Reviewed by Emma Roberts

"Something for everyone" - a cliched phrase yet this delightful collection of love songs really has a track to appeal to all tastes from the mushiest romantic to the hardened cynic. The massively successful hit "Kiss Me" is worthy of its place in the Top 10, yet it did not carry the album as might be expected. Instead "Ooh Baby" courtesy of soulsters Anointed is easily the most outstanding track. Light and funky, it refreshes the senses once the "sugar-sweetness" of some of the tracks gets a bit too sickly to swallow. Fernando Ortega's "Margee Ann" provides another memorable moment, combining genuinely touching lyrics with a beautifully understated melody. There is a distinct flavour of country and western influences in this song, particularly in the chorus, yet, thankfully, nothing of the emotionally-charged performances of some C&W artists, leaving Ortega's subtle delivery to speak volumes of the purity of the love expressed, "Above All Things" by Phil Keaggy will satisfy those who are Celtically inclined and Jaci Velasquez's declarations of "amor" in her native Spanish sound passionately romantic even if you haven't got a clue what she's saying! Be open-minded for the first few playings of this album; the initially saccharine sound quickly develops into melodies that touch the soul and lyrics that are clearly straight from the 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.

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