Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Brent Lamb was a singer/songwriter who, years back, made considerable headway in America's CCM scene which is impressive as Lamb was basically a country boy turning out knee-slapping rockers and plaintive country balladry. On 'No Excuses No Regrets' I'd recommend Brent's haunting rendition of "Smoke And Mirrors", penned by Jerry Salley and Jim McBride, which is as good a depiction of the deceitfulness of the human heart as you're likely to hear ("Tell me what makes a man/Make a fool of himself/And then turn around/And try to blame someone else/He knows it's his fault she's gone/But it's hard to admit/So he spends each night, where the lies flow like wine/And the whiskey plays its tricks." The songs on the album seldom make direct reference to God. They don't have to. These sung tales of smashing the obstructions built after a hurtful argument ("The Wall Came Tumblin' Down") or the comforts and delights of life at home rather than some delusionary nightlife ("Dixie's Bar & Grill") make their point without the need to namecheck Jesus. And when God is summoned in the closing prayerful "Wolves", written by Stephanie Davis, the impact is truly moving. If there's a better country album, either secular (how I dislike that word) or Christian made in the last three decades I've not heard it.

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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