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There are people who pose and pretend, but there are others who just have the real thing ­ like Keith and Kristyn Getty. Given the writing involvement of Stuart Townend in three-quarters of these pieces, the team behind “In Christ Alone” is back with a lush offering, where the polish is not to hide imperfections, but to make a jewel shine even brighter.

Keith and Kristyn Getty have produced a gem here, and every aspect gleams. Being Irish, melody comes as naturally as hearing and these songs are inherently singable. This counts, whether you are listening at home or wanting to use these songs in church. The lyrics that these melodies carry are rich in content, often thanks to Stuart Townend’s passion for quality and Keith Getty’s fervour for songs to explore what scripture and creation say about God, rather than being man-focused.

Unusually, this disc is created so that listening to it in order takes you through a form of liturgy. So it begins with two calls to worship, one ethereal (“Hear, O Israel”) and one that’s tailor-made for congregational worship (“Come, People of the Risen King”). “Creation Sings” beautifully slides that idea into praise and then the project slows down with quiet reflection (“Still, My Soul, Be Still”). Next is a block of three faith-based hymns around a Communion song, which leads to another trio of songs about outworking that faith and standing strong, dealing with justice, peace, hope, mercy, grace and healing. After “Benediction” comes a short reading from the Psalms and an exit hymn sung to the tune of “Londonderry Air.”

This whole disc sounds so silky that it almost slips sensuously past your ears, helped enormously by string arrangements by Grammy- and Emmy- nominated composer and record producer Rob Mathes. He was music director of the Obama Inaugural Concert and has worked with Elton John, Tony Bennett, Aaron Neville and Sting; and the quality of his work here lifts the disc even higher.

Kristyn Getty’s beautifully clear Irish soprano never puts a note out of place. Her sensitive and expressive phrasing is especially well demonstrated on the quieter “Still, My Soul, Be Still.”

From conception through performance, in every area this disc not only gives churches a superb musical resource, but also shows just how to present the treasures inside. I have learned to be sceptical about most worship releases, but it is a delight to be able to enthusiastically recommend one that is worthy to be used to worship our great, creative God. The Gettys rightly take a long view and want to write music that lasts for decades, and works across churchmanship and generations. Here are beautifully sweeping melodies for all the church to join in together. Superb stuff.

Derek Walker