Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Marvalinn is a worship leader in the Detroit-based church in which she grew up and has won a variety of awards for her singing and song-writing. The opener on this CD, "Press On" won the American Idol Underground prize last year and leads off a set of powerful worship songs which express the down-to-earth faith of this talented chanteuse. Each of the 12 songs on this album is written by the singer (except "The Time Is Now", which was co-written with Amy Kamm) and as well as singing Marvalinn plays flute and piano. Produced by her husband Nathan Stull, 'Thunder Of Praise' gives plenty of scope to show off her powerfully expressive voice and great ear for a tune. The backing is first rate and the songs are catchy and memorable - not least the title track and the closing "God's Glorious Light". Throughout, the dominant gospel style is garnished with a good deal of pop flavour.

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