Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

40 is the new worship label established by the unlikely alliance of dc Talk's Toby McKeehan and the legendary Bill Gaither. With the worship revolution that is currently sweeping American CCM, ifs a timely move and sibling trio Three Strand unleash a sumptuously produced praise album into a soon to be saturated market. Comprising Scott & Kara Williamson who pen the majority of the songs and joined vocally by their sister Aimee Joy Wainer, Three Strand have enough production edge to keep things interesting and out of permanent residence in insp-pop territory - but only by the narrowest whisker. "Joy" is catchy hooky CCM pop, "The Storm" has plenty of vibe and a psalm-like lyric as it breaks out into what can best be described as up tempo atmo-pop. Throughout the vocal work is exceptionally good and well blended but the album does head towards cheesy territory on some of the songs. It is especially so on their cover of the seemingly omnipresent "Before The Throne Of God Above" (is this the song everyone is doing this year or what?) where they add bagpipes to give it that (ahem) "genuine" Celtic flavour. Oh well, some of this is great but not consistently so. Nice idea though.

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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