Style: Hymn-inspired worship; compare to Robin Mark, Twila Paris, and Phil Keaggy
Top tracks: “Speak O Lord,” “The Power of the Cross”
Continuing a series of six-song EPs to expose prolific worship songwriters’ artist sides, UK’s Kingsway releases “Introducing … Stuart Townend.” Set apart from his worship peers by an affinity for writing modern-day hymns, Townend scribes verses of scriptural courage to counter praise and worship clichés. Conjuring up the poetic intuitions of Fanny Crosby and Charles Wesley, his trademark songs “In Christ Alone” and “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” are included as “live” tracks alongside delicate studio recordings of new compositions, utilizing Celtic fiddles and stirring pedal steel. Such tasteful production of an alluring song catalog should make the demand for a full-length offering from Townend immediate.
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