Reviewed by David Faulkner

Close your eyes and you won't believe this is an independent release. The production, performance and song quality all scream "major label". North Carolina-based Jessica McLean aspires to the turf occupied by Jennifer Knapp in the CCM field and Shawn Colvin in the secular world. And while her songwriting doesn't yet match their maturity (this collection of songs reflects the concerns of one who wrote them aged between 14 and her early 20s) she is on her way. She's won awards in the Christian media and on VH-1, and she deserves the acclaim. The melodies stay in your head for days - and if you're sceptical, go to her website or MySpace page, where they are streamed. The only anomaly is the acoustic version of "How Great Thou Art". Someone sign this lady: she is a big talent in the making.

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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