Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

Kicking off with the first single from the album, "Money Train", 'Built To Last' settles into a very pleasant country groove with bluesy overtones. With licks that wouldn't be out of place from Mark Knopfler (courtesy of lead guitarist Mick McCarney) this track leaps from the speakers and makes you want to listen to the rest of the CD. Lyrically, Paul Murphy is very scripturally based without being chunks of the Bible set to music. He tackles loss, redemption, relationships, deceit and worship all through a filter of God's promises to us. The set overall has a gentle mood, the title track being a good example. Paul has chosen well for the other musicians on this recording too - although I wasn't caught up in his vocals on "So Close, So Far", though the guitar work (this time by Dave Molloy - who also shines on "The Kingdom") did grab my attention. Despite never getting much beyond mid-tempo it's all very solid. U2 are cited as influences which does rather show on "Let The Truth Cry Out", which would have sat well on 'Rattle And Hum'. I felt the rock-out of "The Kingdom" would have closed things better than "Watching Over You". A solid enough album from the Belfast-based singer/songwriter.

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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