Here Is Love by Bethel Church

Reviewed by Paul Kerslake

Hot on the heels of the Jesus Culture album 'Consumed' comes this, "Here Is Love" from the famed fellowship in Redding, California which gave us those seminal worshippers. As well as Jesus Culture members Kim Walker-Smith and Chris Quilala and solo worship leader Kristene Mueller there are also stirring tracks from worship pastors Brian and Jenn Johnson and Leah Valenzuela. This is an amazing live worship album, great songs, great musicians and impassioned performances all perfectly recorded. But at the same time it's 100% worship, the focus, the energy, everything is totally Jesus-centred. Even though I'm listening to this through my two small speakers, I can sense the atmosphere and spirit of worship that's flowing through the room. The set opens with the Delirious? gem "My Soul Sings" before moving into "I've Found A Love" penned by Ben Cantelon. "King Of Wonders", possibly my favourite song from the 'Compassionart' album then brings the volume down a touch. Surprisingly, the Vineyard song, "I Love Your Presence" is spliced with David Gray's "Babylon"! You really need to hear it, it works, and leads into an intimate time of spontaneous worship. What I really like about this album is that you really feel you are there. The production and mix is done so that you can appreciate everything that's going on; the singers are clear, the musicians are well balanced. But you can hear everybody else in the room singing too, as if you are with them in the middle of the crowd. This is a stunning worship album, well chosen worship songs that are new but familiar, arrangements that are worshipful and inspiring, honest and revealing times of worship that I feel privileged to be able to share. Quite possibly the worship album of the year.