Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Forming part of the a digital only reissue of much of activist and singer/songwriter Hewitt's back catalogue, this 1991 release built on the foundations laid by its predecessor 'Scars'. There was no doubt that Hewitt had now got into his protest song stride and, together with the late and much missed US Jesus music pioneer Mark Heard adding improved production values to the proceedings, this Los Angeles-recorded collection pulls no punches. Once again, Hewitt comes down on the side of the oppressed with rubbish tip scavengers ("Little Outlaws, Dirty Angels" and "Shadows In The Mist") and dispossessed Palestinians ("A Song For Miriam" and "Ten Measures Of Beauty") amongst others having their plight heard in uncompromising fashion. Although never one to mince his words - check out the perfectly pitched warning against adultery in "Not A Love Story" as a prime example - Hewitt is careful to offer up some hope in line with his Christian faith to avoid his message getting lost in a mire of self-righteous morality. For example, "Full Moon Over Mozambique" is ultimately a song of optimism amidst the hell of war whilst "Dance On Injustice" - a song that reflects Jesus' own compassion for the poor and disadvantaged - and "Dancing The Polka In Tiananmen Square" both contain a confident prediction that justice, peace and love will win through in the end. Musically, this album is more assured and, for the most part, Hewitt inhabits a Bob Dylan guise to great if somewhat imitative effect. Nonetheless, stylistic departures such as the dirge-like drumming on "Dancing The Polka In Tiananmen Square" and the worshipfully tender "Deep Silence" - a song that reflects the writer's own journey of salvation - add variety to what rates as one of Hewitt's strongest releases of his long career.

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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