Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Critically acclaimed Oregon singer/songwriter Josh Garrels' output just goes from strength to strength and his seventh and latest album, the aptly titled 'Home' given Garrels' commitment to recording within his own four walls, is arguably his best yet. With a fuller sound than ever before, Garrels' captivatingly poetic lyricism and wistful melodies are given extra power with full band arrangements that add yet another facet to the man's sound - hopefully resulting in more radio airplay and well-deserved attention for the quietly spoken Portlander. There is an overarching but subtle theme of worship contained within the album's 11 tracks with the likes of the sublime opener "Born Again", the uplifting "Colors" and the meditative "Always Be" offering up the an intelligent alternative to the plethora of run-of-the-mill modern worship releases that currently flood the market by being unique in terms of style as well as communicating something innately personal about the singer's relationship with God that also succeeds in chiming with us all. Such is the multi-layered nature of Garrels' songwriting that, even after a hundred plays, the listener will still find something new and previously unnoticed and the same goes for his intricate arrangements that float from orchestral elements, ambient washes and atmospheric guitars to more upbeat and soulful pieces whilst the exquisite "Home At Last" sounds for all the world like song that should have taken pride and place in the Beach Boys' seminal 'Pets Sounds' album. Special mention must go to Garrels' vocal performance - much of which is delivered to great effect in a mesmerizing falsetto that helps to take this magnificent and beautiful body of work to height that very few artists can hope reach.

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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