Reviewed by Simon Redfern

The latest offering from a Michigan church bringing together a blend of energy-filled praise and intimate chilled-out worship, led by Ken Reynolds and Michael Gugnor who worked together on this album's successful predecessor 'Friend Of God' in 2003. The album kicks off with great enthusiasm with "Our Purpose", which has a very typical big-band gospel style with plenty of well polished choruses from the choir and tight rhythm from the musicians. This is followed on by a reprise leading into "Another Chance" which is again gospel in style and although technically good doesn't have much to separate it from the first track. We then see the album head off in another direction completely with "Our Legacy" which wouldn't be out of place on the likes of a Spring Harvest or New Wine compilation, with a much more rocky feel to it. A most unusual mix of flavours, but the change in style was good as it switched me back on again after the first three songs! What did dull the senses though were the ever-present gospel choruses which don't hit the right buttons. Elsewhere there is relaxing ballad-paced worship on "Eternity" and "Holy" (complete with uncannily Lisa Stansfield type vocals) and some gospel fused with salsa on "Hallelujah"! I should imagine the event itself was an awesome experience too, but as for the translation onto CD I am not so sure this worked so well with such a huge range of styles.

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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