Reviewed by Stephen Curry

America's Fuel Music have released this album of 19 songs (17 never before released) to showcase the groundswell of new worship artists alongside some established figures like Martin Smith, Kathryn Scott, Bryan and Katie Torwalt and Brenton Brown alongside talented singer/songwriters emerging onto the scene. The fact that these up and coming talents - Jimmy Thorpe, Patrick Mayberry, Anthony Skinner, Jenny Simmons and Dreamseed - hold their own against the better known worship leaders says much for the care with which this album has been assembled and brings to light many fine new songs. Standouts include the bold and bassy "Shores" ("All depression wash away/On the shores of your great love/And let addiction and all shame/Be laid down at your feet"), the intimate and smouldering "Yahweh", the earthy and laid bare "Brought To Life" and the upbeat "Virginia's Getting Married" although not a worship track and clearly penned for a friend's wedding. One of the standout tracks is "He Is Our Refuge" by Common Hymnal featuring Chris Jackson, country-tinged praise with an addictive chorus. "Commodity" brings some innovative lyrics to a dominant drum beat ("Can anybody fix me - no physicians/Carry me on six wings to the sixth rung/On the sides of the north in the city of the bright ones") and the two Martin Smith songs, one of which, "Obsession", is a much loved classic from his Delirious? days. All in all, an excellent collection of worship anthems ripe for exposure in today's Church.

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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