Reviewed by Tony Cummings

It's been a long, long wait of course. But here it is and, surprise, surprise, Helen Jayne's CD debut is a gem. As any young hopeful who sends Cross Rhythms a demo (sorry, privately recorded tape) will tell you, it's a long, long haul from there to landing a big budget CD contract where the record company fly you out to Nashville to record with some of CCM's finest and where even your hair stylist gets a credit on the CD sleeve. We've already raved about some of the demo (sorry, privately recorded) versions of these songs and "Pretty Eyes" and "Reality" sound even lovelier now that producer Chris Eaton can wrap a classy billowing soundscape around them. The new song "Safe" is a gem too (though wonder at the wisdom of calling an album that in this age of musical snobs only too prepared to sneer at "safe" music). But I digress. Helen's voice, with that bitter-sweet catch, is a joy to the ear, while the opening track "Better Way Ahead" with an irresistible radio-friendly hook ("Remember what you said/When you knelt by your bed/Now there's a better way ahead")will be heard on many a radio show. Classic pop-gospel.

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