Reviewed by Trevor Raggatt

It's clear that the traditional singer/songwriter is making something of a comeback. A quick look at the charts, awards shows and critical lists only confirms this. The time is clearly right for the Nashville CCM veteran and his soulful, piano-led tunes. Happily, the experienced singer steers clear of the self-pitying "miserableism" which so often blights the genre. The 13 songs on the CD, rather, are thoughtful and uplifting. As the opening track asks, "Why sit down to write a sad song when there's so much good to be found in life?" "Lemonade" ploughs a similar furrow. Christian spirituality clearly infuses each of the tracks - there is no ambiguity about Rice's philosophical persuasion - but it's all done with beautiful subtlety. Rice is talented and experienced enough to know that he doesn't need to cram a theological textbook into each ABACAB verse/chorus structure. His songs are all the better for it too. These are tunes grounded in real life and quiet secure faith. Any listener with a penchant for the classic singers like James Taylor or Jackson Browne will find that 'What A Heart Is Beating For' will set their pulses racing!

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