Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Arthur Stewart is an Aberdeen-based singer/songwriter and this, his second album, contains 12 self-penned songs that focus on Jesus' sacrifice and the power of the cross to change us from within. Predominantly folk-ballad in style, Stewart's work undoubtedly benefits from the production input of Scottish songwriter David Lyon and renowned Foundry Music Lab duo Graeme Duffin and Sandy Jones which takes the man's already strong songs to another level. Proceedings kick off with the infectiously upbeat "You Are There For Me" before settling down to a more placid pace that sees Stewart's invitingly wistful vocals generally accompanied by nothing much more than a solitary acoustic guitar or piano and some accomplished poetic lyricism. The unembellished nature of the likes of "From The Head To The Heart" and the gentle prayer "Endure With Me My God" - one of a number of duets with Clare MacMillan - allows the message of God's faithfulness and mercy to take centre stage whilst cameos like wife Ann's Scots fiddle in "God Is In The Room" and the occasional burst of lead guitar brilliance from Wet Wet Wet's Graeme Duffin add some well-timed variety. Some needed pace is injected with the likes of the rocked up and slide guitar-festooned "We Seek You" and the quirky bossa nova of "Every Step Of The Way" - with daughters Amy (13) and Jenna (10) doing some sterling vocal work - before proceedings end with the atmospheric slow burner "Trust In God" to sum up the musical feel and overriding God-focused nature of this enjoyable release.

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