Reviewed by Steve Cox

As that old Curtis Mayfield standard, "People Get Ready", kick-started this album my heart sank with the memory of a recent conversation with some erstwhile Christian friends who pinned me against the musical wall with their pleas for more refrains and overt Jesus proclamations. When this opening track was followed by a song about 'lurv', this old face must have looked a right picture. But, wait a minute, didn't they just mention 'Lord' and, just a moment, why not listen to the real heart of the band? From then on, the album exploded into a marvellous compilation of R&B-tinged pop that includes, at least, three pop-hook tracks that would slot into any chart. With the Cox spiritual antennae properly tuned in, a flip back to the opening tracks revealed a stunning cover of the Curtis Mayfield classic that proved a sumptuous foretaste of an album of real quality. After umpteen plays or more, the album has reached No. 1 in the Cox household chart with Mum and both daughters disputing ownership of this excellent CD. To my erstwhile friends, I urge you listen to an album that's without one crotchet of compromise and you might just be surprised.

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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