Review

I first heard of Vicky Beeching from the landmark Vineyard UK CD "Hungry", where her song "There Is No One Like Our God" appeared in the track list. Later, in 2002, the release of another Vineyard UK project, "Holy", included her popular song "Above All Else". This year, Vicky has come to fruition as a songwriter and worship leader with her new release "Yesterday, Today & Forever". This is a clean, crisp studio project with a mirthful combination of church-usable worship songs with radio-playable production.

What you notice right off about this CD is that it has perfect production sensibility for each song, elevating the arrangements for the anthemic songs and paring down to simplicity for the beautiful, haunting songs of intimacy. In fact, it took me a long time to detach from engaging in the worship music contained on this CD, to allow me to listen critically to the various components of production and songwriting it contained.
From the title track "Yesterday, Today & Forever", you will not be able to sit idly by as this project rolls on. You will be singing or humming your way through, and this is good. And this is not just because the music is interesting, but also because the lyrics have a beautiful balance and deep content to them such as the second verse to her opening
track:

Uncreated One,
You have no end and no beginning
Earthly power fades,
But there is no end to Your Kingdom
Always loving, always true,
Always merciful and good, so good.

Vicky's writing has a conscious balance of awe-filled, glory expression (songs like "Yesterday, Today & Forever," "Above All Else" and "Majesty and Mystery") and prayer and surrender songs ("Search Me", "Nothing Is Impossible" and "Extravagant Worship"). Her lyrical content is solidly scripture-based, while be obviously passionate and personal. A bit of background information on Vicky helps with understanding some of this lyrical depth, when I found out she is has a theology degree from Oxford University. Along with her competent acoustic guitar prowess and pristine voice, she certainly has a wealth of skills to draw from in writing and presenting her songs of devotion.

Listening through the CD, you will have a hard time not closing your eyes and surrendering your heart, if you sing along with honesty to the song "Above All Else". I still find myself in tears when I say those words from my heart. In this same vein, "Captivated" is aptly named as the song allows you to consider the Lord and be captivated by his beauty. This CD playlist is a wonderful washing of music and lyrics, bringing in waves of cresting celebration songs, accentuated with ebbs of deep worship songs. For me, the most memorable part of the CD is the last 3 songs, where we go from being captivated by His glory, to the 6/8 swing of surrender in "Extravagant Worship" and ends with a beautiful re-envisioning of the classic "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".

Because of the variety of tempo and arrangements across these songs, this is not a CD that will grow tired quickly in your player. Be sure to check it out- you will not be disappointed.

Review by Kim Gentes