Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

It’s difficult to believe that the talented Mr. Francisco has been going 25 years in the music business, and in all that time his musical style hasn’t fundamentally changed. Being blessed with a distinctive and expressive singing voice helps; his songs are still passionate and creative, and whilst these days there’s more meat in the backing band, his acoustic guitar still underpins the whole thing and keeps that rootsy, folksy mood. This album has lots of good things, although some of the songs aren’t up to his high standards – “Time For My Friends” has a touch of Jon Lennon and Paul McCartney’s “With A Little Help From My Friends”; The Rule Of The Spirit” has lyrics that go round and round in circles; and the second half of the verse on “I Love Your Presence Lord” sounds like “Do-Re-Mi” from the Sound Of Music (yes, really!). Counterbalancing the cheese, however, there are some gems. “Prepare The Way” and “I Believe In You (Joseph’s Song)” are Scripture story songs, the first using the words of John the Baptist, the other looking at Christmas through the eyes of Joseph; and the title track has Don’ trade-mark anthemic quality, and preaches the full Gospel in four minutes and nine seconds. Whilst there’s nothing here to approach Don’s immortal classics like “Got To Tell Somebody”, “He’s Alive” or even “As It Was/So Shall It Be”, I don’t think that his legion of fans will be disappointed with most of this.

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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