Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I enjoyed Dan's last set though sometimes felt his songs were a little too oblique and referred too often to personal experience which didn't always connect with a man with "meat and potatoes" tastes like mine. This time around Dan has penned songs which every believer will relate to. That doesn't mean Dan has settled for obvious truisms and biblical paraphrases. Rather, he's written lyrics which resonate with healthy vulnerability. Take "Run", with its honest depiction of a heart's inclination to drift away from the lover of our souls ("I should have known that leaving you would leave me this way") or "Walk On Water" examining the battle in all our hearts as we try and hold on to faith ("I know what you're thinking/It's so hard to trust/When you feel like you are sinking/And the hope you had turned to dust.") Dan's spiritual insights have been put to strong melodies while Dan has produced them with his guitars filling out the arrangements and with deft touches from his mates on bass, drums and keys. Throughout Dan's vocals communicate a languid warmth while the organic production keeps the focus rightly on words and melody. Dan is something of a wonder on today's scene, making music that can speak to a wide audience yet neatly sidestepping the Bible verse sloganeering or the obscure metaphors of many Christian singer/songwriters. Consequently, anyone purchasing 'Seven Kinds Of Grace' will want to listen to its thoughtfully crafted music over and over again.

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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