One of the most prolific “modern hymn writers” in the world today, Stuart Townend releases his eighth studio album, The Journey, June 21 from Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the US.  Having written at least 119 songs that congregations are singing worldwide (CCLI), including “In Christ Alone,” “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us,” “The Power of the Cross” and “Beautiful Saviour,” the new studio album features modern Folk songs that tackle a broad range of themes, including the importance of generosity, God’s love and the need for Christians to realign our concept of what is ‘ours.’

Featuring the vocals of Folk artist Ruth Notman on the songs “The Man Who Calmed The Sea” and “Simple Living,” and acclaimed musicians Terl Bryant on drums/percussion and Bryn Haworth on slide guitar/mandolin, The Journey was recorded in England, mixed by Shane D Wilson (David Crowder, Michael W Smith and Tim Hughes) in Nashville and mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London.  The album once again joins the “In Christ Alone” writing team of Townend/Keith Getty for the song “The Perfect Wisdom,” as well as new Townend co-writes with acclaimed songwriters Matt Redman, Simon Brading, Phil Baggaley and Mark Edwards, who also produced the album.

“I’m firmly convinced that we need to sing songs about the joys, sorrows and daily grind of life, about money, about the life of Christ, alongside songs that invite His presence.  I’m also convinced that God loves violins, whistles, flutes, string quartets, and yes, even banjos as much as electric guitars and drums,” says Stuart Townend.  “So I hope that this album might provoke some of us to broaden the musical and thematic horizons of what we do week to week in our local churches. But most of all, I hope it causes us to see the providential grace and love of God in our lives, and to respond in worship and obedience to Christ.”

“Stuart’s found his sound,” says Les Moir, Kingsway A&R Director. “It’s a unique form of contemporary folk that allows him to express all that wisdom and passion and truth.”

Townend has consistently inspired and equipped the Church all over the world, offering songs of substance that are meant to last for generations.  Townend’s distinctive lyrics are rich in theology, poetry and have contributed to the worshipping life of the church worldwide.  Townend’s ability to craft songs with great lyrics and accessible melodies has caused some to draw comparisons with the greats of previous generations, such as Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley.

The complete track listing for The Journey follows:

1) Call to Worship
2) O My Soul
3) By Faith
4) Vagabonds
5) The Man Who Calmed The Sea
6) It Is Well With My Soul
7) The Perfect Wisdom
8) Kyrie Eleison
9) Simple Living
10) Everlasting Love
11) You Rescued Us
12) Never Failing Love
13) Christ Be In My Waking

In addition to writing and recording, Townend is a gifted worship leader, musician and seminar speaker.  He spends a good part of his year leading worship at major Christian events, doing solo concerts and training emerging worship leaders and songwriters. He also attends and regularly leads worship at Church of Christ the King (CCK) in Brighton UK, one of the Newfrontiers network of churches headed up by Terry Virgo.  Having studied literature at the University of Sussex, it is here he met Caroline, whom he married in 1988, and they now have three children: Joseph, Emma, and Eden.

For more information about Stuart Townend, go to www.stuarttownend.co.uk and www.kingsway.co.uk.