Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

For over 30 years Daniel Amos have been labouring away creating some of the most amazing music in Christendom. Now Terry Taylor et al have surpassed themselves with this immense set. 33 songs spread over two discs, this 2001 album gives you 105 minutes of music without any filler. It's great value but it can also be a little overwhelming at first. Lyrically, Taylor has always been extremely well read and literate which has meant that unlike a lot of the fluff out there, he has plenty to say and a very clever way of saying it. On this set he's not scared to examine difficult issues, particularly the struggles of the faith. There's a tribute to the late Gene Eugene, plenty of songs that examine the struggles of biblical characters and overall a gorgeous mix of reality and hope that is seldom captured by other writers more likely to sugar coat their songs. Musically and lyrically this is a diverse set which gets better with every listen. The first CD is one of those concept pieces that Taylor is so fond of recording. Highlights are "Ribbons And Bows" where he creates new ways of communicating his thoughts. "My Beautiful Martyr" examines the sacrifice of Christ. To be honest, there is so much good stuff here that it's becoming increasingly difficult to single out special songs. On the second disc "Easy For You" examines why faith comes so easily to some but not to others whilst "Pretty Little Lies" is a clever little love song with a difference! I won't spoil the twist! Listening to the whole set, it seems as though Taylor was so overjoyed to be making music with his band once more that he couldn't turn off the tap of creativity and boy am I glad about that! In a career that has included quite a few classics, perhaps this set tops them all!

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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