Reviewed by Tony Cummings

If you know your Southern gospel, you'll know that Jim Brady is one of the genre's most successful songsmiths who has penned hits for a whole heap of SG big names. His group, with his wife Melissa and his newest member Layke Jones, have also made three excellent albums before this one. The first three cuts here show the trio's strengths such as top rate melodies with lyrics eloquently examining the warp and woof of the Christian life. Both the Melissa-led "Livin' In The Rhythm Of Grace" and the lilting "Hope Keeps Writing The Song" are high-calibre material, while the switched lead on "The Season When God Breaks Through" is particularly effective. Then, for a change of pace, the dramatic ballad of a wanderer on the road to hell, "Lost", might have a melodramatic key change not to everyone's taste, but is still a beautifully executed song. The backings throughout are crisp and functional - guitar, bass, drums and keys - underpinning the harmonies of the trio. All in all, an impressive set from an impressive group.

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