Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In case you're new to CCM here's the story so far: Caedmon's Call are on the brink of entering Phase 3 of their relentless climb to American supremacy. Phase 1 saw them establish themselves as darlings of the underground who, with relentless touring and some fine independent releases, saw their folk-tinged, carefully crafted acoustic pop rock, make them possibly the most admired Christian band on the campus circuit. Phase 2 saw them get "signed to Nashville" (well, Essential Records) where two albums ('Caedrnon's Call' and '40 Acres') have sold 500,000 copies odd and become darlings of Christian radio while never losing touch of their huge student following. Now comes the challenge to try for Phase 3 where they join the mega sales, platinum selling elite. Whether the marketing push takes them there or not, their music remains what it always was, intelligent, honest, bristling with spiritual honesty and played with the deft touch that only comes from gig-seasoned musos. There are several highlights here, the gutsy passion of the mid tempo "What You Want", the wistful Danielle Glenn-led "Masquerade", or the engaging Hammond-cooking skip of "Love Is Different". There are some masterly production touches from Monroe James (he did three tracks) and Ed Cash, one or two musical surprises (a smidgen of old lounge jazz and some Latin American percussion) and lots of sublime moments when the songs and arrangements blend seamlessly into an extraordinary feeling of compatibility. Thinking man's pop rock for a band long overdue for their UK live debut.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.