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Featuring two husband and wife teams, Waterdeep try to combine their moral based lyrics with a number of different musical styles. For instance, play the first couple of tracks and you think that you're in alternative rock land. But, by the time you reach track 4, it's time for pop. Remember Van Morrison and Sir Cliff Richard teaming up to sing "Whenever God Shines His Light"? Well, Waterdeep's version is almost a carbon copy and is the best of the opening numbers. Then, after being lulled into a false sense of security, Lori Chaffer's screeching vocals make you reach for the volume control on "I'm Still Here". Husband, Don's vocals are much better and his contributions on "Stranger in This Land" and the title track produce this albums best moments. Personal niggles about this CD also include the naff computer enhanced video, and Squint's compulsive back to front packaging. Sorry, it's just not funny anymore. 5/10. (February 2000)
In a world where little is stable, there exist few things to count on, fewer still that remain faithful through time. "God is constant, and He has been pursuing each of us all the days of our lives even before we were born," says Christy Nockels - one half of the husband and wife duo. So, you may have gathered that all the songs on this album are very personal, and written by a couple who seem to have taken over the pure pop sound that another married couple (Out of the Grey) used to produce. There's a great prayer in the form of "Friend For Life", and some lovely epherial backing vocals on "Holy" - my pick of the bunch. no matter what you've done or gone through in your life, track 8 says, "Let the God of all creation Carry You". Simply said but beautifully produced. Nice album and Watermark's best yet. 8/10. (July 2002 and August 2002)
This guy writes some great material for the likes of Amy Grant and Michael W Smith, and then still saves a few for himself. Sadly, quite a number of those don't have the cutting edge and this tends to be a run of the mill release. "From the Heart" tells about how you must clear out the rubbish that we harbour inside and love from a clean heart. It's a good opener and leads into the title track that heads four or five MOR rockers of little distinction. "Drop Everything" reminded a fellow listener of Paul Weller but, for me, Wayne shows very little of the talent he really possesses. 4/10. (October 1997)
With a whole host of top producers working on this album, the result is a collection of songs in a number of styles. Piano based tracks encompass Worship, Rock, Country and Soul in this packed offering. There's a couple of bright, bouncy numbers to open things up before 'One Time...' treats us to Wayne's more mellow voice. The beautiful 'Blessed Are' is the prime cut and brings the album to a close, but not before we've sampled the stylish love song 'Wait A Little Longer'. Wayne Waston may be another new name to many of you but he's worth getting to know. 7/10 (April 1996)
Wes Davis has toured the far corners of the British Isles plus dates in America and Africa. "Draw Me…" is his 6th album and shows him in worshipful style. A key selling point, I am told, is that he sings some of the "most popular worship songs of today". True enough, but so do far too many other artists! The result is an album of songs that you know so well, you'll probably know most of the words - if not all. Wes' style is quite laid back and suits time of worship to a tee. His own songs are very good and "This Husband Loves His Wife" - written as a first anniversary present for his own wife - shows a great writing talent. "Gentle Breeze" is another that stands up well, too. However, we're treated to 6 covers before the first of these and, by then, things have got just a little tedious. Why do so many artists want to sing the same songs? For instance Doug Horley's "Out of My Depth" and Matt Redman's "Heart of Worship" have almost been recorded to a point of embarrassment. It's my first taste of Wes and, frankly, I'm disappointed. Let's have more original stuff, Wes. 4/10. (November 1999)
Focussing the listeners on God and the family, Wes King's first release for Word Records offers straightforward, thought provoking lyrics with his blend of acoustic pop music. The title track was co-written with Michael W Smith, and what a great song it is. Beautifully written, and depicting the truth of God's love and just what a real, loving relationship with Him can do. I also liked the excellent "Spin You Around", complete with it's driving pace and catchy chorus. Slowing things down, is "There Is A God", a song written in a few "eternal" minutes during an aeroplane flight when Wes thought that the craft might well crash. "This is the Church" is also rendered in similar style and this easy listening phase of the album is, perhaps, the strongest. What come in between those songs mentioned are some nice, if ordinary, numbers that don't quite rise as high. However, the more I hear it, the more I like this album. 7/10. (February 2002)
To rival the likes of chart acts such as Atomic Kitten, we have three girls who go under the name of Whisper Loud. With rise of CCM girl bands in the UK like ShineMK and V*enna, it will be interesting to see if this American outfit has the same success. First off, I found the opening two tracks a bit too sugary and wondered if the album would be a total turn-off. The surprise came on track three when the gentle "I Will Carry Your Pain" shows of the real vocal talent of the girls. That, for me, seemed to be a starting point and I began to enjoy the next jumpy number "Like A Circle". Two ballads, "If This is What it Means" and "All This Time", once more show off the velvet vocals. "Hey Yeah You", I can see as very radio friendly, and I wouldn't be surprised if that was taken as a single. Aimed at the teenage market, I think, it could do well if it gets the airplay. 7/10. (May 2001)
Metal fans will be excited by the new Whitecross release. Others may well give it a listen and be instantly put off by the, predominantly, growling vocals. These guys have had almost as many line-up changes as Petra, but still the albums keep coming. It's four songs in before the aforementioned vocals disappear and we're treat to some light harmonies on "Eye To Eye". "To My Surprise" is a slow rocker in the style of Bryan Adams, but the acoustic "Already Done" does provide relief for the average listener. "End of the Line" has a simple message, that life is a train journey and Jesus is the destination, it's probably the pick of the album. On the whole, it's a release that's filled with metal guitar fodder and will only feed those on a particular diet. 3/10. (July 1997)
Here's another release that takes tracks previously heard on other albums which, apparently, earned "unprecedented radio exposure" in America. This band has been on the road since 1983 and their 'stadium rock' excites evangelical yout like few other things. Sounding a little like late 80's band Leviticus, they rock away with a superb track called 'Independance Day' which has a simple hook and seering guitar break. Unfortunately, that is the only song of it's kind on the album as they launch into some very ordinary, loud rock songs that register from the excrutiating 'Nothing But the Best' to the out of date 'Change the Way'. Whiteheart, on this showing, seem to be at their best on ballads such as 'Silhouette', where their vocal harmonies shine out. If this is a 'Best of...', I'm glad I haven't heard the 'Worst of...'. 4/10 (May 1996)
Following last month's poor 'Best of...' release, I really wanted to enthuse about this new album. Sadly, there's nothing much here to get me excited. A bland, and almost tedious, collection of 7 standard rockers which includes the doom guitar led title track. 'Ritual' calls for us to dance and worship God but all I was called to do was turn it off. Just who the band are trying to access is
beyond me. If, as has been suggested, that they want to reach Metallica's fans I'm afraid that they
are only fooling themselves. As I said last month, Whiteheart sound at their best with the acoustic based songs, of which there are 3 on show - the best being 'It Could Have Been You'. It's pretty dreadful. 2/10. (June 1996)
Formed in 1996, Whitewings consist 8 girls aged 12-17years and, as the notes state, "3 recycled teenagers", while. As well as local concerts, the girls sang at last year's Easter People in Bournemouth and have already been invited to appear at this year's event in Blackpool. This debut cassette contains 13 songs of which several are very well known. 'Holy, Holy, Holy' is given a special kind of freshness with it's simple, yet effective, arrangement, and 'The Angels Around Your Throne' continues the feel. 'You Shall Be Holy' features a lovely solo part and 'O Righteous God' is simply beautiful. Where the sweet, young voices don't work so well is the uptempo 'Rise Up', which sounds rather thin throughout. However, with backing music provided by Kingsway (slap on the back for them), and Tony Turvey's leadership, Whitewings look certain for greater things. 8/10. (January 1998)
Somerset based Why? have been British CCM festival favourites for the last two or three years, playing their lively celtic/roots music. See them play live and I'll guarantee that you'll be jigging along with the rest of the crowd in no time. This first release on a major label tries to capture that live feel, as it was recorded over two concerts in January. Starting off with the turbo charged 'Good For My Old Mother', the pace rarely dips throughout the 15 tracks. One that does is 'The Curates Egg', which drifts along nicely. My complaint with the album is that it becomes monotonous after the fifth or sixth song. It's pretty infectious at a live gig but the violin or mandolin based songs are a little repetitive for listening. Of course, they get compared to Eden Burning, so let's hope that Why? mature in the same way. 5 for the concert, 2 for the album. It's a good momento if you've seen them live. 7/10. (July 1996)
It's a trip down memory lane for me this month as I now get to review my first demo cassette for simply ages. Husband and wife, Robin & Helen Thompson, and good friend, Jon Hunter team up with a, sometimes, over-enthusiastic drum machine to remind us that grassroots Christian pop is far from dead. Over the years, Helen's powerful vocal range has been heard with the likes of Whitegold and Giants Will Fall, but it's a more controlled voice that features on the title track. It's a bouncy, even paced number that has you tapping your feet quite early on. It tells how you may be number one when playing a hobby, but how do you measure up in the game of life? "Hand", then gives the listener the chance to accept that Jesus is reaching out and all that you have to do is take it. This is, I think, the stronger of the two songs because of the intricate harmonies produced by the Thompson's and the solid instrumentation throughout. A blast from the past. 7/10.
Wild Honey contain members of previous Hull bands such as Destiny Calling and Giants Will Fall. After a couple of years out of action, the trio have got back together and released a remixed version of thier 1999 two track single. The title tracks plods along at a steady pace without really setting the place alight. "Hand", on the other hand (how about that for a pun?) rises up, way above the former and has that "feel good" factor about it. Nice rhythm, jangly and distorted guitar, plus the vocal excellence of Helen Thompson. It's a nice sampler at a pocket money price, and shows a taste of Wild Honey. 7/10. (December 2002)
This is the second release on Michael W. Smith's record label and it brings husband and wife, Lori & Micah Wilshire to the spotlight. The music is a mixture of electric pop and alternative rock. The former is true of the opening "Over My Head", while the latter can be said of, say, "Closer Still". The couple share the lead vocals as well as dueting well on the Eagles tinged "Here the Sound". There's good use of guitars on "If I Could", where the sounds are a cut above your average offering. I remember an old Julie Miller track, where she told how Jesus was her psychiatrist. On this album, the Wilshire's use a similar slant, only this time Jesus being the medicine to cure your ills. Nice idea, nice track, nice debut. 7/10. (May 1998)
More soul/gospel from 4 U.S. ladies who promise to deliver but end up like a crumpled envelope which says 'Do Not Bend'. They have an established fan base in their home country but this is their first release over here. The opening track 'The Blood' is an interesting version of the Passover story, and it's basic scripture and moral values that the girls endeavour to portray. 'Oh What Love' is very festive and 'Take the Time' could well be lifted straight out of Humphrey Bogart's 'Casablanca'. Mixed in between are too many sub-standard songs that really fail to get their message across. Vocally, the girls are nothing out of the ordinary but I believe their song writer should get out more. If this was sent C.O.D. I wouldn't pay. 3/10 (January 1997)
Women of Faith is an organisation committed to seeing women set free to a lifestyle of God's grace. By hosting events and creating resources, they want to help women and their families to grow spiritually, emotionally and relationally. This collection sees many of the artists involved giving their time and gifts for free. Sara Groves is one artist that is growing on me with each release. "First Song that I Sing" is another quality recording. And, despite some recent writings in the media, I personally think that Sheila Walsh is back to her best, and "You Are Beautiful" just confirms that. Her wistful vocals are a pure joy to listen too on a such a beautiful song. Ginny Owens, Natalie Grant, Ce Ce Winnans, Kathy Troccolli and a host more top female singers are featured, with songs like "The Potter's Hand" and "All For the Life of Me". Not a stunning album by any means, but very nice all the same. 7/10. (October 2003)
Together for more than 5 years, Germany's Woodencross first came to my notice on the excellent 1340 Records "Eurochrist Sampler". Their featured track was called "Ghandi" and, sure enough, it's the opening song on this 1999 release. To be quite honest, I've never heard anything quite like Woodencross. They're punk, ska, a little bit of pop, and a lot of….well, Alien Ant Farm! The guys say that they put a lot of fun into their music, and it's very evident throughout. "Ghandi" kicks off with some great brass before Daniel Meisinger's biting vocals attack. "How" is definitely in the Linkin Park mould, looking at the question of whether you should stick to 'going with the flow' or standing up as a follower of Jesus. "Human World" is a ska/punk number that changes pace well and has lyrics that tell you that the Lord is waiting for the lost with arms open wide. If you want to know more about the band and their beliefs, then "Checkout" will tell you everything. It's another sharp and powerful song that, nevertheless, had me smiling throughout. Some songs are sung in their native tongue but don't let that put you off. It's not usually my sort of musical taste but, in this instance, Woodencross really hit home. 9/10. (December 2001)
Listening to this EP was, for me, like stepping back in time. Back to the early 90's when exciting new bands like Pity The Small Thumbs, K, and Curam were thrilling festivals with their energetic sounds. Now, at the end of the 21st century, come Wordhead with a 6 track EP that has already seen them pick up a secular management deal. To describe them? Well, when Ali sings, it's very Britpop in a sort of Sleeper way. Plenty of flange guitar, nothing too heavy, endearing - if not strong - vocals and a finished product of some note. "See You" is the best of these type of songs. It's poppy enough to get radio play has good hooks and neat guitars. Then, as Leon sings, it's more hard hitting and direct rock. The opening "Everywhere" takes the stance of someone who sees Christianity in his everyday life but asks "what's it all about?". Driving guitars and attacking vocals make this a tasty number. Otherwise, the pick of the crop has to be "See You" , and notably Andy Croft's excellent keyboard work. With a bit of polish (more money) this would be the biz! 8/10. (September 1999)
Believe it or not, this is my first experience of the 'Tribe' and I'm sure it won't be my last. This is sanctified dance and praise music that is sure to appeal to the youth culture of today but contains the real message of God's love. Featuring ex-Bizzare Inc frontman, Cameron Dante, the opening track gives you just what it says - 'Kik Start'. Pulsating rhythms, sequenced loops, and mind blowing samples are all here. Favourite track has got to be the title track, were the Tribe are joined by Leeds duo H.O.G. for some real hip hop battling. Even the well known praise song 'I Believe in Jesus' gets the 'treatment' and what a result that is. My only complaint is that 5 of the 14 tracks are re-mixes of earlier ones, and I'm not really sure there's any difference. Nevertheless....8/10. (June 1996)
If you've never heard of the WWMT, then I don't know where you've been for the last couple of years. After taking the States by storm, this release chronicles their previous material with remixes galore and a sense of real freshness. Techno freaks will love the opening 'Queen of Sheba' , while boom boom fans can play 'Reach For Heaven' on their GTE stereo's. 'In My Life' is a wicked track and marries the 90's rhythm with 60's phsycodelia.. There is so much on this album that you really have to listen to it a few times before you can appreciate the full extent of both the music quality and the spiritual blessing. There's a touch of Rasta Reggae with 'Duncan - Revival' and the way the choral sounds are mixed in 'Where Are You Going?' is quite superb. Still no wiser? Get it now. 9/10. (March 1997)
Here it is then, the long awaited new release from WWMT. Chocked full of hip hop, dance, garage, and funky sounds, this is bound to please the ever increasing army of fans around the world. "Frantik" itself, attacks your head as soon as it leaps from the speakers, while the following "Truth" is more of a groove thing. From there on, there's no real surprises, it's the Tribe doing what they do best, even though "Got To Be With You" sounds pretty dated. To be honest, I found this release to be okay but nothing special "I Give You My Life" is one of the slower numbers and cuts well against recent chart material. The last two tracks are re-mixes of the opening two, lasting some 13 minutes in total. Ideal for dance clubs, not recommended as background music. The young people will lap it up while the older ones - like me - will wonder just what it's all about. 6/10. (October 1999)
Okay, so the WWMT are no more, but there's still a whole lot of good music to remember them by. This release is supposed to be the stuff to chill out to, rather than dance. "In My Life" opens proceedings and it chugs along at a medium pace. "There is a Green Hill" has become a personal favourite of mine over the years and it still sounds as good now. "Nobody Knows" and "The Cross" did nothing for me, while although "I'm On My Way" picks up the pace, I found it, too, rather boring. "Come All Ye Faithful" is more like it but the best is still yet to come. "Love". Just one word, but what a song and what a delivery. Justin Thomas not only gets co writing credits but raps, what is, simply superb. Of the rest, "Where Are You Going" stands out, as always, and asks us all "where Are You Going in Your Life?". Time to look and see, perhaps. 7/10. (May 2001)
Featuring the writing talents of David Lyon, Mike Burn and Simon Goodall, amongst others, this release is subtitled "12 Worship Songs for Communion". I, personally, found Geoff Barker's "On the Cross" very moving for Easter and sweetly sung by one of the two females credited with vocals, Esther Alexander and Helen Burgess. Goodall's "We Remember You" is a slow and poignant number that is very meditational, while "Who Am I" features some nice guitar and lifts a quite ordinary song. "By Christ Redeemed" gives melody credits to Simon Goodall once more, but I'm sure even he must agree that it sounds just a tad too much like "Auld Langs Ayne". Pity really, as it takes much away from Nick Haigh's wonderful fiddle playing. Too many songwriters gives the album a mixed content of quality but the good does outweigh the not so good, just. 6/10. (May 2001)
The songs on the album are aimed to help the worshipper focus on their commitment to God. Lots of new songs that I, personally, hadn't heard before, and songs that are a change from the "norm". You expect the opening song to be uptempo and happy, but there was something a little extra on "I Will Bow At your Feet". Simon Goodall's "Deep Within My heart" is a slow pop song that becomes very catchy in a singalong style, while "For you" by Tammy Brown is a sweet, prayerful worship number. I've tried to find out, without success, which of the female singers credited on the album sing "All I Can Bring" and "I Lose Control To you". I'm sure it's the same vocalist, but what a wonderful voice she has. The former is a John De Jong composition, while the latter belongs to Eoghan Heaslip. Tremendous couple of songs and the highlight of a really fine album. 9/10. (October 2002)
According to the sleeve notes this CD is designed to "Capture worship Songs from around the world and bring them to you, that they may inspire you, encourage you, and be used by you to worship God." Well unfortunately the only thing that this CD will encourage you to do is fall asleep. It is full of over produced, cliché laden songs that record companies seem to churn out all the time nowadays, the songs are just totally lifeless and predictable. Most are the kind of song where you hear one line and you can guess what the next line is going to be without even hearing it, and I wonder, just how many more versions of "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech do we need? For an album that apparently showcases the world's top worship leaders, one wonders where the representatives of countries like China or the Eastern European countries are. Perhaps these countries just don't have anyone with a big enough name to count as a worship leader these days. If you want a nice safe sugar coated CD of songs that don't challenge you to think at all, then this is for you. Personally, I'd like to see an album compiled of tracks recorded by the worship bands from all around the world who do it week in, week out, with no recognition at all, using a couple of cheap guitars and a clapped out piano. The most depressing thing about this CD is, it's only Volume 1. You mean there's more like this? 2/10 Andy Sayner. (November 2002)
Using praise & worship as the universal language of worship for Christians everywhere, ICC has collected songs from around the world to put this collection together. From Ireland, we have Robin Mark and his unmistakable version of "Lion of Judah". To me, no-one has come close to giving this song what Robin does, it's still magical. From Australia, comes Chris O'Brien, his best contribution being the uplifiting "I Will Magnify You". Kim Hill (USA) offers two tracks, "Born To Worship" and "When I Remember", the latter being the better of the two. There's also a U2 rip-off by Sonic Flood and Jeff Deyo called "Open the Eyes of My Heart", and Brian Doerksen's meditative "Refiner's Fire". From the funky "Supernatural Rain" to the gentle tones of "Jesus, All for Jesus", the album is a journey through popular p&w music of today. 7/10. (June 2004)
Recorded live in Ontario, this album features songs from the first
of three Worship Together conferences held in Canada this year.
2000 worshippers joined leaders such as Robin Mark, Noel Richards,
and David Ruis, to lift the name of Jesus high. "There's
a Pageant of Triumph in Glory" kicks off proceedings, and
what an exciting feeling it gives. Stuart Townsend leads everyone
in "O God of Love" next, and it really draws you into
the live event itself. I felt that the middle part of the album
lost a little in quality due to the newly performed songs on show,
but "These Are the Days of Elijah" soon put things back
on a firm footing. and Noel Richards' "Take Me To Your Sacred
Place" lifts things even higher. Without being outstanding,
this is another good worship album. 8/10. (November 2001)
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