Reviewed by Elizabeth Cook

Nashville's big selling CCM harmonisers return with this latest set. "The Other Side" is certainly an upbeat, powerful opening song, which is carried into the second track "Love Won't Leave You." Counter-balancing those joyful songs are the more contemplative songs of "Orphans Of God" and "Where Joy And Sorrow Meet". Their attempt to mix the pop with rock doesn't quite work though, at times making the album sound a little strained and indistinctive. The difficulty could be a result of the song lyrics being weaker than the music. The music gives an upbeat, praise feeling, which the words do echo but not in the strong, mature way you would expect. 'Stand' is more of an album to reach young or non-Christians, an album to explain God's love and why Avalon worship and praise him. "We Will Stand" sets the theme of the album, with lyrics that declare, "The time is here, the time is now/To take a stand, to make a vow/I won't let go, you're not alone/Now and forever we'll sing together." Featuring the writing talents of Jason Ingram, Ian Eskelin, Ben Glover and Russ Taff, 'Stand' sounds like it has some US Christian radio hits but is by no means the group's best work.

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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