Reviewed by Philip Child

Although this album exhibits a quiet talent and excellent quality of production, it also illustrates a problem almost endemic in much Christian music: the '80s is over, popular taste has moved on. Wet Wet Wet, perhaps the closest musical comparison, no longer top the charts. Yes, people still sing along when their old favourite comes on the radio, but this is perhaps more related to the individual memories and associations such a song evokes; as a result, there is little room for original material in the genre. And yes, we are currently seeing an '80s revival in the secular music charts, but this tends to be more focused on the dance pop of boy and girl bands. In short, this album could have so easily reached way beyond the Christian ghetto, yet it entirely fails to do so. Stringer's voice is pitch-perfect, captured and complemented flawlessly, but undoubtedly sounds dated. It is such a shame to see such superlative materials expertly Grafted only to produce something so inherently passe. Even the cover seems to emulate a Nick Berry publicity shot. Like the England football team of the European Cup, it is saddening to see so much on-paper-talent misfire and fail to achieve all they deserve.

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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