Reviewed by Matt Crossman

Californian Mary James has a story to tell, and it's a narrative that one can piece together from each well crafted track in this full length debut album from the country influenced Californian. This album marks a watershed moment in her career as she makes the transition from local worship leader to worship artist. The opening few numbers are like sunny delight distilled into compact disc formed, as the major keys come one after the other. Other offerings see James more candid and gritty, exemplified in the stripped down production of "Truth Cries Out", letting the country violin bubble to the surface, to be joined by the manic plucking of a banjo and a more soulful croon from James. The tour of musical styles continues with the guest vocals from Chris Surdock in the gospel-tinged soul/blues fest "For All That I've Done" - very much fitting with the cry for mercy the song embodies. At 13 tracks, however, this collection feels a little over-long. Just when you begin to appreciate the depth of sincerity in James' lyrics, two rather obvious and uninventive worship covers arrive ("Hungry" and "The Eyes Of My Heart"). James is much better when sticking to her own material, drawing from her own story. Thankfully, this she does for the majority of the album, leaving the relentless "niceness" to a supporting role.

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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