Reviewed by Tony Cummings

As we all know Britain's annual Soul Survivor events continue to go from strength to strength, sweeping thousands into the Kingdom and continuing to hold a pivotal role in the modern worship movement. This latest in their long running live worship series is surely one of their strongest. One reviewer has suggested that 'The Promise' features too many covers (one of Hillsong Worship and one of Passion/Christy Nockels as well as two Rend Collective numbers performed by the celebration band favourites) and underuses the admittedly wonderful Beth Croft. Another, bizarrely, considering the powerful sonic feast pulled together here by producer Ben Cantelon, was at pains to criticise the album audio quality. I would respectfully suggest that such nit-picking comments have failed to grasp the impact that this event and these recordings are making on thousands of young believers. And there is much on 'The Promise' to touch and empower Christians of any age. A particular standout is the new song co-written by Soul Survivor's worship director Tom Smith and Matt Redman, "Sing Your Glory". It is a sublime worship ballad. Another gem is a spine-tingling rendition of Passion's "Build My Life" while the atmospheric instrumental "Strings Resound" will grip you. But pride of place on this collection has to go to the stunning opener "Come Holy Spirit", written by Tom Smith, Nick Herbert and Jimmy Jones and sung with passion by Smith. It expresses the longing in many hearts ("We wanna jump in the river/We wanna dance in the rain/Feel the heat of the fire/Re-igniting the flame"). One of those questionable reviews reads, "Written as a prayer of invocation for the Holy Spirit to sweep over the assembly, this song, if sung with faith, could be the anthem of international revival." Now there's a reviewer's comment I can agree with.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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