Reviewed by Alastair McCollum

The first impression that these two re-issued albums give is that they can be firmly dated to the mid '80s and mid '90s when originally released. In its original context Kendrick's music was considered radical and cutting edge but with hindsight and following the explosion of worship styles and bands of the past decade we could describe the music generously as "classic" or, less charitably, "dated". In terms of style it is firmly in the middle of the road and despite a tight band and enthusiastic congregation for both CDs it doesn't wear terribly well. That said, the quality of the songwriting stands out and many songs themselves are still in use in the Church - mainly those from the first album 'Shine Jesus Shine', which includes the title track along with such well known standards as "O Lord The Clouds Are Gathering", "Who Can Sound The Depths Of Sorrow?", "Such Love" and "We Shall Stand". Of all the tracks on the second CD 'Is Anyone Thirsty', "Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear)" is the only relatively well known song. The Church has much for which to give thanks to Graham, and many of these songs stand as a testament to his skill and sensitivity as a writer. For those of us who were a part of this particular renewal of the Church's worship these CDs give us a sense of warmth and well being, but they stand more as a record of how things were and where we have come from than as works that will engage the contemporary audience.

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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