Reviewed by Stephen Curry

As all followers of the gospel scene will know, Smokie has in the past enjoyed phenomenal album sales before disappearing for a season to pastor the Victory Cathedral Church in Illinois. Now he's back on the CD scene a full five years since the last recording. He is the possessor of a creamily soulful voice and plays elegant piano. His speciality is the ballad and there are two here, "No Greater God" and "I Need A Word", which are particularly strong. The opener "Mighty God" is a foot stomper with a great chorus and a perfect contender for much radio airplay while "I've Got What You Need" is a breezy number declaring God's complete resources at our disposal. The production is excellent too though the inclusion of a reggae-flavoured "Nothing Is Impossible" seems like a minor misjudgment. The 'Nothing Without You' album won a Grammy for Mr Norful in 2004 and this classy item might well do the same next time they hand out the glittering prizes.

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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