Dare To Dream by Chris Eaton

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The worshipful songsmith seems to release a major record in every decade. From '80s debut 'Vision' to the '90s 'Wonderful World' and now at the end of the noughties, nearly 12 years on from 'Cruisin'', his latest project sees him going in a more worshipful direction on some of the songs. The opening "Jesus Lover Of My Soul" and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" see Eaton taking older hymn ideas and reworking and modernising them with new melodies and lyrics. The album has a clean pop sound, with some of this produced in his home studio and some in Nashville. In that respect the songs are less artsy than some previous releases and given a little more room to breathe with gentler arrangements. What's left is Eaton's undoubted distinctive voice and fantastic songwriting. There are a couple of classics here - "Breath Of Heaven" has become Eaton's signature song whilst "Lay It Down" was a big hit for Jaci Velasquez. The title track feels like "Wonderful World" part two in its optimism and that's one of the things that's always compelling about Eaton. He manages to combine elements of the romantic with an optimistic faith and pull it all together in perfect pop songs. Listening to these songs, it sounds like he's gone through some kind of spiritual renewal, reflected on songs like "I've Known It All Along" and "All I Ever Want For You". The result is an album of songs that I found refreshing and delightful, full of lyrical surprises and encouragement.