Review

The album cover notes that “a new British Invasion is underway…”. During the past decade the Church in the UK has undergone a huge spiritual transformation, and her songwriters and worship leaders have captured the heart of that awakening brilliantly. From intimate songs of love and affection, to postures of prostrate submission, through wild expressions of uncontained joy, the world has seen Britain shake off the stale and staid and breathe new life on a global Christian community’s worship.

Leading the way, among others, are the likes of Matt Redman, Stuart Townend, Robin Mark, Noel Richards, Paul Oakley, Dave Fellingham, Dave Bilbrough, Doug Horley, and the Stoneleigh Band. These are household names in the UK, as well as to many others around the world. They have defined a generation with their insightful lyrics and leading. WorshipTogether Music has compiled 15 songs from this period that give the listener a glimpse of the power and majesty of what God has breathed on the Church during this time.

The CD leads off with Matt Redman doing his calling card anthem “Undignified”. One could argue that no other song quite conveys the heart of this generation. Youth’s natural proclivity is to act crazily; to dance and sing, to throw caution to the wind and laugh in the face of tradition and the norm. And to be able to be a Christian and still do that… well, what could be better?

The title track is “We Want to See Jesus Lifted High”. This marvelous exhortation proclaims the desire to see His banner flying throughout the land. These days the phrase “A banner that flies across this land” is being changed to “A banner that flies across ALL lands”, showing more than nationalistic aims. The congregation steals the show on this recording as they simply refuse to let the song end. Noel Richards performs it and he just lets it go with the flow.

“I See the Lord”, “Take Us to the River” and “Pour Over Me” are more recent songs that, to me, are the highlight of the album. Not rocking the house, they are the kind of worship songs that will have you swaying, raising your hands and singing along. Redman’s “Let Everything That Has Breath” and “Once Again” are also here. The album ends with songs that really capture a nation on its knees, repenting and crying out for revival. The power and strength of these songs, each of them, will renew your own spirit and leave you wanting more.

So, who buys this album? You may not need this album if you are one of those who has watched this wonderful phenomenon unfold. You probably already have these songs on other CDs. This is a compilation album, and as such, some buyers will want the original recordings, but others will appreciate having these songs together on one CD. That said, if you are just now becoming exposed to worship, UK style, this is an excellent entry point. Or if you have been aware, but haven’t been able to buy the original recordings, this is for you.

This is also another example of excellent song layout. This is almost 70 minutes of worship and you begin on your feet, settle back in, are up again, and end up on your knees. Maybe you’re at a church that is looking for something new and fresh and have never gone in this direction for worship. Get this album and listen to it, worship with it, along with some others at your church. God has breathed on these songs, and many more like them, and you may find them to be the spark you have been praying for.

Review by John Ausmus