Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

A few years ago, Chris Taylor was voted "artist most likely to." but never managed to match the potential with the record sales either as a solo artist or as a member of the obscure but influential Love Coma. This is a shame because quite frankly, he is brilliant! Are the ears of American Christian music fans painted on? Because how have they missed this talent. Oh well, let me stop griping and instead enthuse about 'Under The Sun', a double CD's worth of Taylor's recent music recorded in an old fashioned garage fashion, set up the instruments, gather the musicians and rock out in organic fashion. In places this rocks and elsewhere there are elements of Americana that kick in for the quieter songs. I guess the lack of a Nashville deal has meant that he's been able to continue making interesting music. It's about 30 songs and a couple of hours long so let me pick a few highlights! There's the bouncy rock of "God's Telephone Number" (admit it, it's a great song title!) which sounds like it could have been plucked from one of his cool kids' albums. Then at the other extreme there's the slow mellow acoustic "Sick & Tired Of Sick & Tired" where he vents a few frustrations without getting maudlin.  The first CD closes with the re-working of "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "House Of The Rising Sun" (ala Blind Boys Of Alabama) and also features psalm like songs like "Radiate" and "You Are The Song". Ultimately as a lyricist and singer, Chris Taylor stands out from the crowd and he's waiting for you to discover just how incredible he is!

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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