Published in the CR Mag 84

Tuesday 1st March 2005

Phatfish - Faithful: The Worship Songs

STYLE: Rock
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 12300-1383
LABEL: Alliance 1903062
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £4.99

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The influence of the Phatfish guys on the British worship scene should not be underestimated. Whether as songwriters or as part of the Stoneleigh worship band, they have played a major part in the last 10 years. This collection of worship songs includes popular stuff like "There Is A Day" and "Holy Holy" but somehow lacks the musical punch of some of their earlier material. Lou Fellingham's distinctive voice is there, all the band's musical talents are still in place but somehow the production isn't as crisp as usual. Not sure whether it's because it's a worship album that they have chosen to pull back the throttle slightly but the result is an album that is pleasant enough, with strong songs, but it isn't knocking me out!

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Mark in UK @ 14:54 on Apr 25 2009

Re-reading my comments above maybe my choice of words ("uninspired") was unfortunate. I don't mean I don't think God is in it, or that it's insincere at all.
Just be aware, this is a different face of Phatfish.
BTW I just bought '15' and I love it!

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Posted by Michael in Newcastle upon Tyne @ 22:41 on May 15 2008

Phatfish are recognised for their versatility. Throughout their years they have been fantastic live performers and worshippers, with a solid, striking soaring sound. But on their studio albums, they are more experimental. They were in your face with Heavenbound and Truth, but what is wrong with going for a more melodic, sensitive sound with this album? Turned loud its amazing, a car stereo does not give it justice. The soothing, blending together of all the sounds and the electronic tinge it has is quite interesting. It goes against all this american rock CCM style you get nowadays. With Guaranteed, Phatfish have shown again they can write amazing songs and produce driving albums full of flair and edge, but this album is a beautiful difference to all their louder more heavy stuff, that should be enjoyed and admired.

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Posted by Mark in UK @ 15:09 on May 5 2007

I agree this is not Phatfish at their best. I bought this album on the strength of "Purple through the fishtank" and must say, I am disappointed. It all seems a bit uninspired. We were listening to it in the car and my daughter's comment sums it up: "I preferred Phatfish when they were more "in-your-face!"

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Reply by John in UK @ 01:10 on Sep 20 2007

Mark, i think this album is more meditative and sing along. alot of phatfish songs contain so much bibilical truth but not all are sing along worship songs, or albums that you can immerse yourself in.

trust me, put this on a loud speaker system and just sit and close your eyes, the music really is stunning. it just fills your mind, alot like coldplay. and in reply to your daughters comment, whats wrong with a band surprising its fans each time. a band that sounds the same on each album is no good for me, i like variety. phatfish, always produce something different every time, which is the beauty of the band. trust me, buy this album if you want a worship album that lifts your eyes to the creator!

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Phatfish - Faithful: The Worship Songs

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