Louder Than The Music

If you went to almost any church during the 80's and 90's you would know the name Noel Richards. He and Graham Kendrick were the front runners in leading worship and writing songs for the church during those days. They were the sort of Ben Cantelon and Tim Hughes of the early 90's. I am sure in many churches Noel's songs are still sung on a regular basis and used to encounter God through music. As someone once said, classics will always stand the test of time, and that's what makes them a classic.

All Heaven Declares: The Very Best of Noel Richards is the name of this collection of songs, the title of the album contains perhaps his best know track and a fitting title for this fifteen track compilation.

The album is full of well known songs written by Mr Richards, with the likes of You Laid Aside Your Majesty, To Be In Your Presence, By Your Side and You Are My Passion. You forget just how many great songs Noel has written and that have been used over the last few decades.

But the one track that stands out for me has to be He Has Risen as it was one of the first tracks I heard in a time of worship when I was first made to go to church by my parents. It brings back good memories of meeting new friends in the youth group at the time, but we all know these songs are more than just memory songs. Still to this day these classic songs take us to the feet of the almighty God, and that's what Mr Richards has always tried to convey in his songwriting, and doesn't he do it well.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM rating 4 out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
He Has Risen
You Laid Aside Your Majesty
All Heaven Declares