Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

OK - we'll ignore the punctuation error in the album's title given that this six track release from Basildon-based singer/songwriter Stephen Hewitt is rather good! Hewitt is a member of a growing band of gypsy believers who attend an Elim church in Basildon and it seems the church is right behind this young talent as he takes his first steps into the music business. Probably more suited to a worship environment, Hewitt has wisely varied the style and delivery of each track from the straightforward worship of the opener "Arms Of Love" with full band to the song of endurance "Hanging On" with only piano as accompaniment. Elsewhere, Hewitt's inviting and impressive vocals are showcased in "I Thank You Lord" and he evidences his storytelling abilities in his testimony song "Grandmother's Prayer." The quality of this album is largely due to the fact that Hewitt is not afraid to keep things simple - check out the album's deceptively powerful closer "I Love You Lord" - and he could do worse than to continue in this vein when releasing a full collection of songs. Unfortunately there is no inlay card to speak of and therefore no musician and production acknowledgments, but those involved on 'The Answers On Its Way' deserve credit for this pleasing release.

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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