Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Northern Irish singer/songwriter Dave Whitcroft (stage name KDMusic) states that his new independently-released album is a mix of worship, reflection and biography and it's really rather something special. As its title suggests, this is an uplifting offering - tackling matters of faith by always looking upward and not inward - and, thanks to the sheer musical diversity and skill of all involved, this is an album that demands play after play. Proceedings kick off with the Stuart Townend-like hymn "Freedom's Slave" which showcases Whitcroft's ear for a great melody before the stripped back "Still Only One Way" proves that sometimes you don't need much more than an acoustic guitar to turn in a powerful performance. Four tracks in and somewhat out of the blue, Whitcroft turns the album on its head with "Jacob's Ladder" - a jiving rock 'n' roll number that comes complete with brass section, killer bass lines, guitar solos, cutesy female backing vocals and the kitchen sink - before the festive song with a difference "Christmas On The Beach (Half The World)" oozes smooth pop soul. Elsewhere, a borrowed Cab Calloway riff helps Whitcroft tell the story of Jesus and the tax collector in the trumpet-led "Upside Down" whilst a brief foray into Cuban music territory on the punchy "Pentecost" helps cement our man's position as an expert communicator of spiritual truths. A tender guest appearance from singer Gillian Brown on the folk-tinged "We Will See" adds further variety on what could very well be the CCM album of the year so far.

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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