from: CrossRhythms, online, 2006
author: Andrew Reeve-Smith (UK)
website: http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk

»» Phil Joel

thedeliberatePeople. album

Independent / Indelible

The latest solo album from the Newsboys man has a distinct purpose. Phil is spearheading a move for people to become more passionate and deliberate about seeking after God on a daily basis. When I checked out the enhanced section on my computer, there are a couple of excellent videos highlighting what Phil is trying to do with a little help from his family and friends. The music is almost an aside really, but the message is clear throughout; to encourage everyone to read Scripture and to discipline their lives to daily meet with God....to be deliberate about it and to love God more and more and to allow him to change our hearts. Having said all that, the music is rather good as you'd expect. The lyrics are designed to bring you to that place of communion and intimacy with God. Don't expect a multi-layered Newsboys type production, because it doesn't need to be; the production is crisp and neat and the lyrics stand out as clear as crystal. A magnificent tool to use to get you worshipping and being closer to God. Out of the 10 tracks, I would say that the first three "Time Alone", "Desperate" and "Changed" are the stand outs. The lyrics are very simple and yet really do speak to you. I thoroughly recommend that if you, like me, are struggling to prioritise your time to include God in our everyday, hectic lifestyle, then check out this CD.

reviewer's rating: 9/10 ["excellent"]

--Andrew Reeve-Smith ««