Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Recent years have seen Ayrshire-based McKinlay's reputation as one of Scotland's foremost worship leaders increase and his latest release, following on from the inclusion of its title track in Scottish worship collective Satellite's respected debut album last year, is a substantial milestone in the man's career. Refusing to be battered by difficult economic times and with "hard work, sweat and tears", as McKinlay points out in the sleevenotes, this work was largely recorded and produced by the man himself with what resources he had at the time. Far from sounding homemade, McKinlay succeeds in offering up a huge sound with the likes of the opener "Only One Alone" and the thundering "He Reigns" and songs like "All Things New" showcase a powerful and accomplished vocal performance. Throughout, McKinlay refreshingly refuses to shy away from the thornier aspects of faith and a heartfelt realism is conveyed in songs like "Kingdom Come" which cries out to God to "invade this Earth" in the midst of "dark damaged towns steeped in depression". Elsewhere, the stunning "O To Be With Jesus" talks about the "filthy pit of sin" - words you don't hear in many modern worship songs - the writer inhabited prior to being saved. McKinlay and keyboardist James Mayers close proceedings with a time of spontaneous worship which rounds off a brave and absorbing release from a worship leader whose ministry goes from strength to strength.

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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