Reviewed by Gareth Paul Taylor

This worship leader from Felling near Gateshead reflects a six year songwriting journey on an extremely well presented CD. Lyrically there is a consistent heartbeat with poetic pearls of wisdom and turns of phrases, eg, "I can taste your tears in the rain/Feel the sunlight of your smile" and "Lord let me be empty/ That I may be full/Let pride be no more/That I may not fall" and "As you take my hand/And guide my feet/Take me to that place/Where I can't stand." Words birthed in passionate hunger for God! Production is by drummer/teacher Dez Minto, whose pedigree is recognised by Terl Bryant amongst others! Despite not playing here, Minto directs some solid, unhurried grooves into which Ray's acoustic strumming sits well. Ally Webster provides tasteful piano, cello lines and vocals. Guitar solos sound competent if dated. Extended worship space reinforces some memorable chorus lines and implies a live session approach, but the reverb-starved studio dryness leaves passionate delivery sometimes sounding overwrought. Ray's high vocal register shines forth in quieter moments such as the beautifully understated "Inspiration" but over-reaches elsewhere, eg, the unfortunate outro to "Standing" and the cringe-inducing final exertion of "Fly". Lower keys would reduce amateurism and reclaim congregations!

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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