Reviewed by Stephen Luff

Joe Sharkey, based in Oakland, California, presents here a traditional gospel album with songs such as "There Is A Fountain" (recorded live here) and the blues sounding rendition of "If It Had Not Been" sitting alongside classics such as James Cleveland's "I'll Do His Will", performed with a great backing choir. This choir is a great asset to Joe as his voice sounds a little strained at various places throughout the album, such as on the classic "The Wicked Shall Cease". Joe however does demonstrate good songwriting skills with the title track (penned with Paul Williams) and the ability to get those feet moving on the lyrically simple "Oooowee, Yes My Jesus Loves Me". Overall, 'Be In Prayer For Me', originally released in 2005, is a reasonable, though hardly groundbreaking, album.

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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