provoking
lyrics with his blend of acoustic pop music. The title track was
co-written with Michael W Smith, and what a great song it is.
Beautifully written, and depicting the truth of God's love and
just what a real, loving relationship with Him can do. I also
liked the excellent "Spin You Around", complete with
it's driving pace and catchy chorus. Slowing things down, is "There
Is A God", a song written in a few "eternal" minutes
during an aeroplane flight when Wes thought that the craft might
well crash. "This is the Church" is also rendered in
similar style and this easy listening phase of the album is, perhaps,
the strongest. What come in between those songs mentioned are
some nice, if ordinary, numbers that don't quite rise as high.
However, the more I hear it, the more I like this album. 7/10. (February 2002)
WHISPERLOUD : Different Kind of Beautiful. (Benson 8441833212)
To rival the likes of chart acts such as Atomic Kitten, we have
three girls who go under the name of Whisper Loud. With rise of
CCM girl bands in the UK like ShineMK and V*enna, it will be interesting
to see if this American outfit has the same success. First off,
I found the opening two tracks a bit too sugary and wondered if
the album would be a total turn-off. The surprise came on track
three when the gentle "I Will Carry Your Pain" shows
of the real vocal talent of the girls. That, for me, seemed to
be a starting point and I began to enjoy the next jumpy number
"Like A Circle". Two ballads, "If This is What
it Means" and "All This Time", once more show off
the velvet vocals. "Hey Yeah You", I can see as very
radio friendly, and I wouldn't be surprised if that was taken
as a single. Aimed at the teenage market, I think, it could do
well if it gets the airplay. 7/10. (May 2001)
WHITECROSS : Flytrap. (REX/Word Music : LS5241).
Metal fans will be excited by the new Whitecross release. Others
may well give it a listen and be instantly put off by the, predominantly,
growling vocals. These guys have had almost as many line-up changes
as Petra, but still the albums keep coming. It's four songs in
before the aforementioned vocals disappear and we're treat to
some light harmonies on "Eye To Eye". "To My Surprise"
is a slow rocker in the style of Bryan Adams, but the acoustic
"Already Done" does provide relief for the average listener.
"End of the Line" has a simple message, that life is
a train journey and Jesus is the destination, it's probably the
pick of the album. On the whole, it's a release that's filled
with metal guitar fodder and will only feed those on a particular
diet. 3/10. (July 1997)
WHITEHEART : 'Attack'. (Alliance)
Here's another release that takes tracks previously heard on other
albums which, apparently, earned "unprecedented radio exposure"
in America. This band has been on the road since 1983 and their
'stadium rock' excites evangelical yout like few other things.
Sounding a little like late 80's band Leviticus, they rock away
with a superb track called 'Independance Day' which has a simple
hook and seering guitar break. Unfortunately, that is the only
song of it's kind on the album as they launch into some very ordinary, loud rock
songs that register from the excrutiating 'Nothing But
the Best' to the out of date 'Change the Way'. Whiteheart, on
this showing, seem to be at their best on ballads such as 'Silhouette',
where their vocal harmonies shine out. If this is a 'Best of...',
I'm glad I haven't heard the 'Worst of...'. 4/10 (May 1996)
WHITEHEART : 'Inside' (Alliance).
Following last month's poor 'Best of...' release, I really wanted
to enthuse about this new album. Sadly, there's nothing much here
to get me excited. A bland, and almost tedious, collection of
7 standard rockers which includes the doom guitar led title track.
'Ritual' calls for us to dance and worship God but all I was called
to do was turn it off. Just who the band are trying to access
is
beyond me. If, as has been suggested, that they want to reach
Metallica's fans I'm afraid that they
are only fooling themselves. As I said last month, Whiteheart
sound at their best with the acoustic based songs, of which there
are 3 on show - the best being 'It Could Have Been You'. It's
pretty dreadful. 2/10. (June 1996)
WHITEWINGS : Wings Over Heaven. (Private Cassette Recording
£6.99 from: Whitewings Christian Singing Group, Hall Cottage
West, Main Road, Ballabeg, Arbory, Isle of Man, M9 4LE).
Formed in 1996, Whitewings consist 8 girls aged 12-17years and,
as the notes state, "3 recycled teenagers", while. As
well as local concerts, the girls sang at last year's Easter People
in Bournemouth and have already been invited to appear at this
year's event in Blackpool. This debut cassette contains 13 songs
of which several are very well known. 'Holy, Holy, Holy' is given
a special kind of freshness with it's simple, yet effective, arrangement,
and 'The Angels Around Your Throne' continues the feel. 'You Shall
Be Holy' features a lovely solo part and 'O Righteous God' is
simply beautiful. Where the sweet, young voices don't work so
well is the uptempo 'Rise Up', which sounds rather thin throughout.
However, with backing music provided by Kingsway (slap on the
back for them), and Tony Turvey's leadership, Whitewings look
certain for greater things. 8/10. (January 1998)
WHY? "Jig at a Why? Gig". (ICY/ICC)
Somerset based Why? have been British CCM festival favourites
for the last two or three years, playing their lively celtic/roots
music. See them play live and I'll guarantee that you'll be jigging
along with the rest of the crowd in no time. This first release
on a major label tries to capture that live feel, as it was recorded
over two concerts in January. Starting off with the turbo charged
'Good For My Old Mother', the pace rarely dips throughout the
15 tracks. One that does is 'The Curates Egg', which drifts along
nicely. My complaint with the album is that it becomes monotonous
after the fifth or sixth song. It's pretty infectious at a live
gig but the violin or mandolin based songs are a little repetitive
for listening. Of course, they get compared to Eden Burning, so
let's hope that Why? mature in the same way. 5 for the concert,
2 for the album. It's a good momento if you've seen them live.
7/10. (July 1996)
WILD HONEY : Name of the Game. (2 track Private Cassette :
£1.50 inc' p&p from: R & H Thompson, c/o 113 Bricknell
Avenue, Hull, E. Yorskhire, England, HU5 4EU).
It's a trip down memory lane for me this month as I now get to
review my first demo cassette for simply ages. Husband and wife,
Robin & Helen Thompson, and good friend, Jon Hunter team up
with a, sometimes, over-enthusiastic drum machine to remind us
that grassroots Christian pop is far from dead. Over the years,
Helen's powerful vocal range has been heard with the likes of
Whitegold and Giants Will Fall, but it's a more controlled voice
that features on the title track. It's a bouncy, even paced number
that has you tapping your feet quite early on. It tells how you
may be number one when playing a hobby, but how do you measure
up in the game of life? "Hand", then gives the listener
the chance to accept that Jesus is reaching out and all that you
have to do is take it. This is, I think, the stronger of the two
songs because of the intricate harmonies produced by the Thompson's
and the solid instrumentation throughout. A blast from the past.
7/10.
(September 1999)
WILD HONEY : Name of the Game. (CD : £2 from R &
H Thompson, 199 De La Pole Avenue, Hull, Yorkshire, England, HU3
6RF)
Wild Honey contain members of previous Hull bands such as Destiny
Calling and Giants Will Fall. After a couple of years out of action,
the trio have got back together and released a remixed version
of thier 1999 two track single. The title tracks plods along at
a steady pace without really setting the place alight. "Hand",
on the other hand (how about that for a pun?) rises up, way above
the former and has that "feel good" factor about it.
Nice rhythm, jangly and distorted guitar, plus the vocal excellence
of Helen Thompson. It's a nice sampler at a pocket money price,
and shows a taste of Wild Honey. 7/10. (December 2002)
WILSHIRE : Wilshire. (Rocketown/Word : 7011530029).
This is the second release on Michael W. Smith's record label
and it brings husband and wife, Lori & Micah Wilshire to the
spotlight. The music is a mixture of electric pop and alternative
rock. The former is true of the opening "Over My Head",
while the latter can be said of, say, "Closer Still".
The couple share the lead vocals as well as dueting well on the
Eagles tinged "Here the Sound". There's good use of
guitars on "If I Could", where the sounds are a cut
above your average offering. I remember an old Julie Miller track,
where she told how Jesus was her psychiatrist. On this album,
the Wilshire's use a similar slant, only this time Jesus being
the medicine to cure your ills. Nice idea, nice track, nice debut.
7/10. (May 1998)
WITNESS : A Song in the Night. CGI/Nelson Word 514165185 2).
More soul/gospel from 4 U.S. ladies who promise to deliver but
end up like a crumpled envelope which says 'Do Not Bend'. They
have an established fan base in their home country but this is
their first release over here. The opening track 'The Blood' is
an interesting version of the Passover story, and it's basic scripture
and moral values that the girls endeavour to portray. 'Oh What
Love' is very festive and 'Take the Time' could well be lifted
straight out of Humphrey Bogart's 'Casablanca'. Mixed in between
are too many sub-standard songs that really fail to get their
message across. Vocally, the girls are nothing out of the ordinary
but I believe their song writer should get out more. If this was
sent C.O.D. I wouldn't pay. 3/10 (January 1997)
WOMEN OF FAITH : The Artist Collection. (Integrity : 000768267325)
Women of Faith is an organisation committed to seeing women set
free to a lifestyle of God's grace. By hosting events and creating
resources, they want to help women and their families to grow
spiritually, emotionally and relationally. This collection sees
many of the artists involved giving their time and gifts for free.
Sara Groves is one artist that is growing on me with each release.
"First Song that I Sing" is another quality recording.
And, despite some recent writings in the media, I personally think
that Sheila Walsh is back to her best, and "You Are Beautiful"
just confirms that. Her wistful vocals are a pure joy to listen
too on a such a beautiful song. Ginny Owens, Natalie Grant, Ce
Ce Winnans, Kathy Troccolli and a host more top female singers
are featured, with songs like "The Potter's Hand" and
"All For the Life of Me". Not a stunning album by any
means, but very nice all the same. 7/10. (October 2003)
WOODENCROSS : XXX. (CD from: Zentgrafenstr.16, 69198 Schriesheim, Germany. www.woodencross.de).
Together for more than 5 years, Germany's Woodencross first came
to my notice on the excellent 1340 Records "Eurochrist Sampler".
Their featured track was called "Ghandi" and, sure enough,
it's the opening song on this 1999 release. To be quite honest,
I've never heard anything quite like Woodencross. They're punk,
ska, a little bit of pop, and a lot of….well, Alien Ant Farm!
The guys say that they put a lot of fun into their music, and
it's very evident throughout. "Ghandi" kicks off with
some great brass before Daniel Meisinger's biting vocals attack.
"How" is definitely in the Linkin Park mould, looking
at the question of whether you should stick to 'going with the
flow' or standing up as a follower of Jesus. "Human World"
is a ska/punk number that changes pace well and has lyrics that
tell you that the Lord is waiting for the lost with arms open
wide. If you want to know more about the band and their beliefs,
then "Checkout" will tell you everything. It's another
sharp and powerful song that, nevertheless, had me smiling throughout.
Some songs are sung in their native tongue but don't let that
put you off. It's not usually my sort of musical taste but, in
this instance, Woodencross really hit home. 9/10. (December 2001)
WORDHEAD : End of Part One. (Private CD £6/Cassette £3 from:35 Bower Street, Maidstone, Kent, England, ME16 8SB.
Listening to this EP was, for me, like stepping back in time.
Back to the early 90's when exciting new bands like Pity The Small
Thumbs, K, and Curam were thrilling festivals with their energetic
sounds. Now, at the end of the 21st century, come Wordhead with
a 6 track EP that has already seen them pick up a secular management
deal. To describe them? Well, when Ali sings, it's very Britpop
in a sort of Sleeper way. Plenty of flange guitar, nothing too
heavy, endearing - if not strong - vocals and a finished product
of some note. "See You" is the best of these type of
songs. It's poppy enough to get radio play has good hooks and
neat guitars. Then, as Leon sings, it's more hard hitting and
direct rock. The opening "Everywhere" takes the stance
of someone who sees Christianity in his everyday life but asks
"what's it all about?". Driving guitars and attacking
vocals make this a tasty number. Otherwise, the pick of the crop
has to be "See You" , and notably Andy Croft's excellent
keyboard work. With a bit of polish (more money) this would be
the biz! 8/10. (September 1999)
THE WORLDWIDE MESSAGE TRIBE : 'Jumping in the House of God II'. (Alliance).
Believe it or not, this is my first experience of the 'Tribe'
and I'm sure it won't be my last. This is sanctified dance and
praise music that is sure to appeal to the youth culture of today
but contains the real message of God's love. Featuring ex-Bizzare
Inc frontman, Cameron Dante, the opening track gives you just
what it says - 'Kik Start'. Pulsating rhythms, sequenced loops,
and mind blowing samples are all here. Favourite track has got
to be the title track, were the Tribe are joined by Leeds duo
H.O.G. for some real hip hop battling. Even the well known praise
song 'I Believe in Jesus' gets the 'treatment' and what a result
that is. My only complaint is that 5 of the 14 tracks are re-mixes
of earlier ones, and I'm not really sure there's any difference.
Nevertheless....8/10. (June 1996)
WORLD WIDE MESSAGE TRIBE : Revived. (Alliance/Ovation : MOVED805).
If you've never heard of the WWMT, then I don't know where you've
been for the last couple of years. After taking the States by
storm, this release chronicles their previous material with remixes
galore and a sense of real freshness. Techno freaks will love
the opening 'Queen of Sheba' , while boom boom fans can play 'Reach
For Heaven' on their GTE stereo's. 'In My Life' is a wicked track
and marries the 90's rhythm with 60's phsycodelia.. There is so
much on this album that you really have to listen to it a few
times before you can appreciate the full extent of both the music
quality and the spiritual blessing. There's a touch of Rasta Reggae
with 'Duncan - Revival' and the way the choral sounds are mixed
in 'Where Are You Going?' is quite superb. Still no wiser? Get
it now. 9/10. (March 1997)
WORLD WIDE MESSAGE TRIBE : Frantik. (Movation : 1908142).
Here it is then, the long awaited new release from WWMT. Chocked
full of hip hop, dance, garage, and funky sounds, this is bound
to please the ever increasing army of fans around the world. "Frantik"
itself, attacks your head as soon as it leaps from the speakers,
while the following "Truth" is more of a groove thing.
From there on, there's no real surprises, it's the Tribe doing
what they do best, even though "Got To Be With You"
sounds pretty dated. To be honest, I found this release to be
okay but nothing special "I Give You My Life" is one
of the slower numbers and cuts well against recent chart material.
The last two tracks are re-mixes of the opening two, lasting some
13 minutes in total. Ideal for dance clubs, not recommended as
background music. The young people will lap it up while the older
ones - like me - will wonder just what it's all about. 6/10.
(October 1999)
THE WORLD WIDE MESSAGE TRIBE : Chilled. (Movation : 1908292)
Okay, so the WWMT are no more, but there's still a whole lot of
good music to remember them by. This release is supposed to be
the stuff to chill out to, rather than dance. "In My Life"
opens proceedings and it chugs along at a medium pace. "There
is a Green Hill" has become a personal favourite of mine
over the years and it still sounds as good now. "Nobody Knows"
and "The Cross" did nothing for me, while although "I'm
On My Way" picks up the pace, I found it, too, rather boring.
"Come All Ye Faithful" is more like it but the best
is still yet to come. "Love". Just one word, but what
a song and what a delivery. Justin Thomas not only gets co writing
credits but raps, what is, simply superb. Of the rest, "Where
Are You Going" stands out, as always, and asks us all "where
Are You Going in Your Life?". Time to look and see, perhaps.
7/10. (May 2001)
THE WORSHIP FILE : "We Remember You". (ICC : ICCD51830).
Featuring the writing talents of David Lyon, Mike Burn and Simon
Goodall, amongst others, this release is subtitled "12 Worship
Songs for Communion". I, personally, found Geoff Barker's
"On the Cross" very moving for Easter and sweetly sung
by one of the two females credited with vocals, Esther Alexander
and Helen Burgess. Goodall's "We Remember You" is a
slow and poignant number that is very meditational, while "Who
Am I" features some nice guitar and lifts a quite ordinary
song. "By Christ Redeemed" gives melody credits to Simon
Goodall once more, but I'm sure even he must agree that it sounds
just a tad too much like "Auld Langs Ayne". Pity really,
as it takes much away from Nick Haigh's wonderful fiddle playing.
Too many songwriters gives the album a mixed content of quality
but the good does outweigh the not so good, just. 6/10. (May 2001)
THE WORSHIP FILE : For You. (ICC : ICCD67030)
The songs on the album are aimed to help the worshipper focus
on their commitment to God. Lots of new songs that I, personally,
hadn't heard before, and songs that are a change from the "norm".
You expect the opening song to be uptempo and happy, but there
was something a little extra on "I Will Bow At your Feet".
Simon Goodall's "Deep Within My heart" is a slow pop
song that becomes very catchy in a singalong style, while "For
you" by Tammy Brown is a sweet, prayerful worship number.
I've tried to find out, without success, which of the female singers
credited on the album sing "All I Can Bring" and "I
Lose Control To you". I'm sure it's the same vocalist, but
what a wonderful voice she has. The former is a John De Jong composition,
while the latter belongs to Eoghan Heaslip. Tremendous couple
of songs and the highlight of a really fine album. 9/10. (October 2002)
THE WORSHIP LEADER'S COLLECTION Vol 1 : I Have Called You by Name. (ICC : ICCCD68230)
According to the sleeve notes this CD is designed to "Capture
worship Songs from around the world and bring them to you, that
they may inspire you, encourage you, and be used by you to worship
God." Well unfortunately the only thing that this CD will
encourage you to do is fall asleep. It is full of over produced,
cliché laden songs that record companies seem to churn
out all the time nowadays, the songs are just totally lifeless
and predictable. Most are the kind of song where you hear one
line and you can guess what the next line is going to be without
even hearing it, and I wonder, just how many more versions of
"Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech do we need? For
an album that apparently showcases the world's top worship leaders,
one wonders where the representatives of countries like China
or the Eastern European countries are. Perhaps these countries
just don't have anyone with a big enough name to count as a worship
leader these days. If you want a nice safe sugar coated CD of
songs that don't challenge you to think at all, then this is for
you. Personally, I'd like to see an album compiled of tracks recorded
by the worship bands from all around the world who do it week
in, week out, with no recognition at all, using a couple of cheap
guitars and a clapped out piano. The most depressing thing about
this CD is, it's only Volume 1. You mean there's more like this?
2/10 Andy Sayner. (November 2002)
WORSHIP LEADER'S COLLECTION : Born to Worship. (ICC : ICCD79830)
Using praise & worship as the universal language of worship
for Christians everywhere, ICC has collected songs from around
the world to put this collection together. From Ireland, we have
Robin Mark and his unmistakable version of "Lion of Judah".
To me, no-one has come close to giving this song what Robin does,
it's still magical. From Australia, comes Chris O'Brien, his best
contribution being the uplifiting "I Will Magnify You".
Kim Hill (USA) offers two tracks, "Born To Worship"
and "When I Remember", the latter being the better of
the two. There's also a U2 rip-off by Sonic Flood and Jeff Deyo
called "Open the Eyes of My Heart", and Brian Doerksen's
meditative "Refiner's Fire". From the funky "Supernatural
Rain" to the gentle tones of "Jesus, All for Jesus",
the album is a journey through popular p&w music of today.
7/10. (June 2004)
THE WORSHIP LOUNGE : Songs of Reverence & Reflection. (Kingsway : KMCD2845)
The press release describes this album as an "ambient, acoustic, chillout vibe". And, I found all of the tracks to be very laid back in presentation. Although several singers are featured, the album does seem to be a vehicle for producer John Hartley to air his writing talents, as he co-writes most of the songs. 'Love What You've Done For Me', sung by Margaret Becker, is rather repetitive, but nevertheless quite catchy. Meanwhile, Susan Ashton's vocals simply soar on 'I Will Trust in You'. Sadly, the same can't be said of Kendall Payne on 'Whisper My name'. This song, I found to be so depressing, certainly not one to relax with. A lot of the numbers did tend to drift into one another for me, but the closing 'And Can It Be' is given great feeling by Becki Ryan. Some good songs here and there on the album, but I can't see it helping me to chillout in the future. 5/10 (September 2008)
WORSHIP TOGETHER - CANADA : Jesus Lifted High. (Kingsway : KMCD2331)
Recorded live in Ontario, this album features songs from the first
of three Worship Together conferences held in Canada this year.
2000 worshippers joined leaders such as Robin Mark, Noel Richards,
and David Ruis, to lift the name of Jesus high. "There's
a Pageant of Triumph in Glory" kicks off proceedings, and
what an exciting feeling it gives. Stuart Townsend leads everyone
in "O God of Love" next, and it really draws you into
the live event itself. I felt that the middle part of the album
lost a little in quality due to the newly performed songs on show,
but "These Are the Days of Elijah" soon put things back
on a firm footing. and Noel Richards' "Take Me To Your Sacred
Place" lifts things even higher. Without being outstanding,
this is another good worship album. 8/10. (November 2001)
WORTH DYING FOR : Worth Dying For. (Integrity : 43802)
I couldn't believe that this group classed themselves as a worship band, once I'd listened to the album. It's noisy, it's brash, and not a bit like I was expecting. Worth Dying For are one of the main worship groups at the Modesto Youth Ministry in California. Their heavy rock style has been compared to the likes of Skillet, and there's a touch of Evanesence in their too. Vocally, the songs are split between Christy Johnson and Sean Loche but, musically, the songs just don't capture the imagination. Lyrics are dull and old hat, with thrashing guitars fighting desperately with the singer for pole position. The result is a very poor. Of course, the songs do contain Christian references. 'Die to Live' is all about losing your old life to gain anew in Christ, and the light duet. 'Take Me', is unashamedly a love song to Jesus. The best song by miles is 'The Change'. It's got a really good tune, the lyrics are catchy, and it just knocks all the other songs into a cocked hat. As a worship band, I'm just glad I'm not trying to worship at their home church. I, for one, would finding a new one as soon as possible. 2/10 (October 2008)
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