Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I have a big vision too. My big vision is for contemporary Christian music - where local churches can make music that truly competes with the mainstream. Such admirable aims are clearly those of the Worthing Tabernacle Church too so out of an initiative coordinated by two songwriters - Mark Oliver and Geoff Hayden comes this album following hot on the heels of a live gig where 800 (yep. you heard me, 800) were entertained with an evening's CCM. The problem with vision when applied to the aesthetic realm is that sometimes enthusiasm for the spiritual potential in something as exciting as 'taking the gospel to the people' (or whatever) clogs judgment as to the relative artistic merits of a set of songs, etc. On the evidence of this album this is what has happened here. Ruth has a pleasant if a little shrill and colourless voice but the songs here are unmemorable and the production acceptable if this had been a low profile demo-cum-private-release wilt under the weight of the rather unfortunate hyperbole which makes up the accompanying blurb. Bless Ruth and the church for their pioneering endeavours. Next time brothers and sisters may I suggest a little more creative discernment.

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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