Reviewed by Ian Thomson

If you've not heard of this Ohio-based artist, imagine some of Amy Grant's softer songs, simplify the instrumentation a little, and you're getting there. Shaw was once a worship leader in Jacksonville, Florida, and although the content of her songs is too personal and specific for corporate worship, the music here draws heavily on electric church music. Rhythmic electric keys, arpeggiated guitars and dummed-down drum beats create a rather predictable background for Jennifer's impressive vocals. Notable among the 12 tracks is "Higher": its minor key and layered chorus distinguish it from an album that does not include any great diversity of instrumentation or arrangement. And though I am always glad to hear a new Christmas song, Jennifer's Yuletide offering her it didn't seem truly modern. Overall, better production and more imaginative songwriting is needed to lift this out of the pall of mediocrity.

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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