Sarah Kelly - Where The Past Meets Today

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Just to demonstrate that a lot of American Christian radio producers are lacking in taste I bring before you the case of Sarah Kelly's debut album 'Take Me Away' which although Grammy nominated received miserable US airplay. However, now the rock chick with a Janis Joplin howl returns and if anything 'Where The Past Meets Today' is an even more powerful example of cathartic rock and power pop. This album shows Sarah as a courageous artist prepared to use the dark shadows of her early life - she fell prey to a cycle of physical abuse as a teenager - to create something which is powerful and shiningly honest. From the piano-driven "At About Midnight" when she articulates a sense of hope found in God through to the Alanis Morissette-tinged opener "The Beauty Of It All" this is great stuff with producer Mike Clink surrounding Sarah in biting guitars and thunderous drumming. Much is being made of the bevy of top rate mainstream musos guesting on this album (including of course Slash from Guns N' Roses) but really it's Sarah's all out emoting which takes centre stage. Whether this righteous sister is rocking out or getting introspective, the effect is often captivating. No wonder Cross Rhythms radio has chosen four tracks from this set for full on exposure.