Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Here Peter Hawley presents nine original songs, some from the heart and the rest straight from the Bible. "Psalm 139" is a popular psalm to interpret in song, and Hawley's attempt is contemplative and sensitive with some well placed jazz chords proving that thought has gone into his arrangement. "Shout For Joy" is also taken straight from the Psalms and is a joyful song of worship with a great African flavour - think 'Graceland'. On the whole, the album is well produced and mixed - the odd flat note or overstated gospel style backing vocal are the only clues that this is an independent production. Songwriting-wise Hawley's lyrics occasionally veer into schmaltzy territory, but there are also sparks of originality that stand out. One of the strongest tracks is "May I Stand Before You", a simple song well arranged expressing a heartfelt desire to worship God. 'I Will Never Forget' is not a world changing album, but it is consistent, energetic and in the main well executed.

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