Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This independent release from New York-based Dwayna sees the flame-haired singer/songwriter mix a number of musical styles ranging from big ballads to gospel as she proclaims her faith in God. Whilst eight of the 12 tracks on offer here are self-penned, Litz is arguably most in her element when competently covering the likes of Andrae Crouch's "Through It All" and "Soon And Very Soon" or giving fun, key changed-festooned renditions of old standards such as "Old Time Religion" - all of which showcase the singer's Dolly Parton-like vocal powers as well as a backing band of note. Unfortunately, a number of her own compositions fail to make the grade with the likes of the cliché-ridden new country of "Livin' For God Alone" and "Higher Power" - the latter an unsubtle slaying of other faiths - coming across as somewhat lyrically contrived in a way that may seem spiritually arrogant to the non-believing listener. Elsewhere, slower ballads such as the title track, "Honest Life" and "No More Prisoner Of Yesterday" show a more tender side to Litz's Christian views and go some way to rescuing this release.

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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