Reviewed by Robin Thompson

I make this release number 23 from the ever popular Catholic worship singer, billed on her website as the UK's number one Christian recording artist. Leaving aside such hyperbole one has to observe that this latest release sounds very dated. The songs are all well known worship numbers, such as Carl Tuttle's "I Give You All The Honour" and the traditional "Where You There When They Crucified My Lord?" but the 1960s ballad feel with swathes of synth strings is distinctly wearing, particularly as each song seems to have been approached in the same manner. I was longing for a little variety inventive production/arrangements would have brought. I didn't like some of the interpretations either, feeling that too many liberties had been taken with the melody line, for example on "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" where the syncopation on the chorus is absent. The rhythm is too regular and as a result, the song loses its lightness and subtlety. However, I don't for one moment think Marilla is going to lose her appeal to her loyal fans with this one, but she won't win any new ones with this mediocre set.

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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