Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Rather confusingly this self-titled set is the second album by the award-winning Canadian band. Two years on from the release of their hit-making debut 'Salvation Station' this set shows that the tours with the Newsboys and exposure to an ever growing international fanbase have bolstered their confidence and songwriting to even higher levels. Musically NWS offer a blend of retro-tinged rock and funk laid on a foundation of world music influences ranging from Cuban samba to roots reggae to Latin salsa. Rich Moore (bass) and Mark Rogers (drums) are a spectacular and imaginative rhythm section, provide a solid framework from which Joel Parisen (vocals/keys) and Josh Toal (guitar) hang some cracking riffs, solos and musical flourishes. Party songs like "That's Exactly (How I Like It)", "You Set The Rhythm" and "Listen To The Lord" are bound to become live favourites. Lyrically the two mellower tracks, "Lament" and "Weary" are both thoughtful and moving whilst keeping an underlying groove that keeps them moving forward. If comparisons are helpful then imagine Salvador hooking up with Maroon 5 and The Spin Doctors, with a back up band made up of Jamie Cullum and the Buena Vista Social Club - it really is that diverse over its 12 tracks, but never feels fragmented or too broad. If there's a more thrilling CCM album released in 2010 I'll be amazed.

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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