Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Anyone who's heard a worship tune penned by Gareth Robinson will know what a terrific songwriter this guy is. Those who have experienced the Sheffield songsmith leading worship (as I have at Scotland's Clan Gathering) will know also how adept he is at this practice - a truly gifted worship musician. Best of all, he appears to have finely-honed sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, resulting in many beautiful moments where the worshipper's spirit gets lifted to the heavens, a full-on sense of being drawn close to God (which is of course a main feature of real worship). Thankfully these ingredients somehow get translated onto this live recording - from St Thomas', Sheffield - which literally throbs with exuberant praise and heartfelt adoration. Featuring 11 of his own choice compositions, the first few are wonderful bursts of God-exaltation. Two of his most infectious numbers are "Jesus, You Humbled Yourself" with its simple uplifting chorus and the equally endearing "Jesus Saviour". "When All Around I Feel Despair" makes for a striking modern hymn which could well carry forward into future generations. "Pearl" is an acoustic piano-based gem that prophesies the priceless value God places on us. More subdued is the earnest prayer-cry "Hear Our Prayers", completed in the aftermath to the 2004 tsunami. There isn't a dull moment on the entire album. Gareth has his own style and vocal sound and the album comes over as a breath of fresh air amidst a worship market often lacking in originality. Undoubtedly one of the best British worship discs of this or any year.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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