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The name Tim Hughes has cropped up repeatedly on worship output from the UK in recent years; particularly
on live releases from Soul Survivor, with whom Tim works as Assistant Worship Pastor, and on the '99 Reward project, which he created in tandem with fellow-Survivor lad Martyn Layzell. Part-recorded in Watford, UK, part in TN, USA, Here I am to Worship is Tim's first full solo recording. And what a
delightful slab of craftsmanship it is!
All but one of these 11 songs are Tim's own - the exception being 'Eyes of my heart', a lesser-known beauty from Matt Redman, to whom Hughes has
often been compared in style and sound. The young musician comes to his own on this formidable set however, with a string of knockout melodies and highly attractive vocal delivery. 'Maker of all things',
'I'll always love you' and 'Jesus you alone' carry a catchy, anthemic Brit-praise punch; many other songs flow in an infectious worship stream, best-known of which are the gorgeous
'Words of my mouth' and ensuing 'Here I am to worship' - adorational classics both. Lyrics are thoroughly God-exalting, and sincerity and intimacy emanate from everywhere, emerging with especial
stilled sensitivity on two closing, acoustic, string-led ballads.
Jason Halbert and Dwayne Larring (ex-Sonic Flood) do a great production job, and the overall sound is one of clarity,
excellence and spiritual passion. The guys at Soul Survivor will be well pleased with the result, and so will everyone else who gives it a hearing! For this is the sound of a man in deep and humble communion
with his Lord. As such it's a real blessing to the soul.
Review by
tom lennie |
