Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Brother and sister act Philip and Natalie LaRue really hit their stride on their third album which must be gratifying considering that they contributed to the songwriting across the whole album. Also for this album they have taken a mighty leap musically and moved from being a duo who make efficient and catchy pop to create songs that have lyrical and musical depth and really connect. Hitmaking American producer Monroe Jones has obviously done his stuff but 'Reaching' is actually the sound of the LaRue siblings maturing. One of the things that really stands out is the fact that both Philip and Natalie have fine voices and they blend to fine effect, full of soul and expression. There are a number of standout tracks including the opener "Tonight" which sets the agenda intensity wise and the stripped down "OK To Cry" which is an honest portrayal of pain mixed with hope. At the moment it feels as though it isn't the big guns of the American CCM scene who are making the most compelling music but there are a few slightly less acclaimed artists like LaRue, The Elms and By The Tree who have recorded the great albums of 2002.

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