Reviewed by Ian Whitwood

In case you're not a Spring Harvest regular, I would explain that before the events in Skegness and Minehead take place, each year Spring Harvest's record company, Elevation, put out an album of studio recordings of songs which will be sung in the big top celebrations. This is the latest in their New Songs series. This particular album was produced and mixed by Paul Burton with a bevy of session singers including Sarah Bird, Dave Griffiths, Doug Walker, Yvonne Lyon and others. I have to say that this album has replaced my all-time favourite from 2006 ('Our God Reigns') in my car's CD collection! The first three tracks are excellent - they have been part of my summer soundtrack. "Every Giant Will Fall" features powerful lyrics: "Though the shadows steal the light/Your love is my battle cry/The anthem for all my life." Great words from Rend Collective. Equally impactful is David Lyons' upbeat "I Will Hope" on which he features playing accordion. "God Of Miracles" (co-written by Chris McClarney) proclaims, "This world is shaking/But you cannot be shaken" while Sarah Bird, currently my favourite contemporary Christian female vocalist, delivers a great version of Kristene DiMarco's track "Eyes On You" ("Through the laughter, through the pain/My only answer, my only truth/Eyes on you, Lord, eyes on You"). Several quality tracks follow. Some, like "Abide With Me" and "How Sweet The Sound", have familiar titles but are indeed new songs. Thank you Spring Harvest for a relevant, powerful contribution to contemporary worship and my personal spiritual edification.

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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