Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The long awaited new Carman release focuses on the need for the Church to reach out and win souls. From the title cut which is a cross between Mission Impossible and a Bond theme, this is compelling listening injected with humour, straight ahead lyrics and pretty strong music. As usual, Carman dabbles and paddles around in different styles (rock, cajun, do-wop, dance, inspirational ballad, jazz, opera(!) and even a '60s surfer version of the main theme!) and if there's a weakness it's that he doesn't always sound convincing in each style. However, as he's trying to reach a broad audience with his message, this deliberate ploy will appeal to everyone except the music snobs. "People Of God" revisits similar territory to "God's Got An Army" and this time employs a rowdy Russ Taff to add some vocal punch to the groovy rock dance rhythm. He makes a welcome return to the story song retreading similar territory to "The Champion" in "The Courtroom" with its Perry Masonesque theme. Let's face it, nobody tells a story like Carman and I can already picture mime troupes worldwide acting this one out! From a promising start, the second half of the album takes a bit of a plunge. The Cajun kids song "Do I Do" and his calypso version of "The Lord's Prayer" both score high on the cheesometer! And someone ought to take Carman into a quiet room and persuade him never to record another ballad, definitely not his strength! Every Carman album I've ever heard has been killed off by his ballads! "Slam" has a funky little dancy groove and a strong spiritual message to encourage believers and pick things up again but it's quickly ruined by another terrible ballad. Aaargh! Overall, a step in the right direction from his previous release.

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