Reviewed by Tony Cummings

If you like the spiritually-focused pop rock of Jeremy Camp you'll enjoy this album, the first record company release from the Richmond, Indiana-based singer/songwriter. In fact, Jeremy co-produced 'The Rescue' along with Andy Todd though the texture and tone of Adam's voice is nearer to that of the mainstream's Daughtry than the CCM hitmaker. 'The Rescue' has already been warmly reviewed in the US and although at least one reviewer suggested that the album was too stereotypical of current US radio trends I think that's rather unfair. It takes a great deal of songwriting skill and no little musicianship to make music that programme controllers will deem "radio-friendly" and this is an impressive set which though won't interest rock purists who insist on "edgier" music, is a perfectly executed album which nimbly plays to Adam's strengths. For as well as a rich, appealing voice, Adam writes songs strong in memorable melody and lyrics which make their spiritual points without shrouding the lyrics in obscure metaphor. Particularly strong is the title track opener, which starts acoustic before the band (featuring such Nashville stalwarts as drummer Dan Needham and guitarist Jerry McPherson) break in. Other standouts are "What's At Stake" about the need to be witnesses for Christ to a fallen world ("A million faces everywhere/A million reasons not to care") and "Perfect" with its salient reminder of how Christ sees his beloved flock ("No matter what you say/No matter how it seems/Want you to know you're perfect to me"). These aren't simply songs that will sound great on the radio, they'll touch hearts. Clearly Adam has the potential to become a major CCM figure.

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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