Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the late '70s Louis Johnson was one of the hottest session bass players on the planet. As well as playing on Michael Jackson's 'Off The Wall' and 'Thriller' albums, his own band, The Brothers Johnson, had huge hits with songs like "Stomp". In 1981, Louis unexpectedly surprised the pop/R&B scene with this contemporary gospel set by a group formed with his wife Valerie and Richard Heath. They called the outfit Passage and this was the only release for the short lived group. What you get is perfect R&B for the era driven by Louis Johnson's percussive funky bass but with songs exclusively about the Lord. The album kicks off with the outstanding track "Have You Heard The Word" which matches a timeless message to avoid deception with a superb arrangement bringing in strings, fabulous vocals and the obligatory bass solo. "You Can't Be Livin'" again has a strong message and a slick production and a subtle string arrangement. One of the most impressive things about the album is how Passage are unashamed about singing a strong, obvious Christian message and mixing it with classy music. Songs like "I See The Light", "The Great Flood" and "Open Up Your Heart" all work musically and lyrically and though their cover of Amy Grant's "Faith Walking People" is weaker, even there Passage's reading is better than the original. It isn't until the cut "Power" that the group really get funky again but when they do the sound is irresistible. This is funky gospel at its best.

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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