Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Having featured on the Vine Church's 2011 'Ashes To Beauty' album, Hong Kong-based worship leader Tom Read has ventured out on a solo career with his own mix of modern worship and individuality on this, his enjoyable and confident debut. Thankfully, Read is in safe hands with in-demand producer Dan Wheeler at the helm and there is an overall feeling that both Wheeler and Read have attempted to go for something a little different from your bog standard worship release whilst being careful to not alienate the scene's followers. For instance, the opener "Over All" is not the full blooded up tempo song you would expect at the start of a praise album instead oozing an attitude of quiet reflection - evidenced in both the song's musical style and Read's considered performance - that draws the listener in and sets the tone for the whole album. The likes of the title track and "Invaded By Your Love" - co-penned with luminaries Ben Cantelon and Tim Hughes - revert back to default modern worship mode but perfectly-executed tracks such as the poignant "Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep" and the quietly epic "Speak To Me" ensure that his accomplished debut is more distinctive than most worship releases on the market.

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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