Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Subtitled 'Songs For A New Generation Volume 2' (a wise move not to go with that for a title!) this is in fact stronger almost in every aspect to its predecessor. The arrangements are more crisply contemporary, there are at least three songs here with hooks strong enough to find their way into congregational worship (if only through the activism of the youth group) and Sue Rinaldi has never been in better voice. Try "Jesus, II Sera De Ritour" for size. As a long time devotee of Ms. Rinaldi, (remember when she did the Spring Harvest fringe with Keith Loring some years back?) I consider her brittle, mildly soulful voice a wonderful pop instrument. Heartbeat clearly have a ministry and though it now seems increasingly unlikely that we're ever going to see them as genuine pop chart hitmakers their wholesome pop sound is skilfully done while their move to put pop production values into praise-orientated material must be applauded.

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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