Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Born in South Africa but raised in Australia, Bonnie Whaley is now part of a church plant in Hong Kong where she leads worship but 'Hear The Sound' is a studio set of her songs recorded in England. Confused? You shouldn't be! It's just an example of the global reach of worship music in the 21st century. There are stories that the recording sessions were so powerful that physical healings took place in the studio! Although I have categorised the album as pop, don't let that description fool you, the musical landscape here is broad and spacious and producer Julian Wiggins has allowed the songs plenty of room to breathe. The production has its basis in what the Yanks called electronica and yet there is plenty of warmth. There are plenty of things that you would think wouldn't work when amalgamated together and yet they do - emotive strings meet a London rapper, Chinese spoken words float into the mix and then there are a couple of tracks which are driven by some chunky guitar and groovy beats. 'Hear The Sound' is compelling both spiritually and musically and in a worship landscape which often panders to the banal, this album is a cool breeze of creativity and worship. This is adventurous worship music and I can't wait to hear more from both Bonnie Whaley and Julian Wiggins' production team. My prayer is that this is the first fruits of something new which God is raising up. If you're into Misty Edwards or Kevin Prosch, you should definitely give this a spin.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Bonnie Whaley loves to spend time playing the piano and writing new songs but her real passion is to see people in every nation of the world impacted and overwhelmed by the glory of who Jesus is.

Hear The Sound captures her heart for the glory and releases the unique sounds of heaven embodied in the tangible presence of the One. Listen with expectation because you are about to have an encounter like never before!