Reviewed by Mark Lawrence

With a career spanning 27 years it would be easy for CCM veteran singer/songwriter Twila Paris to rest on her laurels. 'Small Sacrifice' though is anything but a re-working of a back catalogue that stretches over 20 albums and includes classics like "He Is Exalted" and "We Bow Down". Musically 'Small Sacrifice' combines songs for congregational worship such as the piano-driven, hymn-like "I Can Do All Things" and upbeat pop of "We Know Love" with more adult contemporary tracks such as the folksy/Celtic infused "There Is A Plan" and the hauntingly beautiful ballad "You Lead Me" which takes the listener on a journey through Psalm 23. Vocally Twila sounds not unlike Dido, Shania Twain (without the country twang) or fellow CCMer Lou Fellingham and her luscious tone compliments the quieter ballads such as "Small Sacrifice" and "Lord I Need You" where her voice lifts and gives life to the simple melodies. At times the balladry slips squarely into the middle-of-the-road and the congregational worship songs are just a hotch-potch of tired clichés such as on "Live To Praise". But overall Twila sounds as fresh now as she did 25 years ago.

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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