Reviewed by Brian Carr

As you read in last issue's feature, 'You're Never Alone' is a self-financed debut from London-based singer/songwriter Ricky Barnett. The album opens up with a laid back invitation to "Come Let Us Worship". In fact, most of the 10 songs featured lean towards a slow soulful groove, which I found went well with lazy afternoons in the sun, none more than the track "Party Up In Heaven" with its reggae feel and the song that would get the vote for my personal favourite. The instrumental backing supplied courtesy of Eric Callame's programming provided a solid platform for Ricky's gliding vocals. The album ranges from the mellow ballads of "I've Changed", "You Are All That I Have" and the title track to mid tempo songs "Stop Storing Up Treasures" and "Joy In The Lord" on which Paul and Janet Rose's background vocals work well with the catchy chorus line. In fact, they assist ably on most of the songs. The question crosses my mind why do trains figure so often in gospel songs? On the track "Gospel Train" Ricky emphatically states, "I'm staying on the Gospel Train/And no one, no one is gonna get me off." I believe him.

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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