Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Surely and steadily Stephen Hurd has risen to become a major name in contemporary gospel. In these post-Ron Kenoly days he's one of the growing number of gospel artists who've taken traditional gospel and brought to it a congregation-exhorting praise and worship style. Stephen's vocals are largely limited to shouted encouragements and interjections a la Kirk Franklin which, in truth, can get wearing over an entire album. Having said that, the whole praise performance, recorded live at the Temple Of Praise, Washington is hugely atmospheric, the band are funky and super-tight and the singing, largely provided by the Steven Ford Singers (only credited in the sleeve small print) are excellent. It's also great to hear the soulful guest vocalist Maurette Brown-Clark on "Destiny". If you're looking for atmospheric, gospel worship and don't mind lyrics that seldom get beyond statements like "I feel like shoutin' and praisin' the Lord" and "I want to praise him, worship his name," this will do you fine.

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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