Reviewed by Jemimah Wright

If you like Bob Dylan, you'll like the first song in Brian Houston's third solo project (he is also part of The Hudson Taylors with worship leaders Wayne Drain and Noel Richards). However the first song is where the similarity with Dylan ends. What characterises 'Roller Coaster' is the very different styles used - Brian Houston will not be put in a box! The songs go from acoustic guitar, to electric to harmonica, there are even similarities with The Verve in some songs. Brian's voice is the first thing that hits you, he has a raw passion when singing and an energy that pulls the songs together. To me the best comes out in the softer songs, "Wash Me Clean" is a beautiful worship song and my favourite on the album. He does a good cover of Michael Fry's "Jesus Be The Centre", the only song Brian didn't write on 'Roller Coaster', adding his own touches to make it feel different from the Vineyard recording. This CD isn't for everyone, but because of the many different styles used, you'll probably love a couple of the songs. The CD cover is really cool too!


Jemimah Wright is assistant edtor for The DOOR newspaper and goes to the Cherwell Vineyard Church in Oxford.

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