Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Michael O'Brien's eponymous first album has created much excitement with our Yankee cousins as it becomes one of the most successful debuts in CCM history! So what's all the fuss about then? Well, keyboardist O'Brien has one of those powerful voices that has reviewers like me hurrying for the thesaurus to find cliche free ways of describing it. Unfortunately, I've just moved house and can't find mine! So let's just say he's wonderfully placed somewhere between two Michaels - English and Bolton! BIG ballads, bouncy pop and choruses that won't go away in the middle of the night make this an album that shouts loudly from the rooftop for your attention. Lyrically inspiring, the grace of God permeates the proceedings with songs that comfort your weary soul, inspire your heart and lift your spirit. O'Brien is clearly an artist with his feet on the ground singing songs that have their hope in Heaven. Here is a writing and singing talent that promises a great deal for the future. Add to that, the looks that will clearly set many a girl's heart a-fluttering and it looks like it's move over Michael W and make way for Michael O!

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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