Eight studio albums in and Stuart Townend shows no sign of settling for neutral. In fact, on The Journey - due for global release with Kingsway this May - it is clear the man who has given the church such enduring classics as ‘In Christ Alone’ and ‘How Deep The Father’s Love’ has found a new gear, a truly personal sound and fresh wisdom to share with us all.

Stuart Townend has long been regarded as one of the most gifted songwriters of his day, and it has never been hard to imagine that we are the first of many generations to draw inspiration and strength from the songs of substance as word and worship collide. The Journey only adds to that.

From the opening ‘O My Soul’, with its filmscore banjo, supersized proportions and lyrics that stir feet and heart to rise in worship, Stuart is on rare form. Lyrics - as ever - are inclusive, meticulous and spiritually nutritious without ever compromising on accessibility. The inclusion of young folk artist Ruth Notman adds a fresh power to songs like ‘The Man Who Calmed The Sea’ and ‘Simple Living’, making perfect sonic sense.

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

It doesn’t get much more wise, passionate or true than ‘Vagabonds’. What sounds like a sea-shanty blended with rugby clubhouse singalong is so full of goodness that listeners will be diving for the liner notes and coming up smiling. As Stuart lists all those who might count themselves out - ‘the questioners, the fallen, the happy, the sad, the fiery debaters, those who worry ‘bout houses and money’ - it is clear that all sit beneath the power of God’s grace.

‘The Perfect Wisdom’ sees Stuart reunited with Keith Getty, once again resulting in a modern hymn that blends depth of lyrical content with rock solid melody. The same is true of ‘Everlasting Love’ - co-written with Busbee - and built around reflections of the strength and depth and reach of God’s love.

Other co-writers on the album include Matt Redman, Simon Brading, Phil Baggaley and producer Mark Edwards. Musicians include Bryn Haworth and Terl Bryant while the album was recorded in England, mixed by Shane D Wilson in Nashville and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London.

‘Christ Be In My Waking’ articulates a prayer that invites God into every aspect of life. Like the rest of the songs it is as practical and applicable to daily living as it is engaging and captivating.

As Stuart writes in the liner notes, "We need to sing songs about money, about the life of Christ, about the joys, sorrows and daily grind of life, 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. 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."

He’s right: if The Journey is a traveller’s tale, it is delivered late at night, by the fire to the delight of all those in the room. But don’t expect the traveller to still be in the chair the next morning; this journey has many more miles left to run.