STYLE: Jesus Music RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 12733-2133 LABEL: EMI EMID2616 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 2 RRP: £13.00
Reviewed by Steve Best
It's really hard to re-asses two classic albums from the late singer, pianist and pioneer of '70s Jesus Music such as the ones featured here on this double set, namely 'Songs For The Shepherd' and 'No Compromise', so my approach has been to listen again as if for the first time. Among the things that sprung to mind as I played the songs back is just how many of these are now household names among praise and worship songs, but at the time they must have been stunning in their directness, simplicity and their sheer beauty ("How Majestic Is Thy Name", "Make My Life A Prayer To You" and "There Is A Redeemer"). But alongside such treasures are songs which are darkly prophetic ("Asleep In The Light" and "How Can They Live Without Jesus?"), along with - for this package - several bonus cuts including Cadet's version of "How I Love You", the mesmerizing "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" and a song that Keith left to us unfinished - "There Is One" - which has been completed by Michael W Smith and Delirious?' Martin Smith, Derri Daugherty of the Choir and producer John Hartley. Keith always wore his heart on his sleeve and his passion both for God and for the lost was and always will remain undiminished.
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