Beating Time
SIGNATURES (CD)
By Wayne Watson
Spring Hill Music, 2004
Available from STL. £10.99
Veteran of Christian music, Wayne Watson, has released an 'unplugged' album of his most popular songs from previous recordings. Tracks such as 'Would I Know You', 'Somewhere In The World' and 'Friend Of A Wounded Heart' feature here, co-produced by son Neal who has lent his 'young ears' to give a fresh sound while respecting the 25 years of Dove-award-winning recording talent.
I must admit that, not knowing of Watson's work or credentials, to have a CD with a track called 'Watercolour Ponies' and a photograph on the cover of a middle-aged man looking like a retired England cricketer was a little off-putting. However, there are true classics on this album, and to listen to songs such as 'Almighty' praising the Lord simply with voice and guitar has been uplifting and encouraging. Hearing this collection is like flicking through the Watson family photo album, and we see the struggles, hopes, praise and prayers that have gone into their lives together. 'Somewhere in the World' very movingly tells of his prayers for godly wives to be raised up for his sons. In 'When God's People Pray', Wayne invites us to stand alongside him, in a fallen world, to change situations through fervent prayer. The piano-accompanied 'Would I know you' tenderly challenges his and our commitment to the Lord: 'Would I miss you now if you left and closed the door / Would my flesh cry out "I don't need you anymore" / Or would I follow you - could I be restored?'.
Perfecting the art of singer-songwriter, Watson gives us not just a pleasant tune with acoustic accompaniment, but choice words that cut to the heart and plead truth and lay bare a soul's deepest need. This is an earnest, heartfelt, faithful collection that deserves to be heard. As Wayne Watson has said: 'My responsibility is to be obedient and write with passion and write maybe some disturbing things that would bother people for a season, but would direct them where to go in their relationship with Christ. So I feel responsible for that platform, and I want to be diligent'.
