Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Having long been a fan of Lone Justice and also an anorak who considers Maria's "At Your Feet" on the Marantha! album 'Come As You Are' one of the greatest ever worship recordings, I approached this, Maria's sixth solo album, with considerable expectation. I was a little disappointed. Maria's soulfully plaintive voice is still in good shape while producer husband Jim Akin does a good job with understated and uncluttered arrangements. But the roots rock opus "Sullen Soul" didn't engage me, neither did the acoustic folk opener "Season Of The Fair" which apparently Maria penned 20 years ago. There are some better moments, the singing on the painfully sad "Turn Away" is nothing short of exquisite and if you believe Neil Young to be a songwriting genius (I don't) you'll enjoy Maria's run through of "Barstool Blues". But overall, there were too many maudlin lyrics about lost love while the closer, a cover of the old Nancy Wilson hit "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" seemed to belong on another album entirely. If like many critics you thought Maria's 'High Dive' album was little short of a masterpiece, you may well find this an essential purchase too. Others should be more cautious.

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.