Music reviews
Re:fresh stocks a wide range of contemporary and traditional music on CD. Come and select from our browser and listen to the latest compilations on the listening post. Click the appropriate category below for reviews:-
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Happy Day - Tim Hughes
 On a Tuesday evening in mid-September 2008, the famous Shepherds Bush Empire was filled to capacity with 2000 worshippers. Led by Tim Hughes and a hand-picked group of musicians and singers featuring Stu G (Delirious?) on guitar, members of The 29th Chapter and the Sacred dance team, the venue was set alight.
Tim was joined by Martin Smith (Delirious?) for Here I am to Worship. New songs include Remember, Jesus Saves, We won’t stay silent and Give us Your Courage. Also included are Beautiful One, Consuming Fire, Here I am to Worship, Be My Everything, Happy Day, Dance and God of Justice, as well as When I Survey.
The specially commissioned visuals for the event added another dynamic to the message of thesongs. It was an unforgettable evening, which also kicked off the UK Worship Central tour. The high quality release features all 12 songs on both the CD and the DVD, in a special digipack. The DVD also includes a talk from Mike Pilavachi and Tim talking about some of the songs on the project.
The Best of Stuart Townend Live (2 cd )
Kingsway
 Praise and Worship Album of the Year 2008.
Stuart Townend has the ability to write songs full of sound theology and dynamic challenges and is one of today's finest hymn writers.
On this collection he journeys from his earliest songs to his newest with the recordings compiled from various live events.
Listeners will enjoy the familiar songs and maybe re-discover less well-known ones.
A New Hallelujah! - Michael W Smith
Integrity Music
 This is Michael W Smiths third album recorded live in Texas with more than 12,000 worshippers and special guests the African Children’s choir and Israel Houghton.
There are several new songs as well as familiar ones such as ‘Mighty to Save’ and ‘I surrender all’. This is a good introduction for those discovering his music for the first time. Musically there are great moments of praise and good vocal performances from Michael. There is plenty of variety in this album with upbeat and reflective moments - it is not just an ambient experience.
Great God who Saves - Laura Story
 “Indescribable” was a big hit for Chris Tomlin in 2004, but now you can hear the original version written and sung by Laura Story in her debut album Great God who Saves.
Her songs have an acoustic pop feel to them with strong lyrics and melodies which combine statements of truth with a personal response. A few lines from the song Grace illustrate this:-"The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary So instead of trying to repay You I'm learning to simply obey You By giving up my life to You for all that You've given to me."
“Mighty to save” by Hillsongs is the only song not written by Laura. Several songs lend themselves to personal or group worship. There are subtle echoes of some of Amy Grant’s early songs and, interestingly, Amy provides some of the background vocals.
This is an album that has the potential for touching deep places within you and inspiring you to “to gaze deeper and stay longer and to press onward to know” the Lord. (from the track There is nothing). Very highly recommended - The best album I have heard for a long time. I am tempted to buy one for everyone I know!!!
The final track “Perfect Peace” gently ministers to the wounded and is earthed in reality. “…though I may not calm the storms around you, you can hide in me…Stay close by my side …Keep your eyes on me ….Let me bear your load ‘cause I will give you perfect peace.”
Review by Marguerite Williams
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