Reviewed by Chris Webb

If you follow US CCM, you will know that the debut album by the Canadian husband and wife team was a major Christian radio hit and after some stop gap single and EP releases the band are finally back with the eagerly anticipated second album. I'm pleased to report that the new material is very strong lyrically and melodically enhanced with top-notch production. Kicking off like a jet engine revving for take off "Strangers" hurtles into a driving rhythms and pounding bass lines that demand the audience pay attention to the duo's message of God. They sing, "Live your life in the dark/You will miss out on Heaven." This album is uncompromising lyrically and energetic musically as life's events and requirements, family successes and failures, are all examined and explored through a desire to show the band's commitment to sharing the Christian message of salvation. "Galaxies" has a racing heartbeat of a bass line while Jody's voice, showing no signs of the throat problem she suffered with a few months ago, soars powerfully around a bouncing synth, like an eagle over a verdant valley, praising her creator and Saviour. "If I Don't Have You" turns the words of Jesus around, from gaining the whole world and losing a soul, to not wanting the world if God is not everything, "I don't want it all/If it means I lose you." Gently stroked piano backs the flowing, smooth, vocal in "Hear From You" as guidance from the Holy Spirit is requested in this gentle ballad. This music isn't bland, it is joyful and exciting and these lyrics aren't trite, they are honest and thoughtful.

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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