Reviewed by Brian A McAdie

Whereas Garth's recent recordings have detailed the afflictions and injustices suffered by the poorer communities of the world, this new 'alternative' worship album celebrates the spirituality of caring he has discovered there. Joining the anti-triumphalism bandwagon, his sleeve notes describe the songs as "related to life and the hurts of a needy world", setting personal faith in the context of the world-wide body of Christ. The theme is summed up by the cover picture, showing Jesus washing the disciples' feet, and Garth's observation that this was the only time in the Gospels Jesus called himself 'Lord'. The album is musically similar to 'Lonesome Troubadour' and Garth's tracks on 'Blood Brothers', with the addition of some soulful backing singers. Garth's music relies on the strength of his lyrics striking chords in the listener's heart, needing repeated playing to reap its full rewards. However, the last track, "Lament (Psalm Of Desolation)", written by Ray McCloughry, is a marvellous description of how God breaks through into our suffering world, sung with a minimum of guitar and BVs. The whole is a celebration that Garth's faith has survived and strengthened through a deeper understanding of the incarnation, and is recommended to anyone who fails to find 'conventional' praise and worship spiritually satisfying.

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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