Stuart Townend - Lord Of Every Heart

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

"A fusion of contemporary celebration and reflective adoration," states the nicely packaged cover notes and this is exactly what established worship leader Stuart Townend's new release is. Recorded in Nashville with producer John Hartley, this has innovation and top quality new songs, Townend stands out as a writer and artist with his finger firmly on the pulse. What sets this album apart is the fact that it does not fall into the common trap of excellent worship material failing to sustain its quality when presented in recorded form. This is largely due to Hartley's deft production, coupled with some fantastic arrangements and musicianship (check out the punchy opener "Grace" and the mini-epic "My Delight.") These factors sensitively lift Townend's vocals, which arguably aren't the strongest, to a place where no other voice would suit the songs. Watch out for tracks like the beautiful "When Love Came Down", "Love Incarnate" and a new version of his classic hymn "In Christ Alone". This has to be one of the year's freshest worship releases so far. Lins Honeyman is married to Jill and dad to Rebecca and Sam and worships at Perth Baptist Church.