Music - Popular Worship Leaders

Out Of The Ordinary - Graham Kendrick                ISBN: MWD15

Graham Kendrick needs no introduction. The godfather of the British worship scene has written and recorded some of the churches best loved modern hymns and songs. On Out Of The Ordinary he shares song-writing credits with younger upstarts such as  Martin Smith, Stu Garrard, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes and Paul Baloche, thus marking quite a change in direction. While re-visiting favourite themes such as God’s majesty, creation and the redemption of the cross, the music has a very contemporary guitar-pop-worship feel. Such a move could have backfired, but not here, and the result is his best album in recent times. It is fresh, atmospheric and passionate, and full of the kind of lyrics steeped in theology that we have come to expect from this master.


Beautiful News - Matt Redman.                ISBN: SURCD50712

It’s a safe bet that if an album has Matt Redman’s name on it it’s going to be good.  It’s also a safe bet that we will all be singing the songs for years. Beautiful News is no exception. Proving yet again why Redman is one of the world’s most popular worship leaders, this latest release can be summed up in two words - triumph and wonder. Triumph in worship (A Greater Song), in freedom (Blessing), in joy and salvation (the title track, Beautiful News), and even in suffering (You Never Let Go).  Wonder in our existence (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made), in creation (All Over The World, co-written by Martin Smith) and that God found us and saved us (Take It To The Streets, which features Smith on guest vocals).

In contrast to the samples and loops of previous releases this is a ‘live studio’ album; i.e. put a band in a studio and let them go. Beautiful News is sheer stadium worship with U2-tinged delayed guitars and open throttle drums.  Matt’s voice soars like never before and John Ellis of Tree63 throws in some riffs for good measure. This is unashamed, back-to-basics stuff from a zealous worshipper at the top of his game.

World Through Your Eyes - Reuben Morgan       ISBN: wytecd002se

Fans of Hillsongs worship will already know Reuben Morgan’s songs; he has penned classics like Lord I Give You My Heart,  My Redeemer Lives (both of which are included on the bonus 7 track disc) and Eagles Wings. This is his first solo album, and as well as straight ahead worship, like the haunting All That I Am, there are also more performance based songs, such as the confessional In Over My Head.  Vertical themes of personal transformation and a view of God’s transcendence are mingled in these songs with the refrain of God’s unfailing love.  Jangly guitars and warbling synths provide the perfect framework for Reuben’s soft vocals in a way reminiscent of Keane and Embrace. A captivating departure for the Australian singer/songwriter that will please current fans and win new ones.

 Michael W.Smith - Worship box set       ISBN: RRA10085
Includes Worship, Worship Again and the Worship DVD

Michael W. Smith has been the darling of Middle America for a while now but with the worship albums he firmly established himself as one of the world's foremost worship leaders.  This is worship done on a scale to outstrip even Hillsong.  Orchestral arrangements compete with a band and a large choir and, on the live recordings, a crowd of up to 15,000 worshippers.  At times you could be forgiven for thinking you’re at a U2 gig but there are also moments of stillness such as the sublime Lord Have Mercy and beautifully written and arranged musical interludes. For all the grand production, however, what really makes these work is the fact that Smith knows how to pick and write a song.  Some are his own, such as the sublime I Can Hear Your Voice.  Others come from recent years, such as the roof-raising You Are Holy written by Mark Imboden and Tammi Rhoton in 1994, and there are classics like The Wonderful Cross, which Chris Tomlin updated for a new generation.  In contrast to other recent worship albums, the style is pretty straightforward. This is a strength rather than a weakness since it all works so well (worship leaders who pointlessly muck about with a song for the sake of it would do well to follow this example) and the sense of worship is genuine and inspiring. As well as  both Worship albums this box set includes the live Worship DVD, featuring many of the songs from the albums.

Matt Redman – Facedown

Redman has done it again, he has produced a selection of both awe inspiring and powerful songs that call us to fall ‘facedown’ in worship of The Father. This is a must-have for fans and newcomers to Matt Redman’s distinct style of worship leading. He has also produced a DVD featuring performances of some of the songs from the album with additional teaching resources. Facedown the book is also available. Ask in-store for details.

Tim Hughes - When Silence Falls

This is probably the best worship album of the year, not to mention the best selling. And deservedly so: many of the songs have already become classics. Beautiful One and You are pure adoration and full of wonder at God’s majesty. Consuming Fire is a passionate cry for more of the Holy Spirit; and When the Tears Fall is a humbling, heartbreaking response to suffering. The quality of the songs is matched by the production values. The album is full of inspired musical touches (the final moments of Consuming Fire are spine tingling), and sonically the whole thing soars. Clean driven guitars are layered with sweeping strings and delicate keys, and all is shot through with a crystal clarity that perfectly complements Hughes’ pure angelic voice and the aching for God’s presence in his lyrics. Stunning!