Shirley, Jan And Alan Howitt - Sound Of Mercy

Published Tuesday 2nd November 2010
Shirley, Jan And Alan Howitt - Sound Of Mercy

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 96602-17227
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £5.00

Reviewed by Andrew Townend

Doncaster-based singer/songwriter Shirley Howitt has previously released independent albums, both by herself and with husband, Alan. Unfortunately, 'Sound Of Mercy' fails to really build on her previous album's shortcomings. Many of the album's finest lyrics are veiled by unmemorable melodies. Perhaps a lot of the classic church worship songs that we sing today do not have an incredibly attractive tune, but the songs of primary songsmith Shirley Howitt are about a personal and more individual relationship with Christ so would not work particularly well in a group praise environment either. However, many of the songs are upbeat with a certain lyrical charm, and particularly illustrate the honest, childlike faith that this group possess. There is some excellent guitar playing throughout the CD while Shirley's vocals have a hint of Nanci Griffith about them. Overall, though the album lacks distinctive melodies.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Duane LaMARR in Drain, Orewgon @ 07:29 on Aug 18 2017

Like to know where I can find your recording of RIVERS of MERCY.
Thanks



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