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Another Canadian outfit for me to get my teeth into, and what a band they are! Having just played the New England Music Festival alongside the likes of Petra, and The Newsboys, plus a host of radio stations playing their songs, TOS look like a band we'll be hearing a lot more of in the future. Sound wise, the album is reminiscent of Jars of Clay with a little DC Talk added in for good measure. The result is a collection of songs that will inspire you as well as asking you a few home truths. Lead singer Colin Genereux has a great voice and a fine way of writing most of the tracks. 'Choose To Live' opens proceedings with some great guitar riffs and superb vocal harmonies, answering the age old question of which road to follow. The repentant Christian is the feature of 'I Believe in You', a quiet acoustic number that flows right through you. 'Forgive My People' is another track that is filled with awe and worship for God. Getting the message of the Gospel over to the youth of Canada is number one on the bands list of priorities. Canada is most fortunate to have TOS. 9/10. (October 1998)
Have they or have they not split up, that is the question? Reports are inconclusive either way, but at least the latest album has reached these shores. Hitting off with the funky 'Sing A Song', this sextet sing some lovely harmonies and some downright rubbish. There's a great ballad called 'I'll Be There' while 'Delilah' is more upbeat. Instantly forgettable classics are 'We Don't Have to Cry' and 'Do Right', were the lead vocals are drowned out by the backing singers' "doo-wops". The simple songs seem to be the most accessible and 'Can't Stop' is a prime example with it's singalong chorus. It's soul music with most emphasis on the vocals, and it's quite good, at times. The final track is an assurance from God that whatever you go through in life "I will be there...don't let go" - an excellent song. If we have heard the last of Take 6 then, with this album, they will be remembered with a whimper rather than a bang. 5/10. (February 1997)
"We're back to our acappella roots, doing what we do best". So say Take 6 with their latest release "So Cool". An album that I never thought I'd hear following the hype of their previous offering which promoted it as "their last album together". So, yes there are very few instruments backing the remarkable voices of these 6 guys. The doo-wop sounds of the title track is a little too old fashioned and sounds more like a barbershop quartet. Mid-album comes the goodies and "If You Only Knew" and "Wings of Your Prayer" are really sweet. "Fly Away" is a calypso tune that I soon found myself tapping my foot to, and there's a clever, restrained, acoustic guitar on "You'll Be Waiting..." Unfortunately, it was then I lost interest in the sounds as the harmonies seemed to get caught in too complicated arrangements, resulting in a wall of unclear sound. Too bad really, because this had the makings of something promising. 5/10. (February 1999)
Another one of those bright young things from across the pond appears onto the CCM scene with an album that will, I believe, appeal to the teen market. Described as an "energetic exercise in fun" the tracks' style move from sugary pop to some quite excellent slower numbers. "I Do Believe" is a prime example of the former, complete with dance beat and an unquestionable belief in God. "If You Need Love" is very much in the Britney Spears mould, but "Trusting You" finds Tammy in a more mellow mood. "Without You" is one of the strongest cuts, and has already featured on my playlist. With a pedigree of touring with the likes of Big Tent Revival, Out of Eden, and Petra, she's already begun to make her mark. Not a classic album by any means but better than average. 7/10. (October 2000)
I must admit, I still get a feeling of excitement when an independently released CD drops through my letter box for review. Doing the business for God on the south coast of England are four guys who are moving towards their 100th gig in 4 years. "Alternatively" collects 10 tracks from their live set and returns to life, the two and a half minute pop song. The sound is almost a throwback to the late 70's - a cross between the Skids and the Undertones, so I was well pleased. Sometimes, I found the songwriting lacking a little in overall strength, but more experience will, I'm sure, rectify that. "Lighthouse" and "God Is A Heartbreaker" are just two early good songs but the breakthrough comes with "Perseverance". This, slower number, raises up the Lord with praise and worship straight out of the heart of Target. "Down on the Beach" is bound to be live favourite and the energy from it does carry over onto the recording. If you expect a flawless album, you'll be disappointed, but Target are aiming high and are well on their way to their goal. 8/10. (September 2000)
If this album could be likened to an F1 Grand Prix, then all the pre-release US media hype would have ensured that it started on the front row of the grid. And, in all honesty, it does speed from the blocks with the Travis inspired title track, containing hypnotic rhythms and progressive vocals. And, by track or lap 3, this car would still be leading the pack as "This Story" powers it's way in top gear. What happens next must be classed as an engine blowing up as the car slowly slows and slips slowly down the pecking order. Briefly, the melancholy "February" breathes life back into things but it then drives like a 1960 Ford Zephyr - good looking but a museum piece. Lyrics about knowing God since childhood, praising Jesus, and walking with God are all very well, but there's not much to get excited about here. 3/10. (January 2004)
Here it is then, the first two tracks to be taken from the forthcoming Tribe album. It may be an all new line-up but is there any difference to the sound? Not much, if these tow songs are anything to go by. Saying that, it's quality that counts and there's certainly enough here to make you want to hear more. Hip hop's at the front of what's happening and the title track gives the listener just what they want. I preferred the more dancey "Shout It Out" but, then, what do I know. The album is due for release on July 30th. we can only wait. (June 2001)
The Wateriiwine Ministries is committed to serving God by ministering to those who are thirsty for the word of God, and who are thirsty for the Spiritual wine, which only God can provide. One part of their outreach is a Jamaican born lady called Thea Wray, and this is her album. There's lots of reggae Caribbean influences contained throughout the playlist, but don't expect just reggae! For instance, there's the really hip "High" that sounds as if it's straight out of the charts. Thumping bass drum and great tune. But, if it's reggae you're after, then the infectious sound of "Halleluujah" will be just what the doctor ordered. For those who enjoy the smoother tastes, "Broken For Me" has everything you could ask for. Lovely piano sound and Thea's voice soaring high and full of feeling. There's one or two low points, for me, where the songs don't quite live up to their predecessors, but this is a very good debut. Ending the album is a 20 minute instrumental devotional section which, on it's own, stands up well to "big label" recordings. Check this one out!. 9/10. (May 2003)
A lot of media hype met with this release a couple of months ago, so I was intrigued to finally get my hands on a copy. Third Day are going down a storm in the U.S and CCM press over there are going wild. "Oh no", I thought, on first listen. "It's Pearl Jam", not one of my favourite bands. However, despite the opening 'Peace' and 'You Make Me Mad', the album does mellow out a bit more. 'How's Your Head' is a tuneful cut that lends more than a passing resemblance to a couple of Brit pop bands. 'Alien', I've heard before and I still like it's thumping beat and driving guitar. It's not all head down rock, and 'I Deserve?' is primarily acoustic and a superb song. Without being outstanding, this is a good album and maybe we're just beginning to see just why our American friends are creating such a fuss about this band. If their next album builds on this one, we could be in for quite a release. 7/10. (February 1998)
"Winners of FIVE 2001 Dove Awards" said the blurb in the (very nice) package. It looked remarkably like a 7" single, did this CD. Fooled me until I took it out, anyway. The attention to detail upped my anticipation levels, but I have to say that the "Winners" blurb lowered it again. But I have maligned the Dove awards - this is a very fine album indeed. Probably the best CCM album I've heard since "King of Fools" by Delirious?. In a slightly different mould, but well up-tempo, well written and well performed. It's got subtlety, too, such as "I Don't Know" - it's just like a classic Rock ballad should be. Expect the lyrics to turn up in a liturgical confession near you. Either that or your worship band to strike up the Paul Simon-esque "Sing Praises". All the album lacks is a catchy melody that I can't get out of my head and it'd score 10/10. Think Ocean Colour Scene meets classic Bruce Springsteen meets Lynyrd Skynyrd (vocals) with odd Delirious-style guitars, roll it into a 2002-style rock mix and get your local shop to play you "40 days" or "I Got You". Then buy it - you won't be disappointed. Now I've just got to find a way of fitting a 7" single into my CD rack. 9/1 Paul Ganney. (February 2002)
Third Day are a band I have heard a lot about in the past and, fresh from winning their first Grammy award, this offering (no pun intended) is intriguing to say the least. Half of the 12 tracks are studio recordings and the other half live recordings with, as far as I can tell, some of the live tracks being new songs and some live versions of songs from previous albums. The album jumps back and forth between the studio and live recordings which makes it hard to get into at first but it is well worth persevering because the music rewards repeated listening. The sound is unashamedly rocky with a great depth and variety of instrumentation, while lyrically there is real spiritual depth and the songs are clearly both written and sung from the heart, with an openness that leads to a feeling of intimacy with God even in the midst of a screaming crowd and a huge guitar riff. If I had to pick one stand-out song it would be "Anything", but there is plenty to recommend the others, especially the gentle, piano-led "Offering". I will be listening to this for a while yet. Recommended!! 9/10 David Cooper (May 2003)
What a strange one we have here! Featuring ex-Alter Boys vocalist, Mark Robertson, This Train rattle off 13 (maybe 14?) songs at a, sometime, quite hectic pace. Kicking off with the surfer's instrumental 'Hanger 84', you're transported back into the early 60's with echoing guitars and bubblegum keyboards. It's a great formula that's repeated, once more, on 'Seaform Green' albeit a little shorter in length. These guys have got a quirky sense of humour that won't be lost on the British public, especially 'We're Getting Nowhere' which appears to be a parody of themselves. Throughout, there's a feeling of retro music being brought up to date which, for the most part, does pay off. 'A Million Years' features some great harmonies to add to the mainly guitar driven sounds. Listen carefully and you'll here the voice of the late Rich Mullins on backing vocals. It's fun, it's frantic, it's different! 7/10. (August 1998)
It was the band's witty lyrics that made their debut album stand out from the crowd only 18 months ago and, I'm pleased to say, that the winning formula has been continued on this follow up. However, what has changed is the move from just plain old rock, to include jazz, swing, and rockabilly. "She's A Rocker" brings in the big band sound and the result is the kind of thing that former Stray Cat, Brian Setzer, is doing so well at the moment. The title track then switches into typical U.S rock and shows that these three guys can still rock with the best. Those of us old enough to remember The Shadows, in their hey-day, will love "The Way It Sounds", complete with twangy guitars. Want something a bit different? Try This Train. 9/10. (March 2000)
Toronto- based Thousand Foot Krutch were formed while the members were still in high school. Using the modern hard rock sound, the band have a huge fan base, thanks to the relentless touring they have undertaken over the last 4 years.. Listening to the album, I found it hard to hear what the the band were actually trying to say through their music. It's not just due to the, sometimes, incoherent vocals, it's just that some of the lyrics just don't seem to make sense. For instance, on the track "Go", I sat and read the lyrics several times before it dawned on me that the song was about Peter's denial of Jesus - I think. The title track has thumping rhythms and crashing guitars, but it's nothing special. "Hit the Floor" made me sit up and take note, but the best is left for last. "Breath You In" is the most tuneful song on show, and it's a glorious piece. That said, I found the rest of the album to be filled with mediocre numbers that did little to raise my enthusiasm. 6/10. (December 2005)
This Dove Nominated group contains ex-Spin Doctors guitarist Anthony Krizan and sound in the vain of Sheryl Crow and the Eagles. This certainly comes to light in track 2 'Maggie's Prayer'. However, there's a whole bunch of boring songs until 'April & ME'. Finally, a good song with lively music. 'Fast Food Religion' keeps the tempo going but then things start to go downhill again. I was nearly asleep by the time 'Monday Mornings' appeared. Good song, good music. Too many of the songs sounded the same, however, and tended to droll on, and on without really getting anywhere. Sometimes the vocals are terrible, an example being 'Bag of Creation' - it sounds like an audition that went wrong. I liked 5 out of the 14 songs, and I definitely would not buy it. 3/10. Anna Howlett. (September 1998)
Drawing on their experiences of working with numerous top CCM artists, the members of Three Strand use a celtic base with this debut album. They tell us that their music is the new Pop praise and worship. What's new? Well, I guess - for a change - it's the American youth who are taking a leaf out of the British book. What? I mean, it sounds just like any album that's come out of the Stoneleigh Live albums or, indeed, any other youth festival of it's kind. There's ballads like "Pour Your Anointing Oil on Me", funky gospel , in the shape of "Joy", and even an anthemic "Before the Throne of God Above" - complete with crashing percussion and seering bagpipes. Is it any good though? The answer is, "yes, it is". It's great to see, and hear, some young Americans who aren't quite as easily pigeon holed as many of their fellow countrymen/women. Not really my cup of tea but I couldn't help admire Three Strand. 7/10. (December 1999)
In one form or another the members of 3rd Day Rising have been playing music together since the late 80's, with the current line up being together for two years. "Spiral" certainly doesn't hold back and hard rock fans will be clamouring to get hold of a copy of this release. Once "Pain" belts out of your system's speakers, you know that your in for a musical ride of a lifetime. With influences like Led Zepplin, Metallica and Nirvana, you don't need me to tell you that this really is for serious metalheads. On a lighter vain, "Violence" sounds like Bon Jovi at their very best as the band look at the subject of violence in today's society. "Sleeping Giant" is a choice cut, complete with its catchy rock chorus, heavy verse and tremendous guitar work of Mike Soear. On vocals is Chris Edwards and his voice IS the business. Even on the closing "Spiral Down" his gritty delivery - combined with excellent riffs - literally shakes you to the bone. It's a long time since I heard metal as good as this. 9/10. (September 1999)
Now here's one to watch out for. This is the debut recording of
a young three piece band from Tyneside, home of YFriday and yours
truly. So what's new? ... Apart from living in a musically talented
area (!). Sometimes when you hear something for the first time,
something grabs you about it - you know there is potential
there. These three lads of far eastern origin have written some
excellent rock worship songs, with nice, mature arrangements -
but not your average D? wannabes, there is originality here. The
recording itself was done on a budget, and I'm afraid it shows
in the production, but that's just me being a perfectionist. The
songs shine through, and so does their faith. 'Time Will Come'
is a great track, and the title track 'The Ground Had Shook' will
go places. 'I Cried Out to God' is another one. If you buy a copy
of this album now, it'll be an investment as I'm sure it will
be a collector's item in years to come. As it says in the song,
'Fame', (boy, doesn't that show my age!), 'Baby,remember my name
....'
8/10 Julie Lord. (March 2002)
Titus originally began life in 1995 when 4 Christian friends started playing music together. Since 2001, they've been a 3 piece outfit, and this e.p is their first release. The title track is full of driving energy, as are the others, and I'm not too old to appreciate that. Guitars are full of sound, the drums are solid, and the vocals just gritty enough to avoid being too nice. We're in the land of Blink 182 and Sum41 here of what is a short, sharp look at a band who are delivering the good news through music that appeals to the youth of today. Let's here more lads because this has given me a taste for more. 8/10. (April 2003)
Already likened in style to Phil & John, as well as Eden Burning, Tony Cornish is another new name to the world of CCM. With 12 self-penned songs, he has released this delicious collection for a wider audience. For starters, we have the poignant 'The First Heart to Break', written after the Dunblane tragedy. Here, Tony carefully puts into words the feelings of those who were hundreds of miles away from the event, yet still grieved. The main course is served by the extremely tasty, 'Upside Down'. You can really get your teeth into the catchy hooks and the foot tapping beat. After dabbling with some juicy jazz/blues mid-course, presnets one of the best titles for a song I've heard in some time. 'Windy Side of Your Welcome Mat' tells of his personal trust and thankfulness of being IN God's house, rather than outside and open to the elements/temptations. For desert, we're served up with the quite beautiful 'Oceans of Forgivenss', a song of meditation that concludes with some prime saxophone playing. With another batch of songs ready to record, Tony must be careful if he is to live up to the standards he's set with this one. 9/10. (January 1999)
Things have certainly started to move for singer/songwriter Tony Cornish, since the release of his debut album "First Heart". After signing up with Brian Taylor's New Dawn Music, and gaining support slots with the likes of Loose Goose, he's ready to release his EP, "Sacrifice". Four tracks that show that he's not a man to rest on his laurels, but to build on what he's already achieved. The lyrics of "Honest Injun" asks for truth and honesty from world leaders, and the sound is moving towards that of The Waterboys. From there, we travel into Beautiful South country, with a laid-back ballad that has some very good backing vocals. "Swimming With the Dolphins" would be the obvious track for single material, with it's quiet verse, pressure building middle eight, and distorted guitar chorus. Great song. It's the title track that finishes things off and, after it's predecessor, isn't as strong. However, I think that both new and old fans will enjoy this release. 8/10. (June 1999)
Tony Willis is a worship leader in Acton, London, and has released this collection of worship songs that reflect on his personal discovery that God is "more willing to give, than he (Tony) is to receive". Not sure of the reason, but the lead vocals aretaken by Fraser McDermott, while Tony supplies some backing, plus most of the instrumentation. "For Your Prayers" opens things up and it's an uptempo song that you can imagine one of the bigger names in worship performing. The title track is just contemporary worship at it's best and would go down a storm at worship events. "Thank You For the Cross" and "You Died For Me" are really poignant reflections, were Fraser's vocals are really in their element. As I've recently settled at a new church, I've re-discovered some of the more simple truths of god, and albums such as this one have been a boom. Not sure of Tony's influences but I swear there's a hint of U2 guitar in "I Worship You". For a new name to the worship circuit, Tony Willis has produced a good album. 9/10. (July 2003)
This church is known for the 'Toronto Blessing' and has held continuous nightly revival meetings since January 1994. "Catch the Fire" is an event where leaders have come from around the world and been empowered and refreshed by the Holy Spirit. I have to admit 6that this is the first album I have listened to from the fellowship, and I am quite impressed. There is a good selection of songs, both traditional and modern, by the likes of Noel Richards, Stuart Townend, Martin smith etc. Robert Critchely and Jeremy Sinnett are the worship leaders on this release and they write my favourite songs. "I Will See Ya" (Sinnett) is a quiet, contemplative song, while the title track (Critchely) is a powerful praise number. "In His Majesty He Rides" is a good compilation, catching some of my own favourite songs. The quality of the singing and music is excellent and captures what must have been a spirit filled event. I can only wish that I had been there! 9/10. Pam Robinson. (June 2000)
Featuring senior worship leader Robert Critchley and Jeremy Sinnott this album comes live from the "Catch the Fire" conference. Attracting worship leaders from around the world, who wish to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, the refreshing is often carried home to bless their own church, city and nation. This collection of songs isn't quite as good as the previous ones in my opinion, although I was drawn to one of the male voices. No credits to which of the leaders sing on which song but, the likes of "I'm Making Melody" and "Do You Love To Praise the Lord?" are very powerful indeed. I also liked the old fashioned folky sound of "There is a Song" which, although 8 minutes in length, is very thoughtfully delivered. Some songs became much of a muchness for me and I found some songs rather tedious. "My Troubled Soul", however, doesn't come into that category as this big worship number draws the listener instantly into some great time of worship. As I say, not quite as good as the previous releases in the series but worth a listen. 6/10.
"I want to cross barriers", says Tracey. "I think that the music and production of this album are strong and mainstream enough to catch the ears of people who don't usually listen to Christian music." Personally, I'm not so sure. At her best, Oregon born Tracey sounds like Ce Ce Winans, particularly on the excellent 'Dancin' in the Son'. This song is so smooth, so catchy, and just head and shoulders above any over track featured. The problem lies, I believe, with the tired feel of gospel jazz that is the main style of the album. It's very much a case of one song sounding the same as the next and, on the whole, not enough feeling from the lady herself. 'Humbly Before You' would be worthy of air play but as for the rest......3/10. (January 1998)
Travis Cottrell is an experienced worship leader with a warm, all encompassing style, according to the sleeve notes on the cd. Not an easy thing to achieve and I speak from experience, so I was hoping this would make for an interesting listen. To be honest, I've been a little disappointed; whilst you cannot doubt the technical ability of Travis and his band, or the anointing of their ministry, there is little of any real originality here to perhaps warrant such a high profile. There are one or two good songs, notably "Better Than Life" and the title track, but on the whole, most of them are just a little bland. In this sense it, probably does achieve it's purpose; there is nothing on here that would cause offence and therefore, in a live setting, it should appeal to a broad spectrum of worshippers. But the trouble is, as a recording, this type of album is ten-a-penny. I just know this will go in my collection and will probably never see the light of day again! Fine if you want a run of the mill worship album, but for me it's very American and very middle of the road, and therefore gets a very middling 5/10. Robin Thompson (October 2003)
Is it just me, or are we getting a whole host of excellent releases at the moment. Following their UK debut last summer, South Africa's, Tree present 14 brand new songs. Opening with the U2 sounding "101", it's easy to see just why the band are proving so popular. If the Police were together today then, surely, they would sound like this. The distinctive vocals, the thumping bass and clever guitars all add up to a great sound. "Sacrifice" tells of the sacrifice that Jesus paid for us, and it really is a moving song. The softer, infectious, tones of "Fisherman" blends in well with the wide range of tempo elsewhere, such as the most excellent "Earnestly, Earnestly". Throughout, "63" is an album that will keep your attention - even if it was to turn down the one blemish ("Scary") on an otherwise "must buy" album. 9/10. (October 1999)
So, with a brand new line up, THE TRIBE - as they are now known - explode back onto the scene with "Take Back the Beat". The whole album is a mix of hip hop and funky dance tunes, as well as the obligatory ballad "Turn Around". This track rates as high as anything UK popsters Westlife or A1 have done and could really do well, chart wise, given the right push. The hip hop tracks are my favourite - showing that I'm not such an old man after all. "God Squad" and "Generation Rising" are two prime examples of this type of music at it's best, complete with attack minded vocals and great rhythms. On the other hand, I can't say that I'm such a fan of the funkier tunes. "Only You" and "God Made Me Funky" just don't seem to work as well. The title track is more of the biting sound we've come to know the Tribe for over the years and "Fit to Burst" is another. It's still music with a message for the youth of today and, in that quota, they've done it again. However, revisiting the classic "Jumping in the House of God" was a mistake - big time. Forget it people, the new version is, as my daughter would say, "pants". 8/10. (September 2001)
Blending English, classical and Irish Folk traditions, this release showcases the work of Troy Donockley who has built up a reputation as both Composer/Arranger and Musician/Performer, and as a leading virtuoso of the Uilleann Pipes. As well as his work with Iona, Troy's orchestral work has been performed in such venues as the Royal Festival Hall and the Glasgow Concert Hall with soloists such as Moya Brennan and Lesley Garrett. So with a big build up like that, you know that I've very little to say about the album. I'm sorry, I just don't understand it. The press release says that music from this album has already been used in Film/TV all over the world and I'm not surprised at all. Indeed, it sounds like a collection of incidental music that's been culled from TV/film projects rather than the other way round. The sound of the ten and a half minute "Floating world" does sound "floaty" but that's about all I can say. Monotonous sounds, ethereal movements and an eighteen minute finale fail to raise this from being nothing more than a mysterious release that should send even the most avid listener into a state of unconsciousness. 1/10. (January 2005)
With a heavy emphasis on vocals and dance, and led by one of the founding members of the multi-platinum supergroup 98, Jonathan Lippmann, True Vibe are the latest US boy band to hit the scene. Already going down a storm in their home country, with numerous high profile TV appearances, True Vibe present their debut self titled album. Full of great rhythms, the sound is very much in the style of the Backstreet Boys and Plus One. "Now & Forever" wouldn't be lost in any match against the current secular equivalents and it's a song that I've played over Andover again. "Jump, Jump, Jump" is a real dancey number while "Sweet Jesus" lowers the tempo. "You Are the Way" has a simple message but the harmonies are just simply first class. Of the rest, I guess, "Never Again" is the best but the acappella "I Live For You" strikes home, too. 9/10. (July 2001, Album of the Month)
Previously both solo artists, Linda Elias and Lesley Glassford met over a dinner at a local restauraunt with their husbands and Benson A&R director Bill Baumgart. Their first release in 1995 met with a good response and this follow up looks set to propel them higher. Track 1, "I'm Alive" is such a great declaration of Jesus in their lives, that it's hard not to immediately replay the same song. "The Prodigal Daughter" is a strong pop song but the powerful string arrangement on "A Scarlet Thread..." is, literally, awesome. The voices of these two ladies were just meant to be together. "Hopefully, Linda & I will be able to minister to women who feel they're out there all alone", says Lesley. Well, this record is not just for the female sex, and "Love Can Take Us There" goes to prove that Christ is for everyone, no matter who you are. Beautifully crafted pop song that is a sure hit for CCM radio. Also included is the old Cyndi Lauper song "True Colours", and "Soul To Keep", a simple prayer that shows the depth of the songwriting overall. 8/10. (April 1998)
Hailed as the 'definitive collection', this album chronicles some
of the highlights of Twila Paris' ministry of the last 20 years.
She's been honoured with 5 Dove Awards, 3 times the Female Vocalist
of the Year, 17 albums, 32 No.1 singles and over 2 million units
in sales to her credit. As well as some of her best known songs,
there are also 3 new tunes on this release but, in all honesty,
it's the former that shine. First up is the triumphant worship
of "God Is In Control". Great pop song, sung with the
great belief that God IS in control of her life. "We Bow
Down" is a pleasant, easy going number but "Not Afraid
Anymore" stands head and shoulders above anything else. From
her 1996 "Where I Stand" album, I'd forgotten just how
good this sounds. Ballads of note include "The Time Is Now"
and "Lamb of God" both delivered with great strength
and heartfelt worship. Even as late on the track listing as 17,
"Destiny" will renew a flagging spirit with it's God
filled honesty. A good album for your collection. 8/10. (December 2001)
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