Soul Survivor Live 2016: Never Gonna Stop

Soul Survivor's new live album Never Gonna Stop, recorded at their summer festivals in 2016. Includes Chris Tomlin's Good Good Father, led by Beth Croft. 

This summer, more than 26,000 young people attended Soul Survivor festival events across the UK. Now it is possible to hear a taste of what a worshipping generation sounds like though these all-new songs from some of the most challenging songwriters and worship leaders of today.

At first glance, the technicolour front cover gives the impression of loud, bouncy worship that has become almost synonymous with the summer festival. While the album does feature high energy, especially in the rousing title track: Never Gonna Stop Singing, led by Tom Smith and accompanied by clapping and enough celebratory “woahs” to know which song would have featured at impromptu, 3am campsite singalongs.

However, the bright cover disguises the beautiful, reflective nature of the album. Veteran worship leader, Beth Croft leads the stunning and emotive “This is Amazing Grace”, declaring thanks for all Jesus has done. For me, it’s impossible to listen without getting a bit tearful. She also takes her turn on Hillsong’s O Praise the Name (Anastasis), a song I’m predicting to feature heavily in Church services during Lent and Easter.

For many, the standout song of the summer was Chris Tomlin’s Good Good Father and Soul Survivor doesn’t disappoint. Led, for the first time on a CD, by a female worship leader. Beth Croft’s lead has a beautiful, almost country sound as she leads the crowd in asserting the goodness of God.

Overall, the 10-track offering is faultless. Bringing to live a generation of worshippers who are now (hopefully) settled back into churches and singing these on Sundays. I urge you not to put off by the somewhat jazzy cover. The sheer variation of tracks means at least one song will become a firm favourite with every member of the congregation, irrespective of age, and there’s enough on there to keep you going until next July.

What was your song of the summer? Let us know in the comments below.

Never Gonna Stop is available now.