Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Mr Gibson is of course gospel's leading blue-eyed soul gospeller and his voice, at times uncannily close to Stevie Wonder (a friend who guested on his last album) has been heard to brilliant effect on slick synth soul and dance ('Change Of Heart') and a more introspective, funk groove ('Body And Soul'). On the opening couple of tracks here he seems to be changing musical direction again with some tough heavy guitar samples bringing a tough rock edge to the soulful singing and rap (by M C Peace). But then it settles down to a more mellow gospel funk sound similar to 'Body And Soul'. What is heartening is Jon's lyrics have become much more gospel-explicit since his first Frontline album (which sounded like a secular album which found its way onto a gospel label). Standouts on 'Jesus Loves Ya' are "Call On My Love" with some lovely Benson-style jazz guitar from Rick Zunigar; the title track which starts with a tiny tot chortling "Jesus loves me this I know 'cause the Bible tells me so" before smacking into a turbulent mid-tempo groove; the rock-rapper "Enough Is Enough"; and the lovely ballad "From Heaven". But wherever you look and listen there is fine, intelligent music speaking faith and hope for all with ears to hear.

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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