Reviewed by Jonathan Cairns

Slaughter's ninth solo album is one of grand proportions and has an atmosphere of a large-scale live production despite being recorded in a studio. Alvin's powerful tenor voice is enough to knock you over and powerfully conveys adoration and assurance. You can tell that he really believes what he's singing, which isn't always obvious across the gospel genre. Alvin isn't a songwriter: songs have been chosen from a variety of writers, such as guest producer Aaron Lindsey and well known worship leader Israel Houghton, but his focus is more on the interpretation of these songs and sharing the emotion of meeting with and worshipping God. I'd challenge anyone to listen to "He Loved Me To The End" and not be moved, with its perfect arrangement, passionate words and haunting choir. Jason Ingram and Michael Olson's "Our First Love" is refreshingly different in style, sounding as if it could be an early Matt Redman song, with its guitar-driven chorus and catchy melody. Personally I found the child reading 1 Peter 5:10 cringe-worthy, but fortunately it moves on fairly quickly and is followed by the excellent "Hallelujah". This is a solid album from a doyen of gospel praise.

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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