Reviewed by Andrew Coe

Ear To Hear Music consists of two singer/songwriters - Joy Hutton, a gentle voiced lady who had once worked with Maranatha Music in the early year of southern California's Jesus Movement; and Vincent Peddle, who had been writing and leading worship for over 30 years and lives in the Pacific Northwest - together with Don Pleskach, a singer/songwriter/producer who owns the Ear To Hear studios in Northeastern Ohio. 'Textures Of Worship' was originally intended to present easy to play songs in lower keys for congregational worship. The label's website includes chord charts and lyrics for free, which is a nice touch. The album opens with "Raise Your Voice" which has a strong beat and incorporates some electric guitar and even a harmonica. This blends very nicely into "I Give You Praise" which contains similar themes, of us needing to sing praise to God for all he has done for us. The country style "Always And Forever" is a nice take on Psalm 23, focusing on the last few verses rather than the opening verse the Psalm is so famous for. This idea of taking Scripture and putting a melody to it features throughout the album, and for the most part works really well, with only "More Than Conquerors" (taken from Romans 8v37) feeling a little forced. The album ends with three very simple songs that feature a wide variety of styles. "I Will Dwell" has a real lively Hebrew style to it, while "Send Me" is more of a classic pop song, complete with echoing backing vocals on the chorus. The album ends with "I Love You", an orchestral song with a very simple message of our adoration and love for God. The album suffers a little for having such a wide range of styles but in the main they are skilfully executed.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.