Reviewed by Jason Ramsey

Northern Lights is a side project of the better known Celtic team Eden's Bridge. Soothing vocals, honest lyrics that often tell a story from the heart of the writer all compliment the style of music incredibly well. One of those albums you will listen to again but you'll realise you missed half of it by being drowsy and relaxing. The album opens with the sweet "Carry Me Over The Water". Beautiful lyrics in this one. It's wistfully ambient in its style with full orchestral strings unit coming in towards the end. The song speaks of the vocalist's encounter with a God who had the power to carry her over the water. "I Don't Have Much" is a story song that will no doubt speak to the heart of many a person up and down this nation. The reflection of salvation in this song is clear to see. On a personal note, as someone who has a bit of a love for Irish music I was very impressed with the great use of Irish music throughout the track. There is a real simplicity to the song that gives it an almost Dido sound, and certainly one that would rival anything written by that secular counterpart. The title track to the album is a real heart cry. With some artists you can tell they are passionate about great song writing. But Northern Lights are more passionate about the content of the songs and it's clear they believe in what they're singing. It's not always easy to tell what comes from the heart but this song screams reality from its very core. While not being an amazing album in general with nothing that stands out to grab hold of you when you listen, the arrangement and careful contemplation that clearly has gone into this album rescues it.

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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