Reviewed by John Cheek

One Direction it is not. S Club 7, if ever they made a comeback, would not re-launch with a cover of any of the tracks here. Because this collection, from the gifted Northern Irish singer/songwriter, is like from another world. It was recorded in the artist's attic room at his Belfast home and began as a challenge: could he record an acoustic worship album in a day? The result is a handful of original songs and three hymns/standards. "Reckless Love" is gradually becoming a modern worship classic and arguably, Houston's version here is superior even to that of Cory Asbury. That he really occupies the song in his vocal is an understatement. To call his performance soulful is to put it lightly. The warm timbre of the sound of his Ulster brogue is matched by excellent musicianship from all the guests. On "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross", a stunning rendition of the old favourite, the full range and dexterity of Houston's vocal capabilities is realised. The way he is able to make words in the middle of lines - rather than at the end of them - rhyme, is sublime; here, with "which", rhyming with "rich-es". Brian has previously won favour among Bob Dylan fans and that influence is still there, honed-and-refined. The 10-minute "Where You See Bones/Lord I Love You More Than Life" is the greatest song Van Morrison never wrote and an incredible argument that music is "spiritual". Indeed, this album is an experience of being open to the spiritual dimension of life.

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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