Reviewed by Tony Cummings

After a mainstream country release following his national exposure on American Idol the singer with the heartbreaking story (Danny lost his wife Sofia just before the eighth season of American Idol) had stormed back with a powerful faith-based album which, thanks to excellent songs and top production to go with his blue-eyed soul-tinged voice fully deserves its US Christian chart success. The self-penned title track (also the name of Gokey's autobiography) powerfully chronicles how Jesus can lead us from despair to hope ("There's hope in front of me/There's a light I still see it/There's a hand still holding me/Even when I don't believe it"). A similar lyrical theme is explored on the ballad "Tell Your Heart To Beat Again" co-written with Matthew West. Not completely abandoning country music, Gokey teamed up with country songwriter Marcus Hummon (Tim McGraw, Dixie Chicks) for the reflective "One Life" while "Better Than Gold" is a piece of autotuned R&B funk. Maybe Danny covers too many musical bases for some people's tastes but there's no doubting that he is a fine singer and possibly could even crossover to the pop scene with the right song.

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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