Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This is a collection of devotional songs that have their application within more traditional church circles, where the introduction of an acoustic guitar in the evening service is still considered daring. Consequently, this sounds like something out of the '70s with acoustic guitars being plucked and folky harmonies engaged in earnest tones. It sounds astoundingly old-fashioned, but I dare say at the unfashionable end of current church life, this sounds ever so terribly daring. For me, it's all incredibly twee and it seems that only in English church circles is it possible for people to sing with this lack of passion. Having said that, there is no doubting Alan Gibson's fine guitar playing and skill with a tune, but somehow there is something that makes this an immediate anachronism as soon as it hits the tape deck. These songs have obvious lyrics, obvious tunes and obvious arrangements that somehow leave me completely untouched. Perhaps if you're over 50 and liked all those nice acoustic groups that trudged round the Christian scene in the early '70s, this will appeal to you but otherwise, avoid.

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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