Reviewed by John Daniels

'Stronger' is the second album from Natalie Grant, who two years ago was being hailed as "the new Diva of Christian music." The big voice that earned her that title is still there and heard to good effect on this album. Alas, despite a change of label and a plethora of production talent, the album somehow disappoints - perhaps it's the lack of any songs strong enough to match that voice. Or perhaps because despite the work of five producers it's amazing how alike the tracks sound. Soft pop is the order of the day, and nothing wrong with that. "When Ever You Need Somebody" is a soulful ballad featuring Christian boy band Plus One and is understandably already getting heavy airplay in the States. Another of the five tracks which Natalie had a hand in writing, "Such A Wonder", expresses well the awe we feel that God would care for us as individuals. There is a Latin flavour to "I Love To Praise" and "Don't Wanna Make A Move" is somewhere between Jennifer (Lopez) and Britney. "Finally Home", the last of the eleven tracks on the album, brings a closing note of encouragement to this "late evening" album.

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