Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This is the third album from this hugely talented American singer/songwriter who started life as a rootsy independent artist and who has blossomed since she quit teaching to minister and sing. I always find myself thinking of Carolyn Arends when I hear Sara's music if only because she has the knack for finding God in the most ordinary situations and like Carolyn began with a roots style and employed more rockier elements by the time she came to her third album. Blessed with a gorgeous voice and capable of communicating a breadth of emotions, there is a huge variety of songs here and it feels like after the success of her second album she is bravely taking steps to ensure she is not boxed into a narrow CCM style world view. Here the highlights include a gorgeous simple worship song, "Jesus, You're Beautiful" backed by acoustic guitar and piano but then she pulls out all the stops to indulge in a little rock chickery on the superb catchy title cut with the electric guitars well and truly plugged in. The album is also one of extremes. The rhythmic "First Song That I Sing" is a prayer for God to be the first thought on the mind in the morning and the first song on the lips. And at the other extreme, the most moving song of the set is an incredible piece called "Maybe There's A Loving God" which is written from the point of view of a woman suffering from extreme depression. It's not going to get any radio play on American radio but the song's one of the most powerful pieces of Christian music I've heard in the last decade. Sara Groves is hugely talented, down to earth and a songwriting treasure. 'All Right Here' finds her hitting her stride.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.