Reviewed by Paul Kinvig

I'm totally confused, pleasantly so, but confused nonetheless. Picture the scene: a study of the cover indicated I was in for a "redeemed" combination of Judie Tzuke and Stevie Nicks - angels, not fairies, at the bottom of the garden? So I switched into Kate Bush mode and waited. Ten seconds later I feel like Norm from 'Cheers" in the latest Jackson video (is that weird or what?), blown out of my house by some maniac on stun guitar - Jennifer Batten to be precise, the player on the 'Bad' tour - who rips into the riff of "Written In Red" like some crazed piranha and who's now chasing me around the garden firing off a barrage of notes subtly called "Say What You Mean". "Colour Blind" allows a brief respite then we're off again for a gallop around "Wonderland" and "Way Over Your Head". (Put my tea in the oven, mother, I'll be back in a minute!) Seriously though, once you're over the initial shock you'll find an album stuffed full of American hard rock given a little funk twist, courtesy of Tim Miner's production - check out "Luke 17:2" for a typical Miner. Cindy, whom CCM buffs will tell you once fronted popular pop-gospel team Cruse, has a voice that isn't brilliant, but then neither is it mediocre and she tackles her lyrical subjects with weight and thought - sorry, got to run as that guitarist's back again, playing "I Wouldn't Trade It". Back to the garden again! MORAL: never judge a CD by its cover.

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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