Monument to Mercy

This is the brand new album from Stuart Townend, and his first in studio for 4 years. It features some songs that are getting used in various churches, including "The power of the cross" and "See what a morning". But it's also got some great new material. Check out the psalm-like lament of "Kyrie" (with the Stevie Wonder feel), and the great duet with Lou Fellingham, "Every promise". This album definitely sounds different. It's distinctly piano- rather than guitar-driven, which immediately sets it apart from most worship albums. A lot of it has the Ben Folds style piano/bass/drums feel, but then there are some majestic strings on it - more reminiscent of Rufus Wainright! Produced by brilliant arranger and keyboard player Mark Edwards, Psalm 23 is nothing short of gorgeous, and The Power of the Cross is deeply moving. And Beloved And Blessed is... well, different! In a genre where MOR seems the safe way to success, this is a brave, magnificent album. (Andrew Sutton)

Track listing (click on tracks in red for audio clips):

1. In every day that dawns (I'm grateful)
2. Knowing your grace (Child of the King) 
3. The Lord's my Shepherd (Psalm 23)
4. For every child (Kyrie)
5. From the breaking of the dawn (Every promise)
6. What love (Filled with wonder)
7. Oh, to see the dawn (The power of the cross)
8. Blessed Spirit (Puritan prayer)
9. Beloved and Blessed
10. My God
11. See what a morning (Resurrection hymn)

Comments

[V]

beautiful words & great work ! love your songs so much. especially when its about the Father.God bless !!!

[Stephen Gamble]

On the current album, my favourites are
In Every Day That Dawns
For Every Child (Kyrie)
From The Breaking Of The Dawn
Oh To See The Dawn (The Power of The Cross)
Blessed Spirit
Beloved And Blessed

Especially I like the Blessed Spirit rendering which I had not heard before. Beautiful words as well as music. Perhaps simplicity is the key to its beauty. I also happen to play the horn and this is a wonderful horn tune!

Looking forward to hearing more songs. Thanks, Stuart. Thank you Jesus! Stephen

[Stephen Gamble]

The song, Oh To See The Dawn (The Power of The Cross) has specific poignancy for me this year because it was last November that I heard God's Spirit call to me, "Kneel at the Cross, lay your burdens down one by one - and name them - and surrender yourself to me." I responded. There was no doubt in my mind God was calling me. Next day, at an evening meeting at the church, the first words of the sermon were on this subject of laying down burdens at the cross and surrending to Christ. Since then, I have witnessed the Lord Jesus moving powerfully in my life to bring changes and to bring true repentance and salvation. Stephen