Reviewed by Doug Holland

"Shows promise but needs work" would be the end of term report for this first studio album from the Kent-born singer/songwriter Steph. Contemporary pop in style and predominantly worshipful in approach, six tracks and 25 minutes of self-penned material are on offer here. Most things about this recording are okay, but few are much better. Disappointingly, Kailou's lyrics rarely take the listener down paths not previously well-trodden by aspiring worship leaders and writers, and she almost always fails to develop or unpack any of the ideas she begins. As a result we learn little about her, and little new about God or ourselves from the songs. The melodies are okay (catchy choruses on "Mountain Song" and "You Are") but rarely striking and the accompaniments is in danger of adopting the technique of springing a surprise merely for the sake of it. Kailou clearly can sing but her voice here lacks any significant identifying character.

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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