CD Review: Rob Critchley's "Song Resource Pack"

[Christopher Rath]

======================
Review of
Robert Critchley's
"Song Resource Pack"
======================

INTRO:

Rob's latest release, the "Song Resource Pack", consists of a CD
recording of four songs packaged along with backing tracks, overhead
masters, and leadsheets for the four songs.

Rob has released 4 recordings over the past 8 or 9 nine years, and
this one continues to demonstrate his talent, versatility, and gifting
as a singer/song-writer of both Worship and Contemporary Christian
music.

I've known Rob and Dawn Critchley for going on 12 years, and I really
like Rob's music. I use his material at the church I lead worship in,
and my family listens to his tapes. I don't believe Rob's music gets
the exposure it deserves, so I thought I would take time to write and
post this review.

REVIEW:

"Song Resource Pack" Tracks:
1. Great Big God [4:35] w&m Robert Critchley
2. Mercy Over Me [5:52] w&m Robert Critchley
3. I See A Warrior [5:02] w&m Craig Docksteader
4. To Jesus Be Glory [3:28] w&m Robert Critchley
5.-8. Backing/performance tracks for each song.

"Great Big God" is a catchy tune about "A great big God; little bitty
devil." and God's Kingship. The piece has a marvelous bass line that
forms the song's intro and then underlays throughout. Great Big God
has a wonderful AM radio feel to it and almost demands to be played at
booming volume on the car radio.

"Mercy Over Me", my favourite track from the CD, is an anthem
declaring the wonder of the ransom Jesus' death paid for us. The
Rhodes-like piano and guitar accompaniment with double-time drum-beat
backing give the song a rolling, off-beat feel. This is one I'll be
introducing to our worship team to use in congregational worship. It
should work well as a transition from fast-paced praise to slower more
intimate worship. In the chorus, "His blood still cries mercy over
me", Rob thankfully resists the temptation to tie the word "pleads"
with "blood"; using "pleads" instead with the alternate chorus of,
"His prayer still pleads mercy..."

"I See A Warrior" brings images to mind of a watchman on the city
wall, calling out as the sun sets, telling all who hear what has taken
place that day, and what will occur the next; of Jesus' work upon the
earth. The song has a haunting melody that continues to play in my
mind long after I've turned the CD off.

"To Jesus Be Glory" is a song of introduction to Jesus and His Father.
The drums carry this song through from beginning to end, with acoustic
& electric guitars, and keyboards, taking turns with their riffs
along-side the percussion. The verses each take the listener/singer
from observation of Jesus and the Father to a place of active praise
of Jesus. I enjoy this transition every time I listen to the song.

All four tracks stand on their own, and the four work together too:
there is a natural progression as one listens-through the CD. Having
the backing tracks for the songs makes it much easier to learn to play
them. As well, the backing tracks allow the music to be used as
"performance" or offertory pieces during a service.

Packaging these tunes as a "Resource Pack" under-sells how great they
are to listen to, and I hope Rob re-uses these on a future full-length
CD release.

AVAILABILITY:

The Song Resource Pack is priced at $23.00 ($CAN) and can be ordered
from the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship's bookstore (in Toronto,
Canada).

Telephone: 416-674-8463 ext. 210
888-865-3473 (US/Can. credit card orders only)

DISCOGRAPHY:

Solo Releases:
1997 - "Song Resource Pack", CD.
1995 - "Lift Up A Standard", cassette tape & CD (songbook available).
1991 - "I Am Yours", cassette tape.

Releases with the Niagara Worship Band:
1989 - "Celebrate! His Love", cassette tape.
1988 - "Fill The Air", cassette tape.

--
============ Christopher Rath == (613) 824-4584 ===========
6253 Castille Ct., Orleans, ON, Canada K1C 1X4
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