Reviewed by Robin Budgell

Slick, orchestrated, big-budget American P&W. You either love it or hate it! Al, in celebrating 15 years of ministry, was inspired to “blend new songs of praise with hymnal classics” following his brother’s death and nights of soul-searching. Al also encourages the work of a community that supports teenagers in difficulty. We should thank God for the ways he has worked through these ministries but none of these facts can change the highly predictable nature of the music. If you love the smooth, white-soul sound, unchanged since the ‘80s, then stop reading now (and buy this album). Despite a bevy of guests - including Ron Kenoly, Lisa Bevill, Babbie Mason - this project still drags. Like the innumerable number ones of Westlife, every song sounds the same, blended means one song haltingly slows, stops and an unrelated song starts in its place and nine of 10 tracks start with a tinkling, unconvincing electric piano intro. Ironically if your church worship band sounded like this you would rave about it! This is either a 1 or 9 star album - only you can know.

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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