Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

With much fanfare and excitement, London-based gospel singer Lavine Hudson was launched on the mainstream market by Virgin Records in 1988. Given complete artistic control and signed to a multi-album deal, comparisons were being made to Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. Indeed, musically 'Intervention' is reminiscent of "Who's Zoomin' Who" period Aretha. The 12 inch release of "Intervention" offers a powerful message song with Lavine not shrinking from the spiritual message while delivering a big hitting punch vocally and musically. Nicky Brown does a great job with the production and the track is taken from her debut album of the same name. There's the original 7 inch mix and an extended 12 inch mix here along with the B side "It's Me" which is a more traditional gospel stomper which could have come straight off the People Get Ready TV show. Sadly, mental health issues and record company attempts to make Lavine an "inspirational" rather than a "gospel" singer shortened this hugely talented diva's career. But for a moment in 1988, Lavine was the brave new hope who could possibly take gospel music all the way to the pop charts. It didn't happen, of course, but this is still a fine single!

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.