'Unique', an album and a vision from Nick and Becky Drake

Kingsway have announced the release of Unique - the label debut from husband and wife team Nick and Becky Drake. While the title makes a pretty bold claim, it is completely justified. Across thirteen tracks, Unique lays out a new set of blueprints for the ways in which the church might unite - young and old - in worship.

As seasoned worship leaders and songwriters, Nick and Becky bring a wealth of experience to the table. And they haven’t just observed the challenge of creating cross-generational worship - they have lived it.

“We used to talk about family worship or all age worship,” explains Becky. “We used to differentiate between 'kids' worship' and 'adult worship'. But now, it's time to bring down the barriers and instead build the big family of God.”

'Unique’ is a colossal step toward that goal. On the one hand it refuses to leave the adults with their arms glued to their sides while at the same time it won’t water down either the gospel or theology. At the core is a belief that God’s Spirit doesn’t get watered down for the little ones; every single one of us approaches God as equals.

“It's about being together and encountering God together,” says Nick. “The whole people of God in the presence of God, pouring out praises to God.”

Each of the thirteen tracks presents a different aspect of essential worship - from the eternal, steadfast love of God (‘You Were There’) to the importance of choosing to be open to God in every situation (‘Live In The Presence’). 'Unique' offers great production, wide-eyed and open-hearted theology. By choosing a strong pop feel the album’s appeal is broadened to its maximum potential - an the couple of retro-fitted kids campfire tunes only serve to remind the listener just how sweet ‘Unique’ sounds.

As worship leaders on staff at St Paul’s Hammersmith, London, Nick and Becky know how vital this issue is; explaining that the album “is founded on the songs we've written over the last few years in our church in London. We believe that songs can be written truly for everyone, young and old, families and individuals, every age and stage of life to enjoy together - and we've been working this out for several years in our local context.”

Why?

“Because God wants more praise. He wants more unity. He is excited about what happens when EVERYONE gets together to worship. Some people say its too hard. But we know we'll be doing it for all eternity. So let's work it out together.”

How’s that for a unique challenge?