Reviewed by Phil Thomson

I wonder, sometimes, if the American style and sound is from another planet. It is certainly a different experience from the UK outings, taking a literal view of their well-practiced mantra that "If you're in trouble, worship your way out." You'll be in danger of doing just that if you concentrate. Known mostly for his popular hymn series Hymns For The Nation, 'Be Lifted Up' offers us a roller-coaster ride of an album in which the good Bishop really does sing his heart out surrounded by an extended "family" of high energy singers and perfectly drilled players, dove-tailing their brassy in-you-face arrangements with a full-on gospel invitation message. It's not quiet and it's not subtle, though there are moments when a single piano and a close-harmony treatment almost make it ("Lord You Reign") - if they hadn't been tempted into that classic choir build out which cranks up the sound till the performance takes over; in any case, Leonard Scott's voice appears in the background mid-track, vaguely growling as he coaxes them along. Unnecessary. Guest vocalist add a bit of relief in the shape of Rachel Lampa on Scott's own "You Are My Source" and Darwin Hobbs, who settles in for the duration of another of Scott's self-penned songs "Bow My Spirit" which segues from its original 6:17 minutes to a second helping of four minute's reprise with the wonderfully explicit "Bow My Spirit Prophetic". Standout tracks for me are "Jesus You Are Worthy" - which demonstrates how good a writer Bishop Leonard is when he is on form, and Vernon Piercey's "Send The Rain", an "after-the-tears-here-comes-the-joy" kind of track which would undoubtedly be a commercial hit if it wasn't Christian. It's worship, yeah, but a long, long way from the white pop rock template.

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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