Reviewed by Ian Bosworth

Normally I can't stand listening to an album three times in quick succession; thankfully this AOR set didn't make me want to throw the album by an ex-Kansas man in the bin. That's not to say it's a brilliantly innovative work - it isn't. But it does contain some nicely executed music in styles variously reminiscent of Mark Heard, Level 42 and even Guns 'N' Roses (albeit with fiddly keyboard bits). All of this boils down to the fact that Michael puts out a well-crafted brand of pop-rock such as you can find with Mike and the Mechanics for example - good production by John and Dino Elefante, (with M.G. himself) ensuring the whole effort sounds well above the mediocrity we sometimes have to settle for. Having put the album through its paces both in my car and Walkman I can confirm it comes over very well, though the lyrics can sometimes become almost insignificant. The artist nearly single-handedly came up with the words and music for the ten tracks; songs mostly deal with social issues (not a mention "the gospel" in earshot)  and though they lack the cutting power of a Taylor or Cockburn, perhaps the subtle approach will challenge some listeners. Not an album I'd go out to buy specially, but if someone gave me a copy I wouldn't take it back and exchange it.

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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