Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

In a career that has spanned three decades, it's perhaps surprising that US CCM veteran Steven Curtis Chapman has never released a worship album - something he has rectified with his latest release which features cameos from the likes of worship leaders Matt Maher and Chris Tomlin as well as members of Northern Irish roots band Rend Collective. The catalyst for the album came from the tragic loss of Chapman's youngest daughter and his choice to cling onto God to pull him out of, as the liner notes state, a black hole of fear and hopelessness. As a result, this is a collection of heartfelt praise songs that come from the deepest part of Chapman's being but, instead of choosing to go down an introspective and contemplative route as would have been his right given the circumstances, numbers like "More Than Conquerors" and "Amen" typify an album of life-affirming, defiantly optimistic songs that tell of the experienced singer/songwriter's own resilience and the healing power of his God. As you would expect from any SCC release, this is a polished piece of work with upbeat numbers featuring his now trademark thumping drums and epic arrangements whilst more tender songs like the striking "Hallelujah, You Are Good" are woven throughout. Five live tracks of songs from the album are included as bonus tracks on this stunningly inspiring and poignant release.

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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