Worship Central Leader's Debut Hits the Mark

It’s likely that Worship Central’s influence on modern worship music will go down in history as being equal to to that of Graham Kendrick and Delirious.

The team, made up of Tim Hughes and Ben Cantelon, has spent the last six years writing songs, training worship leaders and putting on events across the world. Their influence has grown remarkably quickly.

Those familiar with the organisation will have already heard the name Nikki Fletcher, but for those who haven’t, you’re in for a treat.

All Glory is the Aussie-born singer’s debut EP. The six songs have been beautifully arranged and delivered.

Opener River Flow is a fantastic gospel/blues influenced track featuring slide guitar, a chorus of voices and a thumping drum beat. Genuinely original and different to a lot of today’s worship music, it’s a superb start.

Nikki takes a step back for the rest of the recording. Second song, Worlds Collide, is a gentle acoustic guitar and piano led ballad that feels fresh. The melody is not as striking as River Flow, but the lyrics are poetic, clear and uplifting.

You Are What I Need has an intimate feel to it. Delicate and open, it sounds like Nikki could be in the room. The tender piano sound, coupled with Nikki’s vocals, results in a wonderfully peaceful song.

Five of the six songs are slow and reflective, making this the perfect EP to aid times of prayer and reflection. Slotting easily into the pop/worship category, fans of Vicky Beeching and Katherine Scott will find plenty to be enjoyed here.

Anyone who has seen Nikki lead worship in the context of Worship Central shouldn’t need convincing to purchase the EP. The studio versions of live favourites All Glory and Wait For You sound better than ever before.

Ending the recording by building All Glory into the strong declaration:

“Lift him higher, he is mighty. Lift him higher, he is God...”

Which Nikki uses to round off her debut release perfectly. As first attempts at studio recordings go, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Rating: 8 out of 10