Review of "Best of Stuart Townend Live..."

If you are looking for the definitive Stuart Townend album, this has to be it. 31 (yes, 31) tracks of live worship from various events Stuart has been part of down the years, including Stoneleigh, Worship Together, Mandate, and many more.

What really strikes you is the scope of the man's writing. All the established classics are here, from "How deep the Father's love" to "Psalm 23", "Beautiful Saviour" to "In Christ alone" . But there are more gems to discover: the Abbey Road live versions of "Kyrie" and "My God", for example; and some less well-known songs such as "Giver of grace", "You are my Anchor" and the beautiful "O my soul, arise and bless your Maker". And for those who have never come across the haunting "How long?", be prepared to be affected by some of the most moving worship lyrics of recent years.

Those who have become acquainted with Stuart's music more recently will find a whole wealth of further material for their own and their church's environment. Serious Townend aficienados will just enjoy having all these songs in one collection, recorded in the context they were meant to be heard and used - live.  (Andrew Sutton)

Track listing:

CD1

1. Lord, I'm grateful (Grace)
2. See what a morning (Resurrection hymn)
3. What wonder of grace (My desire)
4. Your love (Pour over me)
5. We have sung our songs (How long?)
6. Oh, to see the dawn (The power of the cross)
7. All my days (Beautiful Saviour)
8. O my soul arise and bless your Maker
9. Speak, O Lord
10. Who paints the skies?
11. Lord, how majestic You are
12. My heart is filled with thankfulness
13. My God
14. Jesus is Lord
15. Joy has dawned
16. The Lord's my Shepherd (Psalm 23)

CD 2
1. My first love
2. You're the Word of God the Father (Across the lands)
3. In Christ alone
4. How deep the Father's love
5. With a prayer (Love Incarnate)
6. Holy Spirit, how I love You
7. From the squalor (Immanuel)
8. The King of love
9. Our God is strong and mighty (Breaking out)
10. I have heard (I won't let go)
11. O Church arise
12. For every child (Kyrie)
13. Beloved and Blessed
14. You are my Anchor (The Father's embrace)
15. Giver of grace (You are good to me)

Comments

[Paula]

I borrowed the 'best of stuart townend Live' from A friend, great album i enjoyed it so much i'm going to buy my own. Some songs that are new to me.

thanks

[Matt]

Hi Stuart - This looks like a wonderful collection of songs. Do you happen to know when it will be available to those of us on the other side of the pond?

[Stuart]

Hi Matt

It's unlikely that this album will be available in US stores, but I'm still in the process of trying to set up a direct mail channel for my albums that is based in the US, and which will sell at US prices.

Until then, you can still buy from my site, but the unfavorable US$/UK£ exchange rate means it works out very expensive for you guys.

I'll keep everyone posted on this site when the situation changes.

Stuart

[Anders R.]

Stuart,
I ordered your CD and it came in the mail today. I bit the bullet with the "unfavorable" US/UK exchange rate, and I usually don't buy full-priced CDs, but this one is absolutely worth it.
I've been blessed by your music. You have a way of drawing people in and pointing them to the One who is worthy of all Praise.
Thank you, brother.
Anders R., Spokane, Washington, USA

[elliott hodges]

hey,
I love this album-I can't stop liestening to it.
you've written so many good songs I can't help but be encouraged every time I listen to them.
My favourite one is "What Wonder of Grace is This?"
Thanks for letting us all hear these songs

[Adrian Murphy]

Hi Stuart

Just pick up a copy of your new album. Wow!! I didn't know you write all these familar songs. THe album sounds really good. I am paticularly impressed with the theological content of some of you songs. It is my belief that Christians can learn there theology from the sing of songs with good biblical lyrics. Listening to this album turns the argument against contemporary worship music on it's head.

Grace and Peace
Adrian - N. Ireland

[Lorraine Goldring]

I have had so much pleasure from this album.In fact I play it almost every day driving to and from my workplace(a 3 hour round trip). The words are deeply rooted in biblical truth, very edifying and uplifting for my spirit.I always sing along to the tunes as I am driving, and look forward to my journey now as it is my own special worship time with God.I think you have the most amazing anointing and gift from God.Your concert for Monument to Mercy at CCK in 2006 was outstanding.I took young students and they said it was the best concert they had ever seen.I look forward to the next one.

[veronica marchant]

Dear Stuart,
Just want to say thank you for the most enjoyable evening in Barcombe. I brought your CD Best of and have played it constantly. I became a widow seven months ago and listening to your music is helping so very much.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God Bless you and your family
Veronica