Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

After the mainstream impact of their previous album "The Winner" with its charting single "Tears From Heaven", Heartbeat released 'Songs For A New Generation' in 1989 and it took the group in a completely fresh direction. In an era ahead of the outbreak of the modern worship phenomenon, this really was a cutting edge idea. Featuring brand new worship material and fashioning it within a modern pop vibe, the band helped to herald a new contemporary style of worship. There are a few of songs here that became hits in what were dubbed the "new churches" and slowly spread beyond. "We Are More Than Conquerors", "Jesus, We Celebrate Your Victory" and "Hosanna" were all helped by their inclusion here. The album was accompanied by music book which also served as a resource to the church. For me, I always thought the beautiful ballad "I Surrender" with a great vocal by Sue Rinaldi was a real winner here. Overall, this was an ambitious and far sighted release that showed how much Bristol's New Generation Ministries had their fingers on the pulse.

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.