Reviewed by Stephen Luff

The partnership between New Jersey's singer/songwriter Loi Malvey and recording engineer/producer Richard Stephen Piszker began after the release of Lori's first solo album 'Heavens Rising'. The partnership has resulted in several subsequent projects including this album. 'Risk It All' is an album of two halves. The opening title track is a slow burning, radio friendly song, sounding a little retro with its slight '80s soft rock backing. Tracks two to five carry on the soft rock trend and sadly do little to interest the listener, I found my mind wandering. However, from track six, "Like The Rain", the dance feel of another Malvey/Piszker project, 'LoCaRi', asserts itself. "Be Next To Me (Everlasting Life)" is both catchy and engaging while the dance production of "Survival" is a potential floor-filler as Lori's vocals soar over the beat. Closer "A Mother's Song" returns to the ballad format with a heart touching song of a mother's prayer for her growing first born son. The dance side of this album is clearly the strongest part of the CD. Despite the strange running order, there are gems to be discovered here.

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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