Reviewed by Dancin' Dave Derbyshire

As this album played in the background I was thinking that this sounds like so many other worship albums. Perhaps Steve Green's crisp voice gives it a clearer sound than is sometimes found in such recordings but nevertheless... Then the title track came on and I didn't know what had hit me. I should have guessed what was coming as Steve Green had already begun to exhort us to go inside the prison as an expression of true Christianity and warned us of the risks and danger that awaits us at every turn of the river of God. I found "The Faithful" a deeply touching song about the thousands of Christians who have given their lives for the gospel. The sleeve contains the amazing statistic that last year alone 160,000 Christians were martyred in more than 60 countries around the world. "Safely Home" sensitively continues this theme with the lament of the death of a loved one. Above the lyrics we are reminded that "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15). The album continues in the inspirational vein with songs about trusting the Lord's plan for our lives, the anticipation of an end time great revival, and a song of deep repentance from selfishness. Another brave theme that Steve strongly feels is on God's heart is the murder of unborn babies in abortion. In "Roses" he likens this to the plucking of roses before they have a chance lo bloom. This moving album is aptly concluded with a hymn about the atonement which is freely adapted from Isaac Watts' original composition. This album is Steve's 21st recording in his 14 year solo career and his first since 1996. Even though he has only had input into the writing of a couple of these songs. I have only admiration when such an established artist gets before God and says "If these were the last songs I could record, what would I say?" Though this album might not catch your attention at the beginning, it is full of stirring and poignant moments.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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