Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Glasgow-based singer/songwriter Michael McMillan has teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Scottish producer Sam Gallagher to release a third album of self-penned songs that, like its predecessors, touches on the issues of poverty and homelessness whilst pointing towards the saving grace of Jesus. In fact, McMillan wastes no time in offering up the kind of social commentary he's become known for with the likes of the opener "Take My Hand" and the Eagles-influenced "WWJD" challenging the listener to look outside themselves whilst "The City Mission" - referencing the Glasgow homeless charity of the same name - is one of McMillan's strongest pieces to date and showcases the man's skills as a songwriter with a conscience. Elsewhere, McMillan offers up a contemplative song of thanks to his Lord in "Out Of Darkness" whilst talking about his faith journey with gritty realism in the memorable "Highway To Heaven" which, thanks to Gallagher's production skills and choice of arrangement, adds some needed variety to proceedings. Special mention must go to Gallagher who, rather than McMillan's live backing group the Hope Street Band who ostensibly share the billing on this release, plays all the instrumentation bar McMillan's acoustic guitar to take his client's already strong songs to a completely new level and to allow this to be another accomplished release from one of Scotland's most thought-provoking artists.

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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