(3 stars)
The big start 3 aims to get all generations singing ‘Bible-packed, faith-inspiring and bang-up-to-date top tunes’ which have featured in Big Start celebrations at Spring Harvest. It’s aiming to be a perfect resource for families, churches and schools.
The album features a range of songwriters, with only Damian Herbert and Doug Horley getting more than one track. Most of the songs would work for most all-age settings although ‘Hi 5’ and ‘God Can Do Anything’ perhaps less-so, as there are sections which are faster than some would be comfortable with. It could work well in a family setting. ‘Talk To Jesus’ is a great introduction to prayer activities, and I’ve included it as part of Messy Church.
One of the irritating things about the album is that the lyrics in the booklet don’t always match the sung words, which if you are planning to use in a setting that involves using the words means extra work to order them correctly. There isn’t a lyric file on the CD, although CCL numbers are included, and you are directed to iTunes for backing tracks and to buy PDF song scores; including them would have helped. There are a couple of songs where the balance doesn’t seem to be quite right which had a slight impact on the listening experience, although the calibre of the songs helps offset this.
It’s a good selection of songs that generally achieves what it sets out to do and would be a rich addition to anyone’s music collection whether for personal enjoyment or ministry use. I will continue to use it both personally and within my ministry.
Louise Warner is the children and families officer for the Diocese of Leicester
