Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Let's begin with some clarification, this isn't the Stephen Bennett whose prophetic ministry made such an impact in the early days of the Cross Rhythms festival. Nope, this is an American Stephen Bennett with an incredible testimony. Only a few years ago his life was on the skids, caught up in a homosexual lifestyle, completely addicted to drugs and drink. Finding Christ, he experienced an incredible deliverance and these days uses music and his testimony to minister. Undoubtedly the life changes are very effective in communicating Christ but I'm disappointed to say that the album doesn't match up. Taking a soulful pop rock approach, upbeat songs like "Let His Love Shine" are certainly well written but here the damp squib production and the overuse of a warbling, gospelising sister on backing vocals ruins it for me. Meanwhile on ballads like "Just A Vapor", "My Mother's Arms" and "Will You Marry Me" are all well intentioned but come across to these British ears as excruciatingly cheesy. Musically the best way to describe it is to close your eyes and imagine Carman without the creativity. The American Bible belt churches probably love this stuff but I'm convinced it doesn't translate here. Oh well, I'd love to hear him share his testimony in my church, so long as he promised not to sing!

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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