Reviewed by Ewan Jones

If you still consider CCM hitmaker Bethany as a purveyor of tightly produced teen pop this album will overturn your expectations. It's really been awhile since I've heard an album from a female singer/songwriter that's won me over from the outset, but I'm happy to say that that's changed with the arrival of this set on my doorstep. This is an unpretentious little collection of 10 acoustic songs, strong on melody and meaningful lyrics but satisfyingly low on clichés and (as with so many acoustic singer/songwriters) obscure introspection. Every song is unique, well thought through and lovingly nurtured. Dillon's voice is sometimes delicate, often strong, but always mature and warm. The organic production is perfectly judged to suit the mellow mood with strings, piano, percussion and the odd backing vocal meaning that Dillon's voice stays front and centre. Highlights include final gospel track "Let Your Light Shine" (sure I've heard that piano part on a Bryan Adams song though) and a cover of the Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" that more than does justice to the original. Even if you already own the full band versions of these songs on previous CDs, I should think this is still an essential addition to your collection. I genuinely haven't heard a Christian female solo album this good since Jennifer Knapp and Sarah Masen were churning out their sharpest stuff 10 years ago.

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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