Reviewed by Tony Cummings

You don't get signed to Warner Bros gospel subsidiary unless you can demonstrate exceptional chops and this chap, who's written his share of CCM and country hits, clearly has a way with lyric and melody which sits up and begs for radio play. A clear pop voice in the John Denver-mode though thankfully low on the wimp factor sings never-less-than--interesting spiritual message songs. The arrangements, some based around acoustic strums, some built from the fluid keyboards of Smitty Price, are exceptional. My favourites on first play were "Weary By Now" ("He's got the weight of this world on His shoulders/All of the hearts of His children lay in His hands/For so many years our pain and our tears/Have fallen on one single man"); the percussive opener "In The Book Of Love"; and the poignantly beautiful country ballad "You Can't Take It With You". But there are more delights here waiting to be discovered. Pop gospel sung and shaped by a craftsman.

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.