Reviewed by Tom Lennie

There's Christian chillout music - gentle inspirational sounds to soothe the soul and encourage the spirit - and there's deep chillout music - even softer and slower-paced, what some call "soaking" (or even "marinating") music. For this, the listener is encouraged to relax by sitting back or lying flat out on the carpet and let the Holy Spirit speak ever so tenderly over him/her through the music and words on the CD. This album, from Nottingham-based John Mansfield, would appear to be in the latter category. For it invites a winding down, a complete relaxation, a real stillness, so to be able to soak in the whispering truths relayed. The music consists of soft keyboard hues - or on one track delicate soprano tones - along with some "nature" sounds such as birdsong, ocean waves and gentle streams. Overlaid on these are unhurried Scripture passages and personal reflections softly read by Mr Mansfield. Themes include "The Lord Is My Shepherd", "Heaven" and "Resting Place", and total play time is an hour. The effect is indeed calming, restoring, focusing. But you have to be in the right mood, and, personally speaking, I find this type of thing very difficult to get into. But for many others, this might well be the tool to provide the required 'Inspiring Calm'.

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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