Godfrey Birtill - You're Still God

Published Monday 13th March 2006
Godfrey Birtill - You're Still God
Godfrey Birtill - You're Still God

STYLE: Pop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 16837-9752
LABEL: Kingsway KMCD2641
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £2.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This is the album where the veteran worship leader and composer finally delivers. Maybe it took the production skills of that award winning Brit John Hartley to encase Godfrey in some full on rock arrangements not to mention some delicious BVs (concerning the latter it's good to see the old CCM stalwart Mark Williamson providing some of those), or maybe it's simply that Godfrey's songwriting has got better and better. But either way, this is the best Birtill album ever with a staggering eight songs being selected by Cross Rhythms for airplay. Wherever you look there are gems. The opener is a clever contemporisation of James Montgomery's 19th century hymn "Lift Up Your Heads" while Birtill's own "God So Loved This Whole World" is as catchy a song as you'll hear this year. Concerning the latter, I know of at least one Christian who objected to a chorus which consisted of little more than the word "yeah" but I personally think it would be unfair to select Mr Birtill as an example of someone dumbing down theological truth. Just the opposite, in fact. Godfrey's songs are often powerfully prophetic and rather eloquent, eg, "When I stop at the cross/I can see the love of God/But I can't see unforgiveness/I can't see hate or envy/I can't see stupid fighting or bitterness or jealousy/I can't see empire-building/I can't see self-importance/I can't see back stabbing or vanity/Or arrogance." All in all, this is surely one of the most powerful and challenging worship albums you'll hear 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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Reader Comments

Posted by Joann in Marlow @ 17:45 on May 26 2008

I have a bone to pick with Godfrey. Since I went to one of his events in St Peter's Church Loudwater last year I cannot listen to the wishy washy music of many other Christian artists. I am hooked. i have Godfre on my CD player in the bedroom, in the car and everywhere I can think of. He is amazing and very spiritual. All his lyrics align with the Word of God. He is an anointed and extremely talented (if a bit quirky) guy. Don't ever change Godfrey and keep churning them out !



Posted by Tim in Singapore @ 13:31 on Feb 26 2007

This is the first album I have heard by Godfrey Birtill and I find it very inspiring and every song catches my attention. Truly a prophetic voice, not only to England but to all nations. Where Oh Where is Your Presence O God? is my present favourite - still need to listen to the album a few more mundred times. Fantastic!!!



Posted by Trevor in Chelmsford @ 21:09 on Jul 12 2006

I have to say I must disagree with Rick's comments. This is one of the best Christian albums I've heard in many years. The songs can be listened to over and over, each time discovering new aspects of both the musical arrangements and the profound words. There is a very real edge to the songs that is not lost by this being a studio production rather than "live worship". I would thoroughly recommend this album and would have given it 10/10. There are very few albums that have so many excellent songs with such variety and depth.



Posted by Trevor in Stoke-on-Trent @ 21:47 on Mar 24 2006

Rick - I have to agree with ol' TC here - from all of those live albums that Godfrey's made over the years, there is not a single song that I know of that has been selected for air play. Why? Because live worship by its very unpredictable nature isn't radio friendly. Seven and eight minute spontaneous prophetic songs are immensely uplifting, but they won't get airtime. Godfrey and all the guys at Kingsway knew this, hence the studio album. You can't beat radio play to get your music heard, and if people hear it, and like it, then they're more likely to buy it.



Posted by Rick in Manchester @ 14:38 on Mar 15 2006

Sorry Tony, this CD is not a patch on Godfrey's live CD's. This is a very much 'watered down for easy listening' production. All of the tracks lose their passion as comes across live. Sure you have to be there to fully appreciate the 'live' experiance but I believe the atmosphere does come across well on previous CD's. A big let down for those who follow Godfreys music and a poor reflection on the passion and prayerful intensity of this great battle hymne writer of our age.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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