Reviewed by James Lewis

It's difficult to categorise this album - half the songs here would more accurately be described as Songs About Faith. Maria wrote much more explicitly Christian lyrics when she was with Lone Justice, and songs like "Belfry", "The Gift" and "I Found Love"( covered by Geoff Moore and Split Level) contain much encouragement for the world-wearied listener. Comparing the album to studio efforts reveals a much more ramshackle sound, and Maria's vocals are much less restrained, not surprising considering Ricky Ross wrote Deacon Blue's "Real Gone Kid" after watching this girl's searing performance. Comparisons with Janis Joplin are probably unfair as they might put off people who would like her, but make no mistake, the girl can sing. The lions share (six out of 11) here is from the second LP 'Shelter', recently released at the time of this recording (1986) and made up with two songs from their debut, two covers, Woody Guthrie's "Ain't Got No Home" and Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" and one track which makes it's album debut "Show Me Heaven". An excellent mix of country and rock.

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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