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It’s not enough to call Graham Kendrick “the ‘Rich Mullins’ of the United Kingdom.”  It would be at least as appropriate to say that Rich Mullins was “the ‘Graham Kendrick’ of the United States.”  Some British churches’ worship portions are constructed entirely from Kendrick’s vast portfolio.  His most popular songs are probably “Shine, Jesus, Shine” and “Knowing You.”

In What Grace, Kendrick gives us several more great worship tunes, which will no doubt work themselves into the praise of countless congregations.  But it is one thing to consider Kendrick as a songwriter and another to consider this album. The strongest song on this album is “To the King Eternal.”  The verses are ethereal and worshipful, and the instrumentals give us a great buildup into the chorus:  

“Honour and glory for ever and ever.”

This song also features a nice guitar solo and offers a glimpse at what great production can do for a Kendrick song. Unfortunately, despite Kendrick’s collaboration with Bono, er, I mean Matt Redman and Martin Smith of Delirious?, this album doesn’t accentuate these songs as well as some church praise bands are going to.

Kendrick’s voice is generally subdued, and he maintains pretty much the same volume no matter what the song is doing.  This was particularly noticeable in “Everybody, Everywhere” where he is eventually drowned out by an all-female choir.  A better mix and this would be a great worship song.

One criticism I reserve for Kendrick’s otherwise exceptional songwriting is his annoying propensity for avoiding rhymes.  We see this in “To You O Lord” and “Blessed are the Humble.”  The latter is strong musically, but besides the lack of rhyme in the verses, the chorus is repetitive.

“Oh how you bless us Lord! 
Blessing upon blessing Lord!
Making us a blessing,
A blessing for the world.”

Kendrick does a great job, however, with his reinterpretation of the classic hymn, “Rock of Ages,” as he adds a contemporary chorus along with Celtic whistles.  “Spirit of the Lord” is also a very calm and worshipful track.

Worship leaders worldwide will find Kendrick’s songs on this album a welcome addition to their lineups.  But as for this album as music, I found myself more interested to see what others will do with it rather than admiring it for itself.

Dan Singleton  12/2/2002