Do Something Beautiful

Description

Do Something Beautiful is a praise & worship album by the British singer and songwriter Graham Kendrick, released on Make Way Music in April 2003, distributed by Fierce Distribution. The album was recorded and mixed by Paul Burton with Andy Piercy of After the Fire fame producing.

Where the 2001 bestseller ‘What Grace‘ hailed a long awaited return to the studio, ‘Do Something Beautiful’ crafts the message and the music in even more inspirational ways. This 2003 studio album features duets with Tim Hughes and Darlene Zschech and includes the track chosen as the Spring Harvest 25th Anniversary song («Do Something Beautiful»).

Sleeve notes written by Graham give personal insight into the inspiration and biblical references behind each song – «How Long?» is an anthem for the persecuted church, «Arise» is a prayer for peace, «O For a Thousand Tongues» gives a fresh melody to ‘one of the most famous worship texts ever’.

Andy Piercy’s production and superb musicianship from the likes of Marc James, Raul D’Oliveira, Tim Oliver and Michelle John-Douglas, combine to make this an album of exceptional quality. ‘Do Something Beautiful’ once again exposes Graham’s ability to turn a phrase and leaves the listener contemplating the textured beauty of an awesome God. The CD also includes a bonus ‘improvised’ track taken directly from Psalm 29.

Graham Kendrick needs no introduction. Bet you didn’t know I went to the same college! Rather than being for congregational use, these songs are for listening to, for encouragement and inspiration – «Do Something Beautiful». That said, the songbook IS available. Kendrick’s voice is pleasant, perhaps nothing special, more an “Everyman”. You can hear every syllable perfectly, vital when the message matters. Great instrumentation too; a special mention for the Ichthus Choir, many of the other musicians are well known names anyway, like duetters Darlene Zschech and Tim Hughes. By the second listen, this album was seriously growing on me. There are changes of tempo and mood, foot tapping or boogie one track, meditative the next. Poetically, there’s nothing to match “Hands that flung stars into space” but the whole world needs to listen to «Arise – a Prayer for Peace» right now. [Liz Knowles, Cross Rhythms, July 2003]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/do-something-beautiful/1540054894)

CD tracklist:

01. There is a Hope so Sure (duet with Darlene Zschech)
02. Do Something Beautiful (We are a shining light)
03. Praise to Christ the Lord Incarnate
04. Your Love, Your Mercy (duet with Tim Hughes)
05. Jesus, The Source of All Our Joy
06. It Is To You I Lift My Eyes (I love you, Lord)
07. O For a Thousand Tongues
08. Make A Joyful Noise (Psalm 100)
09. Arise – A Prayer for Peace (You hear, O Lord)
10. In You We Live
11. How Long? (As we bring our songs of love today)
Bonus Track:
12. The Twenty Ninth (Ascribe to the Lord)

Note: Re-issued on CD by Make Way Music in 2007, paired with Kendrick’s 2001-album, What Grace.

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