Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It's hard to appreciate now just how little Christian music there was in the late '70s. At least, just how little was available here in the UK, particularly if back then you were almost exclusively into the loudest rock on the planet. A year after I was saved 'Shallow Water' was released in 1979 and in an era where apart from Petra and Resurrection Band, there wasn't a huge amount of rock music ending up in my local Christian bookshop, this album was a refreshing change. With a mix of female and male lead vocals from Sandie Brock and Bob Hardy and with a bluesy background, the band were reminiscent at times of early Rez Band though not quite as heavy. Now with the 2006 re-release Servant's classic debut album is once more available. It all sounds so '70s now! From the title cut with its rockin' attack on spiritual complacency through the Sammy Hagar tune "Rich Man" to the brilliant twin guitar attack of "Jesus Star" whose message is sadly just as relevant right now as it was back then! Other highlights include the more soulful "Cup Of Water" with its sweet harmonies and the fabulous bluesy "Holy Roller Blues" which allows guitarist Bruce Wright to shine. With its memorable cover pictures and uncompromising songs, it just reminds me that what I loved about Christian rock back in the day is that there was never any doubt it was Christian!

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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