Reviewed by Catherine Francis

In David Meece's own words, 'Once In A Lifetime' is an album which "emerged from my struggle to tear down the protective walls around my heart and to risk a new kind of relationship with God." Many of the songs on this soft rock album, such as "In My Father's Chair" and the title track, deal with the realities of a broken family where alcohol and violence threaten a child's security - and with God's power to break the chains. Musically the album has a polished American-rock feel. There are danceable tracks such as "Inside Out" and "Over You" which are reminiscent of the 80s band Starship, plus a crop of piano-accompanied slow numbers. Overall, the album is enjoyable and solid both spiritually and musically but does not have a great deal of character. David's voice is more suited to the lively tracks than to the ballads, but what the singing doesn't always live up to the spirit certainly does.

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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