Reviewed by Chris Webb

Samuel has been the worship leader at St Albans Vineyard Church UK for a number of years and this is his second album under his own name. 'The Difference' is no standard worship project, this pushes the boundaries and stretches the definition. This is not a singalong congregational music set, this is a statement of belief in a Saviour who makes a difference in people's lives. "I Belong To You" with a thrumming bass line and driving drums repeated rhythm, almost the sound of a train rolling along its track, underscores a slick lead guitar that slides in and out of the keyboard riff as Samuel's half whispered and half growled vocals call out to the Lord. "Saved" begins with single piano chords before a ringing drum gradually creeps in, electronic piano then slides in almost unnoticed as a slightly strummed guitar makes an appearance whilst Samuel's vocal repeats words of thanks and praise to a central crescendo followed by a slow diminution of sound to a single snare drum to the fade. Gentle as a bubbling stream "The Moments" kicks off with acoustic guitar slinking along as the lyrical content reflects on God's quiet interventions in a person's life before a sudden and unexpected outburst of volume, clashing cymbals and thumping drums swoop in to demonstrate that sometimes God is more direct in his relationship with us. Being different in a crowded worship music arena is not easy and Samuel should be commended for this inventive move away from modern worship cliché.

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