STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 45457-17665 LABEL: Survivor SURCD5135 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2008-05-31 RRP: £1.00
Reviewed by Tom Lennie
Not counting an early album shared with Tim Hughes, this double-CD compilation comprises Layzell's two existing solo studio ventures. The first of these 'Lost In Wonder' dates from 2003 and contains a number of catchy worship anthems, including "I'll Never Stop Loving You" and Martyn's best-known song, the title track. These recordings tend to be mid-paced tempo rather than full-on uptempo rockers. The string arrangements enrich the sound of the album, particularly on the closing "I Surrender All", a worthy moment of worshipful adoration. The 2006 album 'Turn My Face' sees a progression in Martyn's songwriting - in general the songs are more memorable and there's more stylistic experimentation. All tunes on the set are self-composed, save for the uplifting "For Your Glory", which was composed by Canada's Matt Maher. "I Stand In Awe" and "Holding On" are two powerful tracks, while Layzell's adaptation of the old hymn "Immortal Invisible" works well. If you don't have these albums from the Soul Survivor worship man, this budget-line repackage is worth checking out.
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Product Description
Spring Harvest worship leader Martyn Layzell's debut offering Lost in Wonder and Turn My Face, a collection of worship songs, together in a double CD.
Lost In Wonder made a real impact on the church. Its title song climbed the CCL charts both in the UK and in North America and the album won CBC Album Of The Year in 2004. Having led worship on the main platforms at Soul Survivor, Momentum, Spring Harvest and New Wine, then moving from Soul Survivor staff to worship pastor at St Aldate's Church in Oxford, a lot has been happening with Martyn Layzell. Lost In Wonder includes the songs King Jesus I Believe & Praise You.
Keeping his focus on congregational worship, in 2006 Martyn released Turn My Face, a new collection of worship songs which have a central focus of the cross. From The Passion of the Christ-inspired Turn My Face Again to I Stand In Awe, these songs will inspire the church in worship for years to come. Produced by Mike Busbee who also produced Martyn's debut album, Lost In Wonder, is a great resource of worship songs for the church.