Reviewed by Tony Cummings

With Moriah rising to prominence on the US Christian scene through her vocals in the Veggie Tales DVD 'The Princess And The Popstar' I understandably expected some rather vacuous tweenie pop music on the singer's debut. In fact, there's not an autotuner or a predictable synth riff in earshot and thanks to the sure hand of producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman) the sound here is organic enough so that one has to take seriously the 19 year old's album. I was particularly impressed with the inspirational self-penned ballad title track which is dramatically anthemic without falling into the pitfall of so much insp music and swamping the song with fussy orchestration. The simple chorus "I choose Jesus/I choose Jesus/The one who first chose me" is sung with real conviction by Moriah. Equally strong is the catchy opener "Know Us By Our Love" and elsewhere there are several other songs that are starting to grow on this non-teenage listener. In an era when so much pop has descended into bump and grind suggestiveness Moriah's sweet but not excessively saccharine tones and lyrics that go for straight ahead declarations of faith and purity ("We Haven't Even Kissed") make for a refreshing alternative. I've a feeling we'll be hearing much more from Ms Peters.

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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The debut album from new 19-year-old singer song writer, Moriah Peters.

Moriah Peters is poised to become an influential voice in Christian music. originally from Chino, California, her debut album, I Choose Jesus is a reflection of her upbringing in standing up for what she believes in.

Produced by Grammy award winner Ed Cash, the music is organic pop, fun and energetic and would fit comfortably in a playlist with John Mayer, Jamie Grace and Laura Story.

Of her debut album Moriah says, the overall theme of the album is about making a choice. All of the songs are about being in different circumstances and choosing Jesus in each situation.