Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This double CD from Integrity Music is a mixed bag of styles, varying from the almost cheesy sound of producer Don Moen to the flamboyant modern rock of Lincoln Brewster. As a result, 'Arise' could be considered a family praise and worship album, with something to match all tastes. The most striking part of the album is at the beginning of the second disc, with a set from Lincoln Brewster and his band playing arrangements of his songs with top rate musicianship. The electric guitar work from Brewster and Mike Bauer deserves particular attention. It always seems to make a huge difference to a song when it is sung by its writer, who is invariably more intimately connected with the song than anyone else. This shows throughout this recording, and as many of the songs you will recognise have since been rendered unflatteringly in cover versions, this is a breath of fresh air - the songs as they were originally intended.

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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