Reviewed by John Baugh

For all you review-spotters out there, yes, there is a link between this album and Stan's previous tape 'Highlands' released back in 1991. All the tracks except "Highlands Again" featured then too. However, this is not an exercise in treading water but a genuine attempt to update, improve and generally keep 'useful' some very powerful and truth-full songs. Clearly written, from direct experience (he's based with YWAM in the red light district of Amsterdam) the lyrics really do bring insight into the struggles, joys, challenges and comforts that Stan's 20 years serving Jesus have brought. The songs do benefit from his fine voice with the words never lacking clarity against the variety of instrumental backdrops used. Do I hear a hint of D Bowie or even a little Human League? Anyway, from a simple voice-and-guitar basis Stan's natural rock leanings (of which more are promised live) are intelligently combined with poppier sounds to produce polished acoustic based rock-pop. Standout tracks for me are as for the best singer/songwriters those which touched me the most: "He's Gone" - about the death of a friend, and "Old Man And The Sea", which beautifully expresses the hope and costs for all "fishers of men".

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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