Tim Hughes
“Holding Nothing Back”
Sparrow Records
11 tracks @  49:30
Grade = A

            Tim Hughes, a two-time Dove Award winner and writer of the song “Here I Am to Worship,” returns with his third record.  This is an excellent work of modern worship music.

            About his first new record in three years, Hughes says, “Worship is about surrender, holding nothing back and giving all of ourselves to the One who gave His everything for us.”

            The first single, “Happy Day,” is literally an uplifting resurrection song, “about the greatest day in history.”

            “It should be common in our churches to see people weeping worship, overwhelmed at the sheer mercy of God,” Hughes says.  “It should be common to hear people singing at the of their voices. . .dancing like lunatics. . .rapt in silence, lost in  wonder.  We have an amazing God; we should be holding nothing back.”

            Overall the record features simple, but Bible-centered, lyrics.  “Out of the Darkness” is about rejoicing in the future hope that is mine.

            “Clinging to the Cross” is a pretty duet with New Zealand recording artist Brook Fraser. The repetitive yet beautiful “Take the World” feature

s Martin Smith of delirious? and reminds us that the world is not enough.  I really like the chorus on “Almighty God” and “Centre of It All.”

            My favorite track is “Living for Your Glory” as it’s about a reason to live.  I’m going to talk my church’s Praise Team into performing this song.

            Hughes keeps busy as he is currently the Director of Worship at Holy Trinity Brompton, London and also heads up Worship Central, a new school of worship to train and equip worship leaders, musicians and worshippers.

            Thanks to my friends at Hoganson Media Relations for supplying the review disk.

- Rob S.

www.timhughesmusic.com