Reviewed by Simon Eden

This debut album from a Hertfordshire-based singer/songwriter is a bit of a revelation. When someone starts out writing Christian songs, the major Biblical themes and their Scriptures are an obvious source of early inspiration. However, there is the potential trap of using the same old lines and concepts that have been used so many times before that the effect on the listener quickly palls. For example "What would happen to you if you died tonight?" This can be exacerbated when reviving classic songs such as "There Is A Green Hill Far Away" as Angela does here. But all thoughts of the potential pitfalls are banished on 'Telling The Truth. Honestly'. Take for example "O Jesus I Have Promised". It's recorded here with a hauntingly atmospheric production with tinges of Celtic instrumentation reminiscent of Ginny Owens version of "Be Thou My Vision". It is the second track "The Same Sun" which again shows traces of genius, especially the tearful, emotional ending. With some of the best classical lead guitar playing I have heard, the message of the song is a play on words "The same sun shines on us all. . . the same Son died for us all. . . so why should you feel they are worth more than you" which has challenged me ever since. "Thank You" is pop with some funky rhythm guitar, "Do You Know Him" is a Hammond organ led jazz-tinged song whilst "Deliverance" verges on Europop with a phat bassline. The whole album offers a wide range of styles but I'll be concentrating on the gentle, beautiful tracks.

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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