Thunder in the Skies

Description

Thunder in the Skies is the fifth album by the British singer, songwriter, and worship leader Noel Richards, released on Kingsway Music in 1993 (as a part of the label’s The Worship Leaders series). The album was recorded and mixed between October and December 1992 by Martin Smith of Delirious? fame at ICC Studios in Eastbourne and at Falconer Studios in London, England; with Les Moir producing. Arranged by Howard Francis and Les Moir. Voted UK Christian Booksellers Album of the Year, 1994.

In this, the follow-up to By Your Side, Noel takes some of the striking imagery and themes of the Book of Revelation – the majesty and the glory of God, the mission of the church, and the return of Christ. [Note printed on the back of the CD case.]

Noel Richards is backed by a session band consisting of Howard Francis on keyboards, Mike Haughton on saxophone, David Clifton on acoustic guitar (as well as mandolin on track 5), Neil Costello on electric guitar, Bryn Haworth on slide guitar, Les Moir on bass, and Martin Neil on drums and percussion. Backing vocals provided by Bryon Lee Jones, Fay Simpson, Howard Francis, Lawrence Johnson, and Patricia Knight. Also featuring The Miracle Singers (a larger vocal group) co-ordinated by Maxine Newbhard.

Noel’s second album in Kingsway’s Worship Leader series, and what a fine new collection of worship songs it is. This tape has six lively rock songs, five quiet contemplative songs and two songs where black gospel meets a white choir. Side one starts with «My Lips Shall Praise Your Name» – a live version was on last year’s Spring Harvest album – and is followed by «Welcome King Of Kings». Then comes the best song on the album, «Lord I Lift Your Name». The only difficulty comes when singing along, as it is quite easy to mix the lines up in the chorus and confuse the theology. “You came from Heaven to earth, to show the way/ From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay/ From the cross to the grave/ From the grave to the sky/ Lord I lift your name on high.” The tempo then changes and moves into a slower more prayerful style of worship. Side two starts with the title track, which is very strong. It is followed by «Nothing Can Separate Us» which is a powerful reminder, experienced recently after a friend of mine stopped on the M40 motorway to help a man who had driven a car off the road and down a ditch. Despite attempts to save the man’s life he died. He had apparently suffered a heart attack. My friend returned to his car and was listening to Noel’s album. The tape was at «Nothing Can Separate Us», which reminded him that as Christians, not even death can separate us from God. My preference is certainly the rock-tinged praise on this album, but wherever the random search on your CD settles there is music to enjoy and bless. [Jill Seward, Cross Rhythms, April 1993]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/thunder-in-the-skies/564464227)

CD tracklist:

01. My Lips Shall Praise You (Restorer Of My Soul) – 4:16
02. Welcome King Of Kings – 4:04
03. Lord, I Lift Your Name On High – 2:39
04. You Are Mighty – 4:30
05. Behold The Lord – 5:33
06. Lord And Father – 1:33
07. To Be In Your Presence (This Is My Desire) – 3:13
08. Thunder In The Skies – 3:47
09. Nothing Shall Separate Us (From The Love Of God) – 3:58
10. The Closing Days – 2:39
11. Come, Lord Jesus (feat. Fay Simpson) – 6:18
12. Jubilee Song – 5:18
13. For The Rest Of My Days (feat. Patricia Knight) – 4:42

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Kingsway Music.

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