Reviewed by Ian Stott

We will soon be wall-to-wall with conveyor-belt praise and worship albums. But wait! Produced by John Wimber of Vineyard Fellowship, expectations rise, only to be anaesthetised by too many dirgey tunes and ever-present clichés. (How many different songs titled "Worship The Lamb", "Soften My Heart", "Shout For Joy" etc, are we going to get?). The production is immaculate, vocals smooth (if unadventurous) and musicianship impeccable. But where was the life abundant? Very much like a journey through the desert on a camel, coming to the occasional oasis. The water-holes in question were "We Cry Holy", "Only You", "Glorious", "Messiah" and finally the beautiful "Unto The King" but there was too much sand-trekking in between, (14 tracks). Afraid there is still too much MOR praise and worship of the "Sing Something Simple" genre flooding the market. It's all getting rather samey. Cosy ruts are comfortable (ask the average congregation) but winding, bumpy roads often lead somewhere fruitful and exciting. Talking of which, excuse me while I get back to my 'Petra Praise' CD.

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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