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Reader Comments
"The Journey" by Stuart Townend is an outstanding Christian music album. It takes forward the folk inspired sound heard at times in earlier Townend work and which was especially prominent in his last album "Creation Sings". Each track on the album is strong and has meaningful, powerful, bible -based lyrics that are real and down to earth. The album opens to the pealing bells of Halifax Minster which are cleverly followed by the opening jangling notes of 'O my soul, arise and bless your Maker', a familiar piece from the album 'Personal Worship' but here transformed into a hoe-down, setting the tone of the album. Stand-out tracks include 'Vagabonds', 'Never-failing Love', 'The Man who calmed the sea' and 'Simple living'. The latter two tracks feature the voice of Ruth Notman who duets with Townend on the first track and solos the second. The album is diverse and sees Townend in many different songwriting collaborations including with Matt Redman and Mark Edwards as well as the Gettys. Stuart cited Tom Waits as one inspiration at a recent concert. You can also detect elements of Gerry Rafferty, the Pogues, Jim Malcolm and Randy Newman.
I've always enjoyed Stuart's music but I was totally blown away this Easter Sunday at Church of Christ the King in Brighton when he did a gig at our evening service. An amazing blend of vocals from Ruth Notman and others plus an outstanding mix of highly talented musicians alongside lyrics that blow your socks off - I was left speechless and in desperate need of this album! I have enjoyed it so much today I can hardly describe it, I seriously recommend this album to anyone. Whether you're a Christian or just someone who's interested in music (country in particular!!) this album is for you, you won't be disappointed.