Description
Songs for Worship, Volume I is the seventh solo album by the American singer and songwriter John Michael Talbot of Mason Proffit fame, released on Birdwing Records in 1983, a division of Sparrow Records. The album was recorded by Wally Grant at Weddington Studios in North Hollywood, California; and by Darrell Powell at The Barn in Alexandria, Indiana; and was produced by Billy Ray Hearn with assistance from Phil Perkins and John Michael Talbot. Arranged by Phil Perkins. All songs written by John Michael Talbot.
The release of a new John Michael Talbot album creates its own event. From his early act of worship on vinyl, ‘The Lord’s Supper‘ – which he felt would conclude a music career, but instead unfolded a best-selling ministry – the golden-voiced Franciscan consistently produces soothing works of praise. Few artists possess both the inner gift and the outward talent to turn one’s thoughts heavenward so readily.
‘Songs for Worship’ (Birdwing BWR 2044), a joy-filled expression of praise, satisfies the soul and refreshes the spirit. A few selections reflect a Catholic influence, e.g. «Lamb of God». Yet these works transcend any ecclesiastical boundaries, as all true worship does. Snatches of woodwinds or strings tastefully orchestrate the folk strains similar in style to previous Talbot releases, and stanzas develop as they repeat with added harmony and instruments. Talbot achieves a pleasing musical equilibrium – a sound that is both contemporary and, like worship itself, ageless.
The opening section of the communion antiphon, «I Am the Bread of Life», offers few words and penetrating transparency. Recorders and tambourine flavor «I Rejoiced When I Heard Them Say» with an appropriate Hebrew accent. «Give Thanks to the Lord» moves from the more sedate rhythms for an uptempo change of pace. «Psalm 42 (Like a Deer)» hearkens back to ‘Come to the Quiet‘, one of Talbot’s finest releases. The choir at the end of several selections instills a “sing-along” spirit of praise.
Subdued and soothing as one would expect, ‘Songs for Worship’ brings no disappointments, nor surprises. Talbot’s music doesn’t cast its spell, but rather relieves the spell of the world upon us. Like David’s purifying performances for King Saul, John Michael Talbot gives us respite from the day’s trouble through his gift of song. [Patrick Russ, CCM, April 1983]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-worship-vol-1-2/724646474)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Our Blessing Cup” – 4:20
A2. “Glory To God” – 3:47
A3. “I Rejoiced When I Heard Them Say” (Psalm 122) – 3:23
A4. “Holy, Holy, Holy” – 2:16
A5. “Lamb Of God” – 2:23
A6. “I Am The Bread Of Life” – 4:14
Side Two
B1. “Forever Will I Sing” (Psalm 89) – 2:21
B2. “I Am The Vine” – 4:28
B3. “Like A Deer” (Psalm 42) – 5:23
B4. “Give Thanks To The Lord” (Psalm 107) – 4:00
B5. “I Am The Good Shepherd” (Psalm 23) – 4:17
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Birdwing Records. Later re-issued on CD as a part of Songs for Worship, Volumes 1 & 2.
A full-page advertisement for John Michael Talbot’s albums Songs For Worship Volume I and II was featured in the July 1985 issue of CCM Magazine.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.