
Derek Walker
Derek Walker is an Oxford-based kitchen designer, Anglican Lay Minister and music lover, who blogs at walkerwords.wordpress.com
- Reviews
Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus - Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrill
Greg Laurie’s enjoyable book hurtles along like a train, travelling from the gospel roots of rock and roll and terminating at Justin Bieber.
- Reviews
Cliff's new record puts Jesus at the heart of Christmas
Sir Cliff has grabbed the opportunity to celebrate Jesus as the true meaning of Christmas, says our reviewer
- Magazine Features
Keith Green: 40 years since his untimely death, the music lives on
The American singer-songwriter famous for his outspoken evangelistic style died in a plane crash in 1982. Derek Walker looks back on his life, faith and music ministry
- Opinion
Is Eurovision’s Sam Ryder a man of faith?
The ears of Christians picked up when Sam Ryder compared the atmosphere at Eurovision to being in church. Is Ryder a Christian himself? Derek Walker investigates
- Testimonies
Why I walked away from Christianity – and why my dad stayed
A father and son share their respective reasons for staying and leaving the faith
- Reviews
‘Here I am to worship’: the story behind Tim Hughes’ chart-topping worship song
Inspired by a Stephen King story, the song that Matt Redman famously said was "not that strong” was written by Hughes when he was just 19. Despite a slow start, it went on to win multiple awards and be covered by a host of famous Christian artists
- Reviews
The story behind the song: ‘What a beautiful name’
The popular Hillsong worship track has won awards and been sung by thousands across the world. Derek Walker explains how the song was born
- Reviews
‘Cornerstone’ - the meaning behind Hillsong’s worship anthem
’Cornerstone’ is a modern take on an old hymn, written by Reuben Morgan in the midst of a gun shooting. Derek Walker explains more
- Reviews
‘10,000 Reasons’ - the meaning behind the popular worship song
Matt Redman wrote his most popular worship song in record time. It’s enduring appeal lies in encouraging Christians to worship God in the pain of our everyday realities, says Derek Walker
- Reviews
‘In Christ Alone’ - the meaning behind the popular worship song
The writing of the classic hymn 'In Christ Alone’ by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty shows how teamwork and grabbing the moment can change lives
- Reviews
Awake & Alive to Truth - John Cooper
The frontman and bassist of the Christian hard-rock band Skillet has aimed this book at those who are confused about what is true.
- Reviews
Revisiting This Planet - Kevin Max
This is what happens when one of the biggest-selling artists in Christian music reworks the genre’s first landmark album.
- Opinion
New worship song aims to help Christians make a difference, wherever they are
A new worship song has been released that encourages Christians to reimagine how God can bring his kingdom in every sphere of life. It makes a change from singing about ourselves, says Derek Walker.
- Magazine Features
50 years of CCM: Why the glory days of Christian music are over
As Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) turns 50 years old, Derek Walker says the genre has lost its way
- Opinion
Wildwood Kin: Meet the Christians making music for the masses
The alt folk trio, composed of sisters Beth and Emillie Key and their cousin Meghann Loney, are wowing both Christian and mainstream audiences, says Derek Walker
- Magazine Features
How does faith survive the death of your 11-year-old son?
Martin and Rachel Riddall share their view of the valley of the shadow of death
- Archive content
6 lies our worship songs tell us
Derek Walker explains what’s wrong with our typical worship services, and how to fix them
- Reviews
Rhythms of Grace
The Remission Flow could either take off or sink without a trace. In its favour, the seven-piece band has an appealing sound, thanks largely to Darren Mulligan’s distinctive Irish voice.
- Reviews
Shadow Weaver - The Choir
The Choir is a band to listen to when you want Christian lyrics free of glib predictability.
- Reviews
Edge of the World (Live In Europe) - Iona
Most Christian artists can only dream of performing Iona’s range of material: melodic rock, Celtic jigs, soaring instrumentals, jazzy interludes, ambient spaces, prog epics and lilting ballads.