Reviewed by Paul Kinvig

Debbie McClendon offers us here a tasty cocktail of soul and dance straight out of the Donna Seimmia/Mary Carey stable and whilst her voice is hardly in that category she acquits herself with the necessary silk and steel to elevate her out of division 2. The one, two punch of "Fear Not" and "Give It To Him" set the album off and are ideal for those who like to practise their dance steps in the privacy of their own home. Give me ten years and a good diet and MC Hammer watch out!) "Charge it" is by far and away the hottest number on the album and definitely deserves a single release. Of the slower numbers "Sweeter Than" has beautiful chords and lyrics and "Children Of The Light" gives Debs a chance to let rip. The only track that doesn't work is the Larry Norman chestnut "I Wish We'd All Been Ready". It really comes in out of nowhere and should have been left off. The song is a classic, the singer is great but it's definitely not a marriage made in heaven. All in all its a solid, punchy album that Debbie should be proud of. I think the next one with just a fraction more kick could be very inter­esting.

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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