Reviewed by Dave Griffiths

Albums like this do a lot to nourish the mind, soul and body. Yfriday have delivered with 'Universal' a world-class record that should see them challenge the big boys of the Christian music scene around the globe. They have defined their big sound and put together a very impressive 11 songs for us to enjoy. The CD starts with the pounding title track, then, keeping the pace, "I'm Yours". There are huge guitar hooks all over the place and the production is the tightest I've heard for a long time. All the members of the band are pulling their weight and Ken Riley's voice has never sounded so completely in control of his songs and his band. In a UK church scene still dominated by Delirious? I think Yfriday are the closest band to challenging their supremacy. It's a very good thing that they've cut their own path, not aping the D: sound. 'Universal' really proves that this band have a clear sense of who they and what they do. It's a very confident album. There are some outstanding slower songs that sit very comfortably next to the out-and-out rawk. "Lullaby" is gorgeous in a Keane ballad sort of way. "Shadow Of The Cross" is a slightly surprising congregational-style worship chorus which is every bit as good as any other mainstream worship leader's efforts in the last 12 months. "Everlasting God" is the type of devotional rock that I for one am always hungry to hear. It's simply a cracker of a tune and my personal favourite. If there is any slight downer it's that the lyrics are occasionally a little predictable and simplistic. But that doesn't change the overall conclusion that this is a great album and one that will prove to be a wise purchase for both the rock and worship music fans.

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