Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Female close harmony singing groups have been around aplenty in the recent history of contemporary Christian music, I suppose Point Of Grace were the first really successful outfit, followed closely by Sierra. But Sierra retired back in 2002 (rather prematurely in my opinion, but I appreciate they wanted to spend time with their families), and of late P Of G have become rather too shrill and strident, so there's a space in the market for a girl band that has a lighter, more inspirational touch. Or at least there was a space, because I believe that Message Of Mercy are the ones to fill it. M Of M are three sisters, Kim, Heather and Christina Neal, and their friends Erika Anderson and Paula Woodruff, who's written most of the material on this, their second album, and done a lot of the arranging, in association with veteran Nashville producers Dick Tunney and Steve Hickman. The album is good value at 15 tracks and over 56 minutes running time, and there's lots to enjoy. Paula has penned some very thoughtful stuff: songs of testimony, commitment and faith, in a very easy to listen to style, the girls' voices are clear and accurate and blend well harmonically. It may have taken seven years from their first coming together in 1998 to come to the attention of us over here in Europe, but I expect that this won't be the last we'll hear of them. Recommended.

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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