JOYFUL NOISE
(www.joyfulnoise.uk)
Joyful Noise describe themselves as ‘a fresh collaboration that came together around a passion for Jesus, music and God’s family, the church’. The group got together during the first UK lockdown with a commitment to writing contemporary songs for congregations.
After listening to all the songs on the website it’s a big encouragement to know that there is a new generation of writers and musicians who want to plant the truths of the gospel into people’s hearts. Not only that, but they have also worked hard to make sure that their songs are easy to sing by congregations, which is a skill not many contemporary songwriters possess.
The lyrics of the songs have been thoughtfully crafted, and are faithful to the truths of the Bible without being clunky or clumsy.
Musically, there are some beautifully lyrical melodies that are instantly memorable, and which serve the words they accompany very well.
Congregational singing
Stylistically, there are hints of CityAlight and plenty of nods to the celtic melodies and rhythms of the Gettys (especially in songs like Your cross, O Lord). All these writers have a similar commitment to congregational singing, and the proven style of their songs brings a simplicity that gives confidence to all sizes of congregations and all abilities of musicians. What’s more, this simplicity gives plenty of scope for church musicians to create their own individual arrangements to suit the needs of different congregations. Kindly, the writers have included lyrics and sheet music that are free to download from their website.
At least two of the songs (Comfort and Is anything Joy and too hard for you?) would be more suitable as solo songs than for congregations, but as they build towards producing their next set of songs (the first of which, Not Unto Us, was due for release at the end of July) we can be confident that their future projects will serve our churches faithfully for years to come.
