Stuart Townend - The Best Of Stuart Townend Live

Reviewed by Anthony Longville

There are many writers of worship songs today. In the latter part of the last century Graham Kendrick was a man recognised as a hymn writer to rank alongside the Wesleys and Crosbys of yesteryear. Stuart Townend is rightly to be named in that company also. It is impossible to hear or sing so many of his songs without a sense that these are hymns filled with meaning and truth. Or as the sleevenotes put it, "songs that are full of sound theology and dynamic challenges." This is a 2CD set containing no less than 31 songs. This is not a new recording though, as it might first appear from the packaging. The recordings are compiled from various settings including Stoneleigh, Worship Together and Mandate. There are many familiar songs here, but doubtless any listener will discover lesser known gems too. I guess everyone will have their own favourites, but songs like "In Christ Alone", "O My Soul Arise And Bless Your Maker" and "The Lord's My Shepherd" stand out to this reviewer. I am not sure this is a collection many will listen to in one sitting, but nonetheless this is a release which will make an excellent addition to anyone's CD collection.