Tom Booth has long been one of the leading composers and recording artists active in contemporary Catholic music today. Listening to his latest CD Captured, it’s easy to understand why. This recording is a finely crafted work of art, filled with songs that will inspire and challenge the listener to a deeper faith and a more authentic walk with Christ.

Right away the opening track "Can We Love?" asks if our faith means more than simply attending Mass on Sunday or listening to P&W music in our car: "Can we lay down our lives? Can we wear his crown of thorns? Can we drink the cup that he drinks?" These thought-provoking questions are an important reminder of what our faith must ultimately be about – Christ transforming our hearts with a love that inspires us to reach out to serve others.

"You Stand Knocking" is a standout track, with an anthem-like refrain that will surely find wide use at Masses and at XLT Eucharistic Adoration prayer services. This song could easily find its way onto mainstream CCM radio, as that industry continues to discover the wealth of contemporary Catholic music and musicians like Matt Maher, whom Tom Booth mentored for many years.

Another favorite track is the finale, "O Salutaris Hostia, O Saving Lamb", which adds a new refrain to the traditional Eucharistic exposition hymn composed by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. It’s a wonderful trend that contemporary Catholic composers like Maher and Booth have been following, introducing the musical treasures of the Church to a new generation of listeners. Indeed, there is much for all of us to gain from revisiting lyrics and melodies that have stood the test of seven centuries.

My favorite track from Captured is a song that I first heard on the Steubenville Youth Conference 2007 CD. "Come Holy Spirit", driven by the artist’s fine nylon-string guitar playing, a lush string arrangement, and stunning vocal harmonies, is reminiscent of the prayerfulness of John Michael Talbot’s music. On first hearing this song I was brought to a place of deep reflection and peace. This contemplative piece is juxtaposed with several upbeat and rocking songs on the disc, making it an interesting listen from start to finish.

The songs on Captured add to an already-impressive repertoire of music that Tom Booth has gifted to the Church, a body of work that has nourished the faith lives of many across the country and around the world. Thanks for the gifts, Tom, both old and new.

You can purchase Captured at www.spiritandsong.com/store/music/20739

Reviewed by Matthew Baute