Tim Hughes

Item: Here I Am to Worship
Author: Olin Jenkins

Here I Am to Worship

(2001)

Reviewed by Olin Jenkins

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Spotify

Label Worship TogetherThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

ccm worship

Fresh from the successful All Around the World project with Matt Redman, Paul Oakley and Neil Wilson, Tim Hughes strikes out on his own with Here I Am to Worship, and the results are pretty much a mixed bag.

What works very nicely here is the most important ingredient: the lyrics, which are, as Redman would say, "the heart of worship." Every single entry on Here I Am to Worship is an excellent praise and worship song, with lyrics that lend themselves easily to entering into worship.

All Around the World producers Dwayne Larring and Jason Halbert (formerly of SONICFLOOd) take on the producing duties of this project, and their work is more inconsistent than that of the aforementioned project. There are a few stellar moments. Hughes' solo version of "Jesus, You Alone" is definitely superior to the All Around the World recording, as this reading seems much more genuine and worshipful compared to the big Phil Spector-esque "wall of sound." The title track of this project is very pretty, reminiscent of "Beautiful Saviour" ("All My Days"), and this time, a string arrangement is very effective.

Lyrics aside, what detracts from this project is that some of the more laid back arrangements almost put me to sleep instead of in the mood for worship. "If There's One Thing," "Redeemer," and "Eyes of My Heart" border on bland. They seem far too introspective rather than an invitation to quiet group worship. "My Jesus, My Lifeline" seems strangely reminiscent of Darlene Zschech/Hillsongs' "Shout to the Lord." Of the quiet worship songs, "Day After Day" is the standout, with music and lyrics that work hand-in-hand.

What I'd like to hear from Hughes -- and I'm certain it would have worked well for this project -- is an "either/or" and not a combination of soothing worship songs, as in Vineyard's Prayer: Expressions of Worship, or upbeat rockers from All Around the World. The mixture of the two seems like oil and vinegar; it just takes too much mixing to keep it working and tasting good.

There are many gems here, and they are well worth the price of admission. I hope Tim Hughes continues to record praise and worship projects, since his knack for worship is keen. I'd just like to see it sharpened a bit more for a more consistent future project.

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