Reviewed by Keren Perrott

Hearing this album for the first time you would be forgiven for assuming that this California-based foursome have a hefty back catalogue. In what has to be one of the smoothest gospel debuts released in 2010, 'Because He Loves Me' confidently straddles '70s funk, traditional gospel and R&B, and for this it is guaranteed broad listener appeal. Perfectly harmonized vocals are set to a funky foot-tapping bass on "I'm Satisfied" and even the mid-track rap succeeds in sounding okay where so many similar efforts in contemporary gospel music fail spectacularly. Other uptempo tracks such as "Do You Know Who You Are" and "Use Me Lord" have a contemporary feel but traditionalists will prefer the fast and furious keyboard behind "Send Me I'll Go" and "Praise Him", and the more bluesy numbers like "He Made A Way". Without the album's Gospel-centred lyrics you might imagine you were listening to an old R&B chart collection but this funky foursome have a passion for music ministry. Psalm 37 is the basis for "Never Seen The Righteous Forsaken", co-written by one of the Mighty Men and unique in its Caribbean-flavoured rhythm and instrumentals. The slower paced title track is exquisitely constructed - imagine early Earth, Wind & Fire, add uncompromising praise and worship lyrics, and you will be somewhere close to the end result.

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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