Ian White - Psalms Revisited

Reviewed by Anthony Longville

It's been 22 years since Ian White released Psalms Vol 1, carrying on through to volume six. Albums that relied not so much on clever song titles, "Psalm 8" or "Psalm 122", but on the thoroughly biblical lyrical content fused to contemporary pop arrangements. For this his 21st album, by popular request the Scottish veteran again returns to the lyrics of David and Asaph for his inspiration. Ian recorded 'Psalms Revisited' in Nashville, as he did with his previous release. And it's not a safe selection of Psalms. Yes there's a number of favourites such as "46" ("God Is Our Refuge") and "139" ("O Lord You Have Searched Me"), but also there's the pain of "51" ("Create In Me A Clean Heart") and the lament of "13" ("How Long O Lord"). Even after seven albums of Psalms there's still more depth of truth to be plumbed. Musically, it's songs built around White's acoustic guitar and mostly solo voice. I'm not sure this collection will win White new fans amongst the younger generation, but there's no arguing with the lyrics and White's powerful way with them adds up to a stirring collection.