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La Rue are brother and sister Phillip and Natalie, aged 17 and 15 respectively. And, despite, their tender years, they have - in my humble opinion - produced one superb pop album. With songs written from their own teen hearts it would be easy to say that the album will only appeal to a similar age range. However, that is most certainly not the case, here. To pick out one song that stands out would be very difficult but, "Fallen King" would just get the vote from me. Reminiscent of Sixpence's "Kiss Me", it has few words but a chorus that rings around your head for days. "Someday" sounds a little like Out of the Grey, and "Waiting Room" only confirmed this feeling. It's a beautiful song and the vocals just melt together so well. Are you a Christian just on a Sunday?". Well, that's what the song "One Day of the Week" asks and, if that's you, be sure that God knows your true heart. Brilliant album. 10/10. (March 2000, Album of the Month)
What made La Rue's self titled debut release the NFN 2000 CCM Album of the Year was it's wonderful lyrical depth, portrayed by two teenagers in an infectious pop style. With this follow up, brother and sister - Phillip & Natalie - show that they've been influenced by an edgier guitar style of indie rock.. Indeed, "Wake up" wouldn't have been out of place on the current All Star United Greatest Hits album. Later on, "I Can't Sing" falls into the same category. The writing, however, has remained the same and "Jaded" is written straight from how two teenagers can feel with life. "Brianna's Song" is a piano led duet while the pick of the bunch, for me, is "No Goodbyes". On this track, Natalie takes the lead vocals while Phillip adds effective backing for a very radio friendly song. Their debut was an instant hit with me, while this one will have to grow. 8/10. (April 2001)
Now, I remember Cindy Cruse Ratcliff in the days that she was promoted as a Christian "rock chick", and still possess the album to prove it. For whatever reason, Cindy has since been led into leading worship all over America, and her soulful voice seems to suit the genre well. Here, she's joined by Israel Houghton, as well as the Lakewood Church Choir for more than 70 minutes of powerful praise & worship. Both the title track and "Sweeter" are outstanding tracks, and I can see the latter featuring well on radio. What comes across to the listener is the great feeling of togetherness of those gathered, and it's most certainly not a Cindy and Israel performance. "Holy You Are" is another striking number, while "I'll Never Stop Loving You" tones things down a bit for lovely harmonies. The sleeve notes say that 30,000 people attend Lakewood Church, Houston, each week. Obviously, this album reflects just what's happening. 8/10. (March 2004)
Talk to me about Kirk Franklin, and I know who you're talking about. But, mention the name of Lamar Campbell
and I would have asked "Who?". That is, until this CD appeared. This release is a collection of songs from his three previous albums, plus three brand new songs, thrown in for good measure. Out of those new songs "Whatcha Here 4?" is probably the best, in a sort of gospel meets hip hop sort of way. The opening "Just For Who You Are" threw me a little as it does sound like a female voice taking the lead. Whoever he/she is, they have a real quality vocal, although not quite as seasoned as, say, Shirley Caeser. The who album is very much in the modern gospel sound, although "It's All About the Love of Jesus" does sound like an old fashioned number that's had an uptempo beat put to it. "I Really Want to See you Now" is a laid back song that has some really sweet harmonies, while "When I Think About You" comes across stronlgy, especially with it's opening brass section. If I was to stick my neck out here, I would say that this track would do well if released in the UK as a single - it's that strong. Lamar campbell gets a little carried away towards the end of the track listing with some obligatory hollering but, on the whole, he's impressed me. Check it out. 8/10 (April 2002)
American born Larry Ford is, as the sleeve notes say, an "adopted Irishman" because of his long association with the emerald isle. As one of gospel music's finest tenor's, Larry will be mostly appreciated by the older generation. His finely honed vocals take you through a trip of well known songs, mixed with one or two lesser known. The backing music is nothing out of the ordinary but compliments the singer, bringing out his finer points. Classic hymns include "O For A Closer Walk With God", "I Cannot Tell" and "Praise Him, Praise Him", while more contemporary songs like Stuart Townend's "How Deep the Father's Love" and Andy Park's "Down the Mountain" also make an appearance. The nearest comparison I can make would be Harry Secombe meets Daniel O'Donnell and, while not really my cup of tea, I can still appreciate a good album. 7/10. (February 2002)
Only two tracks on this cassingle from a band based in West Yorkshire. Recorded, presumably, on a limited budget, the finished sound could have been better. However, the first song ,'Run', is a mixture of Brit pop meets Runrig. "Waiting at the bus stop of my life" is the songs first line and gives you some idea of the lyrical content as a whole. Some, might say that the words are rather weak but I, personally found them oozing with honesty. Some good guitar work, interesting break, and never mind the robotic drummer. Track two 'Holy Day' is a quieter song and lacks any real impact. Although the guys do try with their harmonies, it just doesn't quite happen and, perhaps, it's one to work on. With so little to go on, it's hard to give a wider view of the band but with such a catchy song as 'Run' in their repertoire, (I've been singing it for days now) there's sure something worth listening to. 6/10. (November 1997)
If the infamous 9 O'clock Service highlighted the down side to Alternative services, then the LLS must take some credit for it's continued, powerful ministry. 77 minutes worth of sound, that has been split into 3 sections. SONGS doesn't start off too well but "Visions of Heaven" begins the true worship of God's love for us. "Heal Me", certainly helped me re-focus, and the word 'peace' washed over me as I listened to "Young Men..." and it's calming influences. PSALMS contains 3 new settings to Psalms 116, 1, and 86. "Breathing fresh life...into these venerable texts", states the information sheet. Unfortunately, I personally believe 116 is in need of oxygen. It's difficult to please the listener/worshiper all of the time and the other two tracks have some excellent harmonies - of which one sounds suspiciously like Prelude's 'After the Goldrush'. The final section is classed as MEDITATION and, although I found "Into Darkness" rather uninspiring, the epic lengths of "Lament" and "Susan's Meditational Music" were, once again, very helpful. The latter, 13 minutes of quiet, repetitive piano music, is just so soothing. One recent review said of this album "Like a blood transfusion for me....buy it and be inspired". In medical terms, I'd say it was a tonic for the tired Christian, and should be taken daily. 8/10. (December 1997)
Performed by former members of Prayer Chain and Violet Burning, as well as Chris Lizotte, this is an alternative worship experience for today's generation. In the old cliche of it being a soccer match, then the second half of the album is better than the first. All too often, the songs just sound like a Lizotte solo, due to his production work. Jaime Eichler provides the half time refreshment, a beautiful song - written by Lizotte - sang with such feeling. 'Prepare the Way' reminded me a lot of Noel Richard's, complete with it's stirring guitars and easily picked up chorus. The crowning glory for the album is the closing "He Knows My Name", just simply oozing with worship. What a pity that the classy stuff is outnumbered by the rest. 6/10. (April 1998)
Here's one for the purists amongst you that like nothing better than a choral presentation of some of the best known hymns around. What can I say, the style doesn't differ from one tune to the next. The voices are exceptional in their quality and everything swings from one song to the next. Personally, it's not my sort of thing but hymns like "When I Survey", "Rock of Ages" and "The king of love" are all treated with respect. Nearly an hour of music and if this is your sort of thing, I don't think that you'll be disappointed. 7/10. (February 2005)
When the award winning Southern Gopsel group The Cathedrals retired, two of the members decided to form a new group. The resulting Legacy Five now have an established fan base, and a terrific new Cd, recorded with the London Session Orchestra. As the Greater Vision review testifies, this type of music has really got a hold of me and this is another great album. Brilliant harmonies, right from the opening ballad "Holy is Thy name". "I've Got That Old Time Religion" is done in typical old fashion style but the song itself is quite uplifting The use of vocal stacking is pure gold on "Joy" but, then, the vocal quality is there throughout the album. I wasn't so keen on the brass sounds that accompanied "Meanwhile" but with goodies like "I Found Grace" and "Committed to the Cause of Christ", we're soon back on track. The band's desire is to live their lives in accordance with God's will and deliver performances that will inspire and encourage a widespread fanbase. This album does the business, and the closing "Home Free" should become one of the hit's of the year. 9/10. (June 2003)
Three years ago I went to the local art gallery and viewed the paintings in a new exhibition. I couldn't believe it, they were awful. I walked around them all twice and then decided to have a cup of tea. Suitably refreshed, my eye was caught by one of those said paintings. "Wow", I thought, "that's really good", and so were most of the others. In similar light then, comes this album written around Lamentations. It was only with the fourth listen that I began to appreciate the early Pink Floyd sounds, and the Sting-like vocals. Even the previously abysmal 'Mumble & Moan' started to appeal. 'The Sea' is the opening track and goes through 4.5 minutes of atmospheric music before jumping into a nice song. I can't pretend to understand the relationship between Lamentations and the chorus of 'Happiest', "You, sitting on my shoulder, talking about Bethnal Green'. Nevertheless, I've heard nothing like this in CCM before, and LDL may well be pushing back the frontiers. Currently 7/10 & rising. (January 1997)
I didn't hear Lisa's debut album last year but, apparently, it received critical acclaim for her neo-soul style and insightful lyrics. Her influences include Curtis Mayfied, Natalie Cole and Harry Cornick Jnr, and she serves as a worship leader in Jacksonville, Florida. The music isn't, I must say, my favourite genre but I have tried to look beyond my own personal taste to provide this critique. Positively, she does write, or co-write, most of the songs, and they range from "Stuck", a story of love, to "Accountability" and it's plain adgenda. I found the title track to be one of the best on the listing, as it had a catchy feel that easily captured my imagination. "Vibe Out" and "You Are Holy" also had that "certain something" about them, and I found these three the most enjoyable. Other's? Well, perhaps I just couldn't listen as open minded as I would have liked, as too many times I was tempted to reach for the "off" button. 5/10. (February 2004)
Never heard of New Horizon? Me neither. So, for the uninitiated, New Horizon is a 7 day interdenominational Christian event held at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. Last year's event saw David Lyle Morris and Ian Hannah lead the worship, which attracts some 4,000 people each day. "All Hail the power of Jesus' Name" is a favourite hymn of mine but I had never heard it sung like this before. It was a truly amazing rendition, and that song alone hooked me into some great personal worship. All too often, live praise albums are just like the last one but, not this one. It was really good to hear some new songs (to me) like "Father We Dedidcate". If I was from Australia, I would call it "a beaut". "Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit" is a tremendous song, and the feeling of those gathered just leaps from the album into your soul. There is really so much strong, pure worship and praise on this album that I could go on and on about it's content. Let me say no more, then, than this is a top notch release. 10/10. (February 2003, Album of the Month)
For their first venture into the world of traditional praise and worship, husband and wife duo - Robin & Helen Thompson - have released this mini album containing 7 self-penned songs. Also available is an accompanying songbook containing full lyrics, guitar chords and acetate masters - a boom for church worship leaders. It's primarily Helen that does the singing, with Robin concentrating on his excellent guitar work. "Almighty God" and "You Have Broken Me" are simple acoustic numbers, both worshipping the Lord, and doing a fine job too. "Here We Stand" is my favourite. It's an uptempo number that has a catchy chorus, and you can easily see many congregations praising with this! As fine as Robin's vocals are, his "Mighty King", I'm afraid, seems to be quite a struggle and doesn't work for me. On the other hand, there's never been a question about the power of Helen's vocal chords, only now there seems to be a mature warmth with them, too. If you long for good old fashioned p&w, you won't be disappointed. 8/10. (December 2002)
Imagine Iona playing a set of contemporary praise and worship
songs, and you've got a good idea about how Loose Goose sound.
With both current and ex-members of the aforementioned band providing
the music, it's not surprising that we've got that sort of sound
here. LG are three members of the worship team at Holy Trinity
Brompton's first church plant, St. Barnabas. It is an album of
p&w, and opens with the enigmatic 'Show Me Your Ways'. Carolyn
Stillwell's vocals are the strongest of those on offer, and she
really shines out on 'Back to Avalon' and 'Eternity' where the
voice is very Cheresque. This latter song is probably the pick
of the pile and many will instantly join in the chorus of 'No
more tears, no more pain, no more fear, no more shame'. If you
like the quieter, atmospheric type of worship, you'll like this
a lot! 7/10. (November 1996)
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