Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Halfway through this album, Carl Sims takes time to tell us his testimony. Gangs, street life, drugs, armed robbery.hmmmm, not a pretty story - but Sims got saved and delivered from addiction. Now an older and wiser man, Carl's eternal thankfulness to his Saviour shines out through these songs. The album is produced by multi-instrumentalist Anthony Lockett who you might remember from '80s funk band Cameo. Lockett, who also wrote most of these songs, sets Carl's rich voice against gospel stylings which are contemporary but more traditional gospel than R&B. Having said that, the horn filled stonking enthusiastic opener of 'I've Got A Testimony' is joy-filled, infectious stuff whilst 'O Give Thanks', and 'It Feels Like Fire' introduce a measure of '80s style funk. The slower material is equally compelling and worshipful. Most inspiring is 'He Won't Let You Down' which sounds as the album's centrepiece with Sims hollering the truth with all his might. Not cutting edge musically but slick and well-produced with songs that hit the heart and if you like foot stomping gospel with a bit of polish, this will get you!

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.