All We Need by Rachael Lampa

Reviewed by Alastair McCollum

This 2011 release has already produced the Cross Rhythms turntable hits "All We Need" and "No Escape" with "My One And Only" now developing as a much played item. Having disappeared for some years from the Christian music scene this, Rachael's fourth studio album, sees the Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, actress and producer developing high quality, substantial pop. Some may describe this collection as lacking one straightforward music style, but its eclecticism is its strength, exploring a pop rock sound in places, soul and R&B in others and also, in "My One And Only", dancefloor stylings. "Remedy" has a bit of the Glee vibe of grown up pop, whilst the title track which opens proceedings starts with a great beat leading into a distorted guitar type chorus that it's easy to tap along to and "No Escape" has a bit of a Hall & Oates circa 1985 feel to it! These tracks stand out from a consistently good album, along with the big power pop ballad "Beauty's Just A Word" which sees Lampa blasting out a strong tune whilst declaring that nothing truly has meaning without the God that is the depth and meaning in all things. A good, varied, powerful set of songs.