Reviewed by Ewan Jones

The self-penned title track of the debut album from a Nashville-based worship leader highlights God's faithful love, steadfast despite our sin and despite the trials that come in life. It's got a hook, a soulful groove and a message of hope. It also sets out plainly the theme of love - love of God and God's love for us - a vein that runs deep throughout the album's mix of McClarney's own songs and some diverse covers. No surprises there, but what was surprising to me was quite how good this CD is; in fact, it's one of the best worship albums that I've heard for a good while. The songs are well played by McClarney and band, and each track is sensitively and sensibly arranged, so much so that when songs are extended and choruses repeated it truly aids the opportunity to worship God through the songs. "From The Inside Out" is a moving version of the excellent Joel Houston song showcasing the passion and diversity in Chris's singing style, but probably my favourite two tracks are the 10 minute cover of Keith Green's "You Are The One" and album closer Dylan's "When He Returns". As individual tracks and as a whole album it's not rushed or overwhelming, what's more the six original songs stand up very well next to tunes by some of the current big names. If I had to draw any negatives, I would observe that modern worship music is one of the primary ways that can be used to proclaim and learn key truths of the Christian faith, particularly for new Christians and young people. With that in mind, "Blow Mighty Breath Of God" is the only song that even directly refers to the Cross, the ultimate example of God's love for us. Having said that, I would recommend that those looking for a high quality worship CD check out this mature debut.

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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