Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The former Creed singer sold a bucketload of albums with his previous band although they never managed to win the affection of rock critics. During the Creed era Stapp denied having a Christian faith though intriguingly after he went solo and released this album, he went on record with the Christian press to explain that he was definitely a believer in Christ. Was it spiritual change or desperate self-serving marketing? I'm still not sure although reports of bar brawling and drunkenness prove that Stapp continues to fight his personal demons. As it turned out, this album, although not doing particularly well in the mainstream market, contains some hugely powerful performances. The impassioned "Justify" has already been a major turntable hit on Cross Rhythms radio while the songs "Surround Me", "The Great Divide" and "Broken" are just as good. Throughout Stapp sounds wounded and seeking the comfort of his Saviour. We all need that kind of hope. Scott is supposed to be in the studio recording a follow up but maybe the time of superstardom has passed for the rock singer. All I can say is that anyone who has heard the powerful passion of "Justified" on Cross Rhythms radio will be forced to acknowledge that Scott is still a vocalist of very real emotional power.

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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