Reviewed by Chris Tozer

That admirable Aussie John Smith once confessed that he could stomach most kinds of music from Gregorian Chant through to garage and grunge, but he drew the line at Frank Sinatra. But old blue eyes can draw comfort from the title track of this offering from Freedom -a Stockport-based duo featuring the keyboards and songs of Scott Fellows aided and abetted by the vocals of Dorike Alii. Indeed, it would appear that the band love Frankie too, because much of his brand of nightclub music permeates the album. Yet, lyrically they cover a far wider spectrum than the average MOR outfit, from the sublime of the Lord's return in "It's Gonna Be Soon" to the ridiculous of "Just One More" - a gentle send up of country music with the hope that "Heaven will be Tammy and Dolly free". There's also comedy a plenty in the "Church Goers Cha Cha" but beware the message for modern day Pharisees. "Stress City" is hardly relaxing music for drivers but thoughtfully it's followed by the calm of Taize classic "Lord Hear My Prayer". There is ample proof in this collection that you don't have to be a folk singer to write incisive lyrics about the world around you.

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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