Reviewed by Phil Thomson

This former choir boy and teenage worship leader is making a “natural” progression here from musical director to a contemporary solo career courtesy of Christ Church, Nashville. With no less than Don Posthuma as executive producer, it is an excellent platform for a debut album, except for one thing - the songs. Neither all-out worship and reflection nor hard-nosed finger pointing comment, they are very safe creative territory, with little actual discernible style. That means they will be soaked up by an adoring born-again concert audience, but are hardly likely to test the sensibilities of the hungry fringe. There is nothing thought-provoking in the writing and little to remember. Production, however, is faultless and the piano priority settings are certainly innovative. The music per se is actually rather good; you can listen without engaging - so Jimmy might just about get away with it. But the team should have been trawling for great songs to shore up an ordinary voice, not allowing the bulk of the material to be in the hands of Fedd himself in collaboration. The only title which stands a chance is “Oh My Soul”, co-written with Ruth Chadniewicz, which is pure psalmody and a real gem. Otherwise, the whole project feels cossetted and self-indulgent - and rather too “nice” for the tastes of a restless UK market.

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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