Reviewed by Phil Thomson

Sal Solo's music is as sweetly eccentric as his faith is uncompromising. In this latest manifestation, simple titles such as "Prepare", "Blessed", "Passover", "Son Of Man" belie a complex, entertaining, heartfelt exploration of what it takes to point us towards God. There are so many delightful surprises here, so many twists and turns within the songs - from Latin complins and the haunting of cloister bells to the entreaty of raw gospel close harmony. And through it all, the melody remains. This is the third of what Sal describes as a set, which began with 'Look At Christ' in 1991 and 'Through Ancient Eyes' in 1994. Sal's stubbornly brilliant creative energies seem always destined to be pitted against the world of praise and worship mediocrity - and in 'Born To Die', supported by his band Pam Taylor, Phil Barker, Scott Jackson and Russ Taylor, he has achieved an album of rare beauty.

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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