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Some 'live' recordings have plenty of noise and atmosphere but lack the maturity and professionalism that
careful studio-attention affords. Others have been so re-worked in the mixing lab that any authentic 'live' feel all but disappears from the scene. Thankfully this album suffers from neither of these
drawbacks - Unashamed (live) is one blistering power-house of a
praise disc, utterly throbbing with passion, joy and intensity, and providing a direct and thrillingly insight into the live Paul Oakley experience.
Paul has been riding the crest of the p & w wave that's been sweeping over Britain in the last decade, writing and performing some of the UK's choicest worship
songs in recent years. A member of Church of Christ the King, Brighton (home also to Phatfish and Stuart Townend), Oakley plays a prominent role leading worship at the Revive tent of
Stoneleigh's annual event, and it is from such occasions that several of these tunes were picked, others being captured in concert at Manchester's Evening News Arena.
Compelling, anthemic hook-lines, God-exalting lyrics, fiery guitar rhythms, impassioned vocals - this set rocks from word 'Go'! Demanding to be played at high volume, it's simply amazing that such a
full sound can come from a - thoroughly talented - four-man band! With fervent aplomb, the guys pours out a striking repertoire of Oakley classics, songs like 'Because of you', 'Jesus, friend of sinners',
'I have come to love you' and 'Here I am'. Fantastic stuff! The magic of the disc is that it wonderfully brings to life songs from the previous three studio CD's; numbers such as
'Brighter than the sun' and 'As I am known' - making even the acclaimed Kiss the River album seem tame in comparison! - while also giving premier airing to the brand new 'All I want',
and showcasing the worshipful simplicity of 'Be lifted up', and impressive yet uncharacteristically unplugged renditions of 'Happy on my way' and 'It's all about you'.
The full throttled attack of the superb 'Unashamed' (which first appeared on the 2001 Re.vive@stoneleigh work) finds a pulsating welcome here and also receives video footage on CD Rom(requiring
easily-downloadable Quick Time) - giving opportunity to see as well as hear the band in action! Presented in beautiful packaging with full lyrics and tons of photos, Unashamed is a stunning worship expression. This is the definitive Paul Oakley!
Review by tom lennie - April 2002 |
