Reviewed by Tom Lennie

An inordinate wealth of high quality "Christian" music has flowed from north of the American border over the years. Add to this the dulcet tones of Ms Fortnum, whose style may be loosely compared to that of Sheila Walsh or Twila Paris (but with a touch more panache!). This disc marks a notable progression in both strength of songwriting and quality of sound from her debut over five years ago, for which some credit must be given to the multi-instrumental work of producer/engineer Chris Janz. Debbie's competent alto vocals do justice to this batch of self-penned tunes, and while she sticks mainly within piano-based inspirational pop ballad parameters she does allow some breadth of scope, adding, for example, hints of funk and a touch of gospel here and there. Lyrics are thoroughly soaked in the Scriptures, yet they remain fresh, while the spiritual depth ingrained in every stanza is both impressive and moving. Especially appealing are the choruses of "Imagine, Immersion" and "Believe". The first came with Debbie being "wonderstruck" by the truths of Ephesians. The latter song was inspired by a prayer made by her great grandfather (x4!) - Dr. Andrew Murray, a pioneering Scots-born revivalist preacher in South Africa. Debbie's voice soars on certain tracks, such as the simply effective "Like An Eagle" (with fine guitar break). Meanwhile, "He Bore My Sorrows" is a beautiful meditation on the Cross. All in all, a charming experience of true inspiration, definitely deserving of a wider audience.

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