Newfrontiers - Newfrontiers Live 2002

Reviewed by Phillip Rowe

Another in Kingsway's Worship Experience series, this time recorded live at Church Of Christ The King, Brighton. Clearly intended to fill the recording void left by the removal of the Stoneleigh Bible Week from the events diary, this album features Stoneleigh's best known worship leaders featuring Stuart Townend, Paul Oakley, Phatfish and Kate Simmonds. Anyone already familiar with these names will know pretty much what to expect. The production and performances are uniformly excellent, as is to be expected from artists of this calibre, and it rarely strays from the tried and tested formula that has made them so successful. Highlights include the moving simplicity of Paul Oakley's "Be Lifted Up" and the beautiful Celtic lilt of Stuart Townend's "With A Prayer (Love Incarnate)", but it is Lou Fellingham's "God Of Mercy (Prayer Song)" that stands out by miles. Originally written as a prayer for the AIDS orphans in Africa, it is a genuine, heartfelt cry to God and the most real and personal song on the album. It would be great to have more of this.