Reviewed by Paul Loader

A repackage and retitling of an album originally released in 2003. Songwriter and Ivor Novello winner Paul Field, in collaboration with a plethora of songwriters and musicians, has written and produced this project, which introduces 12 contemporary hymns written for a modern Church in a more traditional style and paying homage to the hymn writers of old. Previously released as 'Still You Speak: New Hymns For The Modern Church' this re-issue contains songs written by Field with the exception of the beautiful "Pierced", penned by Joanne Hogg and Phil Hart and "Through The Days Of Rage And Wonder", a classic Graham Kendrick song. Paul Leddington Wright, the musical conductor for the BBC's Songs Of Praise said of this project, "The orchestral colourings create a magical tapestry of sounds that enhance the thoughtful and relevant texts, all brought to life by a variety of musical styles - something for everyone." Like the hymns of old, the material here encourages the listener to think as opposed to simply respond on a purely emotional level. Many of the songs are as much about God as they are too him and the songs contain much in the way of teaching. Personally, I found the album refreshing in a traditional '80s way and felt it came across like something between early Spring Harvest and current Songs Of Praise.

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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