Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

I admit that Anointed's 1993 debut album 'Spiritual Love Affair' did not move my soul one jot. But what a difference two years makes! 1995 sees the release of 'The Call' and this is more like it! A bigger budget, less frantic production and there's a warmth here lacking on their previous outing. In places they mine a similar musical seam as Eternal and it sounds darn fine actually. As expected the singing from Anointed is top class with humungous harmonies swirling in and out of each other. The title song starts acapella before hitting a gentle groove and an inspiring lyric. There is plenty here to excite the ears and treat the feet! The soulful acoustic feel of "Send Out A Prayer" is beautiful with Chris Rodriguez guesting on guitar and Jelly Roll Johnson on harmonica - good stuff! Michael W Smith also contributes a guest vocal on "If I Labor" which is a frenzy of horns and big beats. He doesn't do too bad either, turning it into a sort of "Love Crusade" Part 2 by the end! Deliciously funky! Near perfect and I'm hooked. Having heard this, I can't wait to catch them live!

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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