The Album

It reads like a bad gag; what do you get when you leave 12 Christian songwriters in a remote Scottish house for five days? Answer: anything but a joke. CompassionArt: The Album is one of the most remarkable releases of recent years. Read on to find out how it all happened…

In January 2008 – after a year and a half of planning – Martin and Anna Smith were joined by 11 other songwriters for the first CompassionArt retreat. Next to a Scottish Loch a few hours north of Glasgow were these dozen writers who between them had written pretty much every song the church has been singing over the last decade.

A week later and the group emerged with a whole load of new songs that are bound to provide the soundtrack for the coming years; songs that answered the question 'what's faith got to do with poverty?'

Four weeks later and the writers were gathered in Abbey Road to record the best fifteen tracks from the retreat.

Five days later and they had the bones of an album.

In the months that followed Martin and fellow producers Les Moir and Matt Bronleewe added the flesh, drawing in yet more artists from the world of Christian music.

And as the music took shape so too did the plot; each of the twelve writers nominated a charity to which 1/24th of CompassionArt royalties will go to. The remaining 50 per cent of the funds raised will be distributed among projects that CompassionArt wants to give extra support – such as the Watoto community in Uganda. There, orphaned children are given food, shelter, education and a loving, caring home as they rebuild their lives. CompassionArt will provide funding for a series of music and arts centres that support the world-famous Watoto Children's Choir, as well as offering essential training for those wanting to pursue a future in the arts.

The involvement of the twelve writers; Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Stu G, Chris Tomlin, Graham Kendrick, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Andy Park and Paul Baloche didn't just guarantee plenty of exposure. Their skills have combined to make an album that pushes, inspires and challenges in all the right places.

The story has covered so many pages already, yet in many ways it has yet to really begin. This first album – as well as the book that partners it – will generate income for years to come, giving compassion and art a more meaningful way of working together.

12 CompassionArt Songwriters

Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu G (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith (Delirious?), Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech

7 Special Guest Vocalists

Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Joel Houston, Leeland Mooring, Christy Nockels, tobyMac, CeCe Winans

CompassionArt YouTube links

There is always a song video

CompassionArt Uk Trailer

Friend of the poor video

Also in this section:

Order Album

Help us to make a difference, proceeds will go to help some of the poorest communities worldwide.

Order now

Downloads

Listen to preview tracks and download song sheets...

MICHAEL W SMITH:

The time spent writing and recording these songs was one of the highlights of my life, and my hope is that these songs on the CompassionArt album will help feed the poor, satisfy the needs of the oppressed and reach out to the downtrodden.

CECE WINANS:

My prayer to God The Father is to have a heart like His, full of love and compassion. Being a part of CompassionArt project is a great honor because it's mission is the heart of God.

MATT REDMAN:

I love the team dynamic of CompassionArt. The common dream we have to reach out to the world's poor through this vision has made for lots of inspiring moments in both the songwriting stages and the studio. One of my favorite moments was gathering around the piano with Martin Smith, Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes and Paul Balcoche writing the 'King of Wonders' song - a song which started off when Steven Curtis Chapman and I wrote together. It was a great memory - friendship, worship, music and compassion all blended into one. I hope this music is going to travel all around the world, lifting up the name of Jesus in song, and lifting up the poor in His name.

Paul Baloche:

From beginning to end, the CompassionArt project has felt like the heart of God expressed through music, friendship, and charity. I've never experienced such a sense of unity as we spent the week writing songs and recording them for the benefit of others. I pray that the church will get behind this as all the royalties will go to help the poorest of the poor.

Tim Hughes:

There is something so special and exciting about CompassionArt. Combining great creativity with a heart and passion for the poorest of the poor and issues of justice seems to be a powerful combination. I really hope and pray this album will bless and inspire many people and will also raise money, resources and awareness to make a real impact in this world. This is God's heart.

Leeland Mooring:

It is always such a joy to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself! I was humbled that Martin Smith gave me the opportunity to sing on this record! James 1:27 says 'religion that God accepts is caring for the widow and the orphan in thier time of need.' So to me, anytime we take part in caring for the hopeless and the needy, we're practicing being the body of Christ!

Stu Garrard:

It is an honour for me to be involved in CompassionArt, I've been on the journey with Martin over the last few years having experienced first hand with Delirious the effects of extreme poverty and social injustice around the world. Writing these songs is just one way of helping to make a difference.

Darlene Zschech:

The recording process might be over, but the real work of CompassionArt has just begun. Our heart and mission to relieve human suffering means for the rest of our lives we will live with our hearts fuelled in worship to have our lives poured out in service. I pray for continued wisdom and revelation, and for great grace and kindness, as justice makes a way for those who until now have only known grave suffering. Shine on Jesus shine on!!!

Israel Houghton:

Hands down the best writing and recording experience of my life...Great interaction with the other writers and just incredible 'God moments' surrounding the whole process. My expectation is that those who hear it feel what we feel and help further our heart around this project.

Chris Tomlin:

When we look at the need in the world individually, it is a bit overwhelming and can cause us throw up our hands and say, 'What could I ever do to make a difference?'. But together we are strong and can create ripples of change. That's why I am happy to be a part of CompassionArt. I hope the music inspires and increases the vision for what can be done when we come together.

Andy Park:

Words can't say how much it impacted me to hear the finished product. That's a world changing project.