Reviewed by Gerald Clifford

Do you ever find when you're playing your Christian records, friends will comment, and ask who's singing? Well, I find it a sure test of quality, and this Susan Ashton album has been commented on by just about anyone who's heard me playing it - most unusual! It is simply a first class album that can appeal to almost anyone. Musically, its catchy melodic acoustic rock without a duff song included. The quality is not only due to Susan's voice, but to the expert production and musicianship of Wayne Kirkpatrick. Apparently Sparrow Records in the States immediately saw her potential after a hit duet with Wayne Watson, and other backing vocal sessions. Although it took them 2 1/2 years to find the right pro­ducer though, it was worth the wait. Wayne Kirkpatrick has worked with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Kim Hill - in fact he was responsible for Kim Hill's big pop suc­cess in Sweden with 'Snake In The Grass' and he was also over here live with Kim last year. The great thing about a good girl singer is that their albums often draw material from various sources, and although the artist and producer have written many of the songs, they've obviously carefully considered their choice of material, and so it is almost impossi­ble to select one standout track - in the States "Down On My Knees", the opener, has already become a radio hit, but I dare say there will be more to follow - "Benediction" is a strong contender. Quite simply, one of the best CCM albums of the year so far.

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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