Michael W. Smith is, like any true Christian, a worshipper at heart. Over the years he has not only written and recorded a host of worship songs, but has produced worship ventures, led worship at churches he has been part of, and included regular times of worship at his concerts. Strange to say then - yet to the belated delight of fans everywhere - that this is M.W's first solo worship release!

  Recorded live before a 10,000-congregation in Lakeland, Florida, Michael wanted this to be a pure worship experience - one that might truly change lives. Thus it was that he drew together some of the most eminently worshipful tunes from around the world, and, with an accomplished team of musicians and a star-studded choir (far too many to mention by name, but Chris Rice, Amy Grant, Geron Davis and Erin O' Donnell are all in there!), offered up a simple and sincere expression of adoration to the King of Kings. The songs include Redman's classic 'Heart of worship', Baloche's equally popular 'Eyes of my heart', Smitty's own 'Agnus Dei' - very different, though no less poignant, to the stunning Third Day version - and three Vineyard oldies, the most compelling - 'Draw me close' - of which is also one of Smith's favourite 'car' songs (he loves to sing it as he drives!). Two of my own favourites are the Leblanc/Baloche 'Above all' - here given a live AND a studio rendition - and the amazingly simple prayer-cry 'Let it rain', which is especially effective. Also included is Michael's brand new 'Purified' , co-written with wife Deborah - a powerful track expressing a longing for His holiness.

  The accessible nature of these songs, along with their sensitive, congregational interpretation, makes for a warm and deeply anointed atmosphere, so that it's almost impossible not to be drawn into similar exaltation of so worthy a Lord. Join them as they sing - it's 'real' worship like you always wanted it to sound. Thoroughly impressive.

Review by tom lennie

  Scandinavia has long had a reputation for producing bands with a loud, hard-rock edge. But here, from Norway, comes four-piece Christian-combo Salvation Street, admittedly with a deep, rock-based sound, but by no means in the 'heavy' category. Since their formation only a year ago, the band's live concerts and debut album (released in Norway in November 2000) have been well received by Christian and secular audiences alike. Now picked up by Word Music's new 'Focus' label, Salvation Street's popularity is destined to spread rapidly throughout Europe and beyond.

  Led by one Oddi Arild Nessa (great name!) - he also wrote the music and most of the words to these 11 songs - the band is influenced by artists such as U2, Radiohead and Roxy Music - influences detectable on this recording. The tunes have a simple, attractive melody, and, with strong drum and bass backing, move at a ponderous, unhurried pace. Indeed, what truly 'makes' this album is the intense, brooding atmosphere created (similar in effect to the alternative worship sounds of Irishman Johnny Parks) along with Oddi's strong, earthy (yet also ethereal) vocals, which cry out emotively on tracks like 'Prayer' and 'Have mercy', then soar to the heavens on the closing optimism of 'Winter night'. Lyrics (all in English) are straight forward, deeply honest, and overtly spiritual, emphasising the reality of salvation in Christ, our need for surrender, and eternal life with Him.

  As their name suggests, Salvation Street is a group with a mission, longing to reach out to the youth of the world with the true gospel message. Those who have seen them live - they played at UK's Greenbelt festival in the summer - will appreciate the faster, more anthemic sound they effuse in concert. But, on the strength of this debut alone, I would invite you to take a long, energising stroll down Norway's 'Salvation Street' . It's an outing you will not regret!

Review by tom lennie

Ross Parsley “Around Your Throne”

  It amazes me that there are so many churches, with such high quality praise bands, singing their interpretations of the many modern hymns of praise that are being written throughout the world.  The well is deep! The standard is high!  This new CD is an excellent example of some of the best of the past few years of worship songs, mixed with some strong homegrown songs and passionate calls for the church of God to get up, get motivated and bring this generation to God!

  Recorded live at New Life Church, Colorado Springs, CO. This CD gives us a taste of vibrant and exciting worship, as we hear people roaring their approval after every song and during the extended prayer offerings.  We begin with “I will not forget You,” by Ben and Robin Pasley. This is a strong song to begin with, setting an upbeat worship tone to the songs.  I enjoyed the Darrell Evans song, “We will embrace Your Move.”  Redman’s “Knocking on the door heaven,” is nicely joined with “Open the eyes of my heart.”   It is a good move, because this song is getting played out these days so this is a nice way to refresh these two tunes.

  You cannot go wrong in a live worship setting if you add “You are my King,” this version does not have the depth of feeling that the live “Passion: One day,” has, but it lifted my spirit as they sang. “You are my King, Jesus, You are my King.”  Then they emerge with commitment on Darrell Evans “All we want is You.”  Long and dynamic, there’s plenty of joy in this song!  This church is immersed in an anointed worship, because they are connected to the throne of God by a strong biblical foundation.  When faced with great songs and a crowd ready to praise God, all songs extend and it’s difficult not to stop. Allow yourself to bask in the two gorgeous Vineyard songs, “Breathe,” and “Humble King.”

  I cannot find anything that I did not enjoy about this recording. I feel that the “Prayers” that have been included may grow old after a few plays, it is hard to keep listening to these heartfelt cries to God over and over again with the same conviction that one feels on the first time. But the superb recording of the songs in between allows us, the listeners to bathe in the glory we find around the throne of God.

Review by Bill Mason

  The reputation of Texas-based Paul Baloche has grown steadily over the years, as he continues to produce great new worship songs! Praise celebrations like 'I love to be in Your presence', anthemic no's such as 'Praise Adonai' and 'Revival fire fall', and flowing worship tunes like 'Above all' and - best known of all - 'Open the eyes of my heart' all stem from this man's quill, oft' times in conjunction with such writers as Ed Kerr, Lenny Leblanc....and his dear wife Rita.

  Paul's third album for Hosanna Music, God of Wonders consists of mainly new material from the Baloche songbook. Opening titles like 'Face to face' and 'Stir up a hunger' ably reflect the intimacy and yearning characteristic of this leader's writing - the former is also most evident in those tender songs composed and most sensitively co-led by Rita (the couple's voices blend so beautifully together). The theme of wholehearted devotion crops up pointedly on later tracks, while 'The song of Jabez' is based on a short prayer in 1Chron:4 (and a best-selling book!), and is here given a Celtic flavour with Irish whistle and flute, and evocative percussion.

  These songs come without the standout attraction of some previous Baloche successes, and none could be classed as racy in pace. But, produced by Steve Hindalong (City on a Hill, etc) and Matt Byrd - they also wrote the majestic title-track here - this 70-minute set carries a quality sound and genuinely irresistible worship flow the whole way through. Whether or not you find yourself humming these tunes hours later, this is a disc you'll return to - especially in times of humble waiting on the Lord.

Review by tom lennie

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