Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Considering the uniquely rich musical roots of CCM's finest male vocalist, where barbershop harmony Southern gospel, gravel-voiced blues gospellers and black quartets all burned themselves into Russ' consciousness during those formative years, it's surprising it's taken this long for Russ to make this album. But praise God he has. For here at last is Russ in all his bluesy, impassioned glory, freed from the vapid demands of American Christian radio programming making music that is as rich, deep and honest as his roots. Here Russ hollers and rasps his way through beloved hymns like "God's Unchanging Hand", recalls the quartet sound on "Search Me Lord" and the deliciously soulful "There's A Hand" where rootsy duo Sparks help out with some delicious harmonies. Co-producer James Hollihan Jr. provides some of the bluesiest guitar heard since Blind Willie Johnson passed and the whole album is a delight to the ear and a joy to the spirit