Reviewed by Tony Cummings

At first I wasn't sure. The arrangements, even one or two of the melodies, hankered back to Steve's classic albums of five or six years ago like 'Fire And Ice' and 'Shake Me To Wake Me'. Wasn't this just another rather sad case of a veteran rocker running out of creative steam and simply recycling his licks in ever increasing boredom for an ever-decreasing audience? Then the lyrics began to bite. Songs about the cross. Songs about perseverance. Songs that minister deep to the heart. Sometimes the imagery is outstanding - try "Carry Me" based on John 15: 5 ("I am weak and You are strong/And I'll be standing on my knees/For only You can carry me/Unto You oh Lord I will lift up my soul/Though the storms surround me Your grace I know/For the first time in my life trials are sweet to me") or the beautiful ballad title track. Don't look for innovative music. But if you're looking for rock gospel ministry this album will be getting plays long after many of those supposed 'cutting edge of rock' albums are gathering dust. As Steve reminds us on the opener "the cross is a radical thing".

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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