STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 167183-26355 LABEL: Integrity Music 000768700327 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2017-11-17 RRP: £12.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
As we all know Britain's annual Soul Survivor events continue to go from strength to strength, sweeping thousands into the Kingdom and continuing to hold a pivotal role in the modern worship movement. This latest in their long running live worship series is surely one of their strongest. One reviewer has suggested that 'The Promise' features too many covers (one of Hillsong Worship and one of Passion/Christy Nockels as well as two Rend Collective numbers performed by the celebration band favourites) and underuses the admittedly wonderful Beth Croft. Another, bizarrely, considering the powerful sonic feast pulled together here by producer Ben Cantelon, was at pains to criticise the album audio quality. I would respectfully suggest that such nit-picking comments have failed to grasp the impact that this event and these recordings are making on thousands of young believers. And there is much on 'The Promise' to touch and empower Christians of any age. A particular standout is the new song co-written by Soul Survivor's worship director Tom Smith and Matt Redman, "Sing Your Glory". It is a sublime worship ballad. Another gem is a spine-tingling rendition of Passion's "Build My Life" while the atmospheric instrumental "Strings Resound" will grip you. But pride of place on this collection has to go to the stunning opener "Come Holy Spirit", written by Tom Smith, Nick Herbert and Jimmy Jones and sung with passion by Smith. It expresses the longing in many hearts ("We wanna jump in the river/We wanna dance in the rain/Feel the heat of the fire/Re-igniting the flame"). One of those questionable reviews reads, "Written as a prayer of invocation for the Holy Spirit to sweep over the assembly, this song, if sung with faith, could be the anthem of international revival." Now there's a reviewer's comment I can agree with.
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Product Description
After many years of making Shepton Mallet their home each Summer, 2017 saw Soul Survivor make a new dwelling place in a larger venue in Peterborough.
Mike Pilavachi, Andy Croft and the team welcomed over 26,000 young people this year to their events, with a staggering 1359 KNOWN new Christians!
The focus of these events is to bring young people closer to Christ and empower them to live purpose filled lives. The events are a great mix of youthful exuberance, joy and raw moments of worship. This Live album from the Summers gathering has captured this experience.
The Promise (Live) is a great mix of original and popular worship songs that is due to bring you the sound of summer all year round.
Tracklist Will Include:
What A Beautiful Name - Beth Croft
1000 Years - Tom Smith
The Promise - Tom Smith
Reality - Tom Smith & Guvna B
Sing Your Glory - Tom Smith
Come Holy Spirit - Tom Smith
Jesus I Love You - Tom Smith
Build My Life - Beth Croft
Strings Reprise
Every Giant Will Fall - Rend Collective