Reviewed by Stephen Luff

This 12 track collection is the hip-hop remake of the first edition originally released in 2012. Concept albums based around the writings of popular Christian writer CS Lewis are not new; think 2nd Chapter Of Acts ('The Roar Of Love') or even band names (Sixpence None The Richer)! However, Heath McNease brings something new to the party with his unique style of acoustic singer/songwriter now combined with hip-hop. This combination however creates almost its own section under the Lewis musical category! The opener "The Great Divorce" sets the musical stall of all but one song being based on Jack's (as he was often called) writings - the exception being "Edward" (a Lewis character). "The Great Divorce" explores the themes of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory in under four minutes! Another, "A Grief Observed", like the Lewis book of the same name, is based around the loss of Lewis' wife Joy. It is suitably sombre, driven by piano, powerful in its delivery exploring loss. Heath has managed to convey the message of the Lewis works that demands the full attention from the 21st century listener while encouraging repeated play. The hip-hop element has added value.

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