Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

 The fusion of gospel and R&B is nothing new but just occasionally someone comes along and catches your ears as they meld the two styles together. Kenny Smith is a talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist ( a veritable one-man band!) and he has produced an album that sounds fresh and exciting. The title track of his 1991 album 'Don't Give Up' is still one of my all time favourite songs and although this follow up has been a long time coming, I approached it with great anticipation. Although it's great, this still isn't the classic world-stopping album that I dream he'll drop on me! But hey! It's still wonderful! Deeply soulful in nature, this is a gorgeous album and whether it's the vulnerable ' I Will Do Anything' where he turns the pain of criticism around for good or the in-your-face rap attack of 'Victory Shall be Mine' or 'Living On The Frontline', he's at home stylistically. The sax filled 'Mender Of Broken Hearts' is the epitome of soul as Kenny gets intimate with the mic and shares the truth of God's healing. There's loads here which will send tingles down your spine! The groovy shuffle of the title cut allows Kenny to let go a little in Stevie Wonder fashion and then suddenly he's into 'Tell Me Something Good', a distinctive joy-filled Wonder-penned song featuring some fine guitar work from Michael Johnson and a great rap from C-Rob. All in all, a close to classic R&B gospel album, welcome back Kenny Smith! 

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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