Reviewed by Jonathan Evans

I first heard a Joe Henry track about three years ago (thanks Neil), a track from his 1993 album 'Kindness Of The World". I loved it. and I'm now a fan! The category I have put this album in is roots/acoustic, but it actually falls between roots. country, folk, rock and R&B. So what is it about Joe Henry and this album in particular? Well, it's not guitar solos, or fancy keyboard work - it's special for the best reason, the songs are GOOD, the arrangements are varied and interesting and Joe's voice is special - gravelly, with emotion. (I expect some have made comparisons with Bob Dylan). The words are poetry to my ears and even when I can't make head or tail of them there's something about them that gets to me. The songs are about life and mostly concern lost love, betrayal and an empty world. Is there any hope in his songs? The jury seem to be out on that, and although God makes it into his world, he seems to be uninvolved with us. at a distance, so it's an album to enjoy and think about, not to help with times of worship! My guess is that not many people will like it. but those who do, like me, will love it. So check it out!

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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