Reviewed by Tony Cummings

On the opening cut the lightly funky "Here I Go Again" you'd be forgiven for assuming a mistake had been made at the CD plant and you were actually listening to the new Cliff Richard. Such is the musical versatility and songwriting craft of Bruce that other tracks too stray a long way from his country roots. But lovers of the haunting country strains aren't completely left out, try the lilting "Rise Above It All" with a high and lonesome harmonica. Bruce has developed down the years to become an exceedingly fine songwriter on a par with Steven Curtis Chapman. His lyrics show wit ("I'm just a man with a basic education/I don't mean to question anyone's reputation/But there is only one author of creation/So when I add up Mr Einstein's calculation/The theory of relativity/Says E = MC squared/I believe the equation's missing one thing/And that's the power of prayer") and no little spiritual insight ("God doesn't know a sinner he can't love/A broken heart he can't mend/A fallen tear he can't dry"). The more one listens, the more one hears in the hauntingly layered production of Reed Arvin. A marvellous singer/songwriter album which will reward the investigation and bless your heart whether your tastes are country or pop.

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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