Reviewed by Anthony Longville

This is the latest release from the occasional series which has previously brought you CR top rating albums like 'City Of Gold' and 'Road To The City'. The man behind it all is Phil Baggaley whom listeners of a certain age will remember from his days with Phil & John. He contributes to the writing of most of the songs here. Others like "There Is A Green Hill" are based around traditional hymns. Other artists appearing again include Adrian Plass, Julie Costello and Mal Pope while Baggaley's fine acoustic pop team harbour Lights also make an appearance. Plass reads excerpts from Pilgrim's Progress and also the beautiful self-written "Heaven". The theme of the album, through a collection of "familiar favourites and. . .newly recorded songs", is "the future, reminding us that it is in God's hands, that our destiny has been sealed." If there is one voice that stands out to me among the others it is Esther Alexander, the first singing voice heard on the album, after Plass's spoken introduction, such a pure voice that at times reminded me of Andrea Corr. "Snowbird" sets the tone. It's an album about our hope, uplifting in subject matter and musical style. It's very gentle pop. The musicianship is exemplary and the singing of the highest order. If there is a weakness, it is that I am not sure I can spot a standout track here. That said, plug in the headphones, sit back with eyes closed and let this collection warm your heart.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.