Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A 1990 album picked up by Word (UK) and, rather surprisingly, given the whole Album Of The Month promo treatment. One play might leave one thinking that that particular marketing decision was due more to regard for Chuck's place in CCM history (in the early 70s Chuck was one of the Jesus music pioneers) than in 'Fire And Light's' obvious mass appeal. But after a few plays this album does begin to seep through and minister in ways that more trendily contemporary albums often don't. Stylistically, 'Fire And Light' is in the one-part-contemporary, one-part-praise category blur in which the new albums by Will McFarlane and Ulf Christiansson also find themselves. This blurring of perceived markets is guaranteed to cause merchandising headaches for Christian record companies but featuring contemporary arrangements (nice, beefy drum sounds), yet avowedly devotional lyrics welcomely takes pop rock into a role where the performer seeks to draw the listener closer to the Living God. Call it "ministry rock", "devotional contemporary" or "contemporary praise" (Kingsway's rather lame attempt), this music undoubtedly has a capacity to warm spiritually cold hearts. On the best tracks here, like the visionary "Set The Trumpet To Your Mouth" or the quietly meditative "Talk To Me", there is what can only be called an anointing. Sadly, the effect is somewhat dissipated by one or two below power songs (Chuck has yet to learn that there's a thin line between simplicity and banality). But with fourteen numbers to choose from there's still plenty left. Welcome back Chuck.

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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