Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This album first came to Cross Rhythm's attention when "Why Would You Go Back" hit the number one slot in the CCM rock charts in the USA (no mean feat for a debut album!). Finally us Brits get the chance to hear what all the fuss is about and it was worth the wait! Imagine a cross between Margaret Becker and Ms Morisette and you'd come close! Produced by the Elefante brothers, so you know that this is full of sharp 'n' smooth musical settings for Jeni to tumble out her observations on life. "For My Good" is probably the most like Alanis, and she won't escape that comparison, but it's one great song exploring the wonder of how God works everything out for good! That theme is continued in "Father Knows Best" which is a picture of how when we surrender and trust God, He gives us the best! The title song has bagpipes and tin whistle so you get the feeling that she's not scared to experiment a little. Often intriguing, you soon discover that Jeni isn't scared to explore lyrically. "Fences" examines how the boundaries we create to protect ourselves spiritually can become enshrined, and mutate into dogmatic barriers. A fresh pop rock sound, great lyrical depth; a fine debut album from a talent who is surely destined to establish herself in the firmament of CCM stars!

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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