Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Joanna Barratt's album is subtitled 'Songs Of The Blood And The Cross' and that is the ministry focus.  Choosing a strong selection of familiar and new material ranging from "When I Survey", "Old Rugged Cross" to Kendrick's "Amazing Love".  At first listen it's possible to peg this as another pretty straightforward MOR "inspirational" album but a deeper attention to detail on the album brings some rich rewards.  Joanna is to be commended on creating a stream of theme-related songs that flows well into a challenging listen.  You cannot escape the wonder and awe of the death of Jesus nor the need for a response.  Particularly stunning is the dramatisation of "Crucifixion" and the focussed intro and outros to the albums that draw huge thematic strands together.  There's even an appearance by Norman Barratt (no relation!) adding some fluid guitar playing in a couple of places.  The one weakness is that just occasionally Joanna's voice is a little overbearing when she is singing in the upper ranges of her voice.  Easy listening and inspirational with plenty to communicate.

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