Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

In late 2013, a host of international songwriters and artists gathered at the striking Castle Rohrsdorf in Dresden to collaborate on an album to promote the work of the International Justice Mission - an organisation that works towards protecting the poor against slavery and violence. One look at the accompanying making-of documentary and it is clear that each contributor - among them globally-recognised worship leaders such as Brian Doerksen, Noel and Tricia Richards and David Ruis as well indigenous singer/songwriters Stefanie Heinen and Sarah Brendel - had a lot of fun during the project and, aided by the benevolent leadership of producers Norm Strauss and Arno Jordan, the result is an organic, poignant and thoroughly enjoyable piece of work. Refreshingly, there is a real coming together of talents as each artist selflessly lends a hand on the others' tracks - most notably in the spontaneous and hugely affecting "The Morning After" which sees Sarah Brendel's song leap to another level on account of all involved. Elsewhere, Doerksen and the Richards turn in the kind of work you would expect from such experienced songwriters with "Time To Make A Change" and "A Little Love" respectively both summing up the album's call for justice and compassion. A couple of great tracks from the vastly underrated Judy Bailey add further class to proceedings whilst Stefanie Heinen's German-sung "Gib Niemals Auf" is a fitting end to this hugely enjoyable release.

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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