Reviewed by Jeremy Olsen

New US singer Pearl Brick claims that her singing career has its roots in the back of a Rambler automobile! The album opens with an upbeat "Oh For The Life Of Me", an exultation of Jesus' sacrifice and the difference that he can make to your life. It is these sort of uncompromising lyrics which are carried shamelessly throughout the set and refuse to die after the first play through, but draw you back for many more times. Pearl has found that illusive balance between mentioning Jesus and ramming Him down people's throats. Musically, the album rests on the tried-and-tested base of a light, contemporary style not dissimilar in feel to, say, Susan Ashton. At its worst in the rather unadventurous but usually Pearl's pure-toned singing fits perfectly. One song employs an African beat, another the backing of Nashville's finest Christ Church Choir, while Samoan soul-gospel group the Katina Boyz also help out with backups elsewhere. Pearl Brick is at her best in "At Last" and the closing number "I Will Wait", a nice soulful ballad. Overall, the album contains enough variety to make it a worthy addition to anyone's CCM collection.

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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