Reviewed by Andrew Wallace

Released on Laura Kaczor's own imprint LifeThirst Music, 'Restore Me' is the fourth album from the Pennsylvania-born, Nashville-based worship leader, speaker and singer/songwriter. This batch of songs is produced by Ian Eskelin with a radio-friendly sheen clearly targeted for airplay. All of the songs are written by Laura or co-written with her friend Amy Lewis Strother. The overriding theme is one of finding hope and strength in God in difficult trials, the powerful message being birthed from personal experience for Laura, due to her newborn son Samuel recently undergoing open heart surgery. "You Know" and "Restore Me" are heartfelt offerings of mid-tempo, soft pop, typical of most of the fare on offer here; their conversational tone in speaking of clinging to God for help and restoration in our pain designed to impact the listener in their own life stories. "Only You" and "Greater" are more vertical songs of worship and absolute surrender to God. The lyrical highlight is "We Don't Always Understand" where Laura honestly addresses those enduring grief from the loss of a child or similar hurt; little knowing she would soon undergo her own testing. There is no doubting Laura's talent; her rich, soothing voice often like a warm blanket on a cold day - matching the comfort in her lyrics. However, by the end the songs start to blend together because of their similar sound. Perhaps next time out it would be an idea to take more risks both musically and vocally.

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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