Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

An independent release from a man who has recorded a number of times in the praise and worship market and his song "You Are Crowned With Many Crowns" is probably his best known over here (on this release it's presented in Keith Green fashion!). It's a surprise to find him in a pop rock Billy Joelesque mode and this is a bit of a mixed bag. Definitely led by John's piano and his Joe Cocker voice, this is still predominantly praise music but with more guts and more of a kick than the average bland production album. Starting with a neo classical intro - all swirly string synths and piano, it soon opens up into the rocky "Safe At Home". This is fine songwriting and there are some lovely moments, "Set Me Apart" is a stirring ballad and the final epic based on "Psalm 145" takes the album on to a rousing climax. Elsewhere there are numerous little touches of classical music demonstrating John's piano prowess and it's an effective mix of styles which he has blended together. If you like piano-based singer/songwriters in a Keith Green mode, there is plenty to enjoy in this release, especially if you want lyrics that focus attention on God.

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