Various Artists - CompassionArt

Producer:  Martin Smith & Les Moir
Record Label:  Sparrow Records
Website:  http://www.compassionart.co.uk

CompassionArt was a project that spawned off from Martin Smith’s own struggling with living in the comforts of the developed, Western world while millions upon millions of people across the globe were suffering not only in poverty and malnutrition but socially as well.  So, Smith soon gathered 11 more of the Christian music community’s most inspiring, successful, and talented songwriters to write songs for a project - aptly titled CompassionArt - which all the songwriting royalties would then be donated to charities all across the world.  It’s a noble cause - but only one that will really work if these songs become centerpieces at churches all across the country - sung by praise teams and worship choirs around the world.  The question as to whether Smith and gang were able to do that is both a yes and a no.  There are definitely some no-brainers here in terms of accessibility to the corporate worship sound - especially cuts like the Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, and Joel Houston “King of Wonders” as well as Paul Baloche and Lakewood Choir’s “Lead Me to the Rock”.  Also - Chris Tomlin and Martin Smith’s opening “Come to the River” could be the next “Indescribable” if pushed hard enough - even with the oddball appearance of Kirk Franklin (shouting encouragement as he went).  Also - Israel Houghton and Darlene Zschech’s “Shout Praise” sounds like it came straight from the Lakewood playbook - which will definitely be appealing to churches.  The Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith duet “Highly Favored” could impact churches much like “In Christ Alone” has over the years with its simple yet beautiful arrangement.  Yet, still others sound much too over-produced and over the top to be anything that a church congregation or choir would pick up - like the moody sounding “You Have Shown Us”, while “Friend of the Poor” sounds more suited for radio and performance than worship.  Also - the lyrics are geared more to social justice and could hinder the worship process.  Kirk Franklin and tobyMac’s “Let It Glow” just feels awkward on this compilation, and the Martin Smith, CeCe Winans and Lakewood Choir vehicle “Fill My Cup” is an album highlight - but lacks any real worship qualities.  Overall, CompassionArt is a nice enough compilation with a few really great songs (“Come to the River”, “Shout Praise”, “King of Wonders”, etc.) - however where it succeeds, there are also places where it fails.  The heart behind the project was right - but the execution failed on many levels.

Add Comments

Name:
Email:
Location:
URL:
Comment:
	Remember my personal information
	Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please enter the word you see in the image below: