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Monument to Mercy” is the superb new studio album from Stuart Townend. The Brighton based worship leader, has crafted an album full of songs immersed in powerful theology an all underpinned with ear catching arrangements, and wrapped up in Mark Edward’s sensitive production.
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rom opening track “In every day that dawns”, co-written with CCK stable-mate, Kate Simmonds, to closing track “See what a morning”, a collaboration with new Irishman Keith Getty, “Monument to Mercy” tips its hat to the influence Paul McCartney and the Beatles continue to have on contemporary music. Townend teams up again with friend Getty on two more tracks, the countryish “For every child” where Stuart’s vocal takes on an almost Martyn Joseph quality, and the awesome Easter hymn “Oh to see the dawn (The Power of the Cross)”, a track which also features the FILMharmonic Orchestra of Prague arranged by the talented Mr Getty.
Sounding like a track taken from the catalogue of artists such as Toto, Boz Scraggs or Randy Newman, “Knowing Your grace” co-written with Pastor Terry Virgo leads into a sparkling new arrangement of the classic “How deep the Father’s love”.
Inspired by some lines from an old Puritan prayer, “Blessed Spirit” finds Stuart exploring his cultural heritage with the inclusion of a brass band whilst Paul Weller/Style Council influenced “What Love” is a fantastic up-tempo pop song written with brother Ian (remember Heartbeat?).
Never one to ignore the music of other cultures “Beloved and Blessed” allows Stuart to bring something of the South Sea Islands to this recording. “Monument to Mercy” also includes “My God” a gospel track of immense proportions, reminiscent of LCGC at their best and crying out from an Aretha Franklin.
All this and stunning cover art make “Monument to Mercy” by Stuart Townend an album not to be missed.