Reviewed by David Faulkner

Despite the anonymous 'Spotlight Worship' front sleeve credit a close examination of the back sleeve reveals that the vocalist on these tracks is Rachael Kichenside, jazz folkie on the Manchester club circuit and a major talent in waiting. The producer here is Kevan Frost who I seem to remember cut a synth pop album in the '80s as Kev Adrian and went on to work with Boy George! And there's the problem. The programmed drums and keyboards do not fit Rachael's smoky, late-night singer/songwriter approach. It may be a way of introducing newish songs by Tim Hughes, Brenton Brown, Geraldine Latty, Godfrey Birtill, Andy Bromley, Chris Bowater and Paul Oakley but it's another case of talented artist and producer being squeezed into the demand of cheap and cheerful Christian worship packaging. Here's hoping 'Spotlight Worship' pays the rent for Kichenside (she's sung on similar CDs previously) but for real artistic merit Google her name and stream or download some of her other recordings.

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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