Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Orkney-based singer/songwriter Michael Harcus' output has gone from strength to strength as evidenced by this his eighth album which was recorded on his home island of Westray and across the pond in Nashville. The latter setting reflects the overall feel of this album and Harcus is undoubtedly most at home when delivering the country rock of "Welcome Home" and "The Stranger". Both songs not only showcase Harcus' vocals - which delightfully retain his Orcadian twang - but also highlight the man's songwriting skills as he adapts famous bible stories to good effect. Harcus is joined by his wife Teenie and pianist Mairi Warren in the harmony stakes which succeeds in lifting reflective songs such as "To Be Like A Child Again", "I Know God's Word" and "Place Called Brokenness" to another level - all of which mirror Harcus' love for Jesus and reliance on God in stunningly sincere fashion. Harcus and team wisely keep things moving with the likes of the slide guitar-festooned opener "You Love Me" whilst tracks like "Inspiration" and "Look Up" give a Runrig feel to proceedings. A version of Brian Houston's "Woman's Touch" rounds off yet another accomplished album from one of Christian music's most underrated artists.

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