Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The new release from the writer of last year’s big US smash “Butterfly Kisses” is full of classy ballads and lush arrangements that would not be out of place alongside the likes of Celine Dion and company. Carlisle’s vast experience is shown here in the choice of songs and guest artistes like The American Festival Orchestra. Their breathtaking musical imagery in the opener “We Fall Down” – a stunning portrayal of God’s grace – would alone be reason enough to buy this album. The beefy sound of Big Motor Horns in “Power Of Love” and Radical For Christ’s gospel backdrop on “In The Hands Of Jesus” are a delight too. Despite the high-powered vocals and the key changes at 10,000 feet the autobiographical lyrics of ‘Stories From The Heart’ are down to earth and witness to the fact that Carlisle is a Godly man who is powerfully devoted to his wife and children. Only once does he go overboard with sentimentality with the rather gooey “Lately (Dreamin’ About Babies)” but this, if anything, declares his family commitment in an even stronger way. This album may take a few listens to get into but it will touch Christians and non-Christians alike.

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