Monumental response!

Thanks for your comments about the new album, "Monument to Mercy". It's getting a really interesting response! Some of you think it's the freshest thing you've heard in Christian music in ages (thank you); some of you are struggling to get used to the complexity of "The Lord's my Shepherd" and the air raid siren in "Beloved and Blessed"! But I do feel we've 'pushed the boat out' a little.

I believe we could have made an album that everyone thought was 'pleasant'. But I think there's a real danger that worship music is getting stuck in a musical rut. Already I hear people say "I don't like worship" - meaning they don't like the musical style that typifies most worship albums, not that they don't like worshipping God!

So I believe we should be exploring different areas of musical creativity in out expression of worship to our infinitely creative God - not copying one another in the belief that worship music and worship songs should sound a certain way. True, when it comes to singing songs in church, there are musical limitations in what the congregation (and often the worship band) can do. But when it comes to sitting down and listening to an album, why shouldn't it be an interesting and varied musical experience?

Keep your comments coming. I'm sure lots of you out there have some very definite ideas on the subject!

Stuart Townend

Comments

[Rev Malcolm Fife]

Thank you for the incredible sounds you have produced on your new album Monument to Mercy.

I have to say that it is all I have listened to in the car since I bought it.

My particular favourite is the amazing Kyrie with such haunting lyrics and an amazing arrangement which leaves the amateurs like me way behind.

This has certainly taken worship to a new and much more professional level

[David Tamplin]

Hi Stuart,
just wanted to say I think the latest album is quite incredible in every way. The arrangements are staggeringly amazing and it is the most "mature" (I'm not saying you're old!) christian album I've heard. When I listen, I am still amazed at the chord progressions and the way you have used so many different styles.
I could say a lot more but please be encouraged. It is a fine piece of work!
PS the packaging of the album is top quality too.
Best wishes,
David (CCK Bton)

[Jules]

Well done for breaking the mold mate. It's a breath of fresh air! Jules

[Helen Dean]

Loving 'Monument' - at first glance thought I knew several of the songs, but on listening found new blessing. Two of my daughters (10, 7)immediately made up a dance to Beloved & Blessed! Love the different musical treatments & the meat-iness of the words! Thanks! Helen Dean

[Daniel Brett]

Hey Stuart,

I love your new album. I listen to it during my study periods at school. I really love the 'For Every Child (Kyrie)' and 'From The Breaking Of The Dawn (Every Promise)' songs.

Good job,

Daniel Brett.

[Jenny Thompson]

I heard you recently at New Horizon and you really inspired me... I love Monument to Mercy, my dad bought it for me and I listen to it loads!! I love the lyrics of Oh to see the dawn...

Rock on!

Jenny

[Jonathan Miles]

This album has blessed me so much, having bought it after Stuart Townend's live concert in Wrexham last week. The arrangements were very innovative and not at all what I was expecting! The album was a superb reminder of an excellent evening. Thank you! My favourite tracks are In Every Day That Dawns, Beloved and Blessed and See What a Morning.