Reviewed by Andrew Rolfe

The latest from the Christian music veteran is only available from iTunes. Based heavily around the guitar in its amped and electrically-challenged forms, Chris's session buddies strum and lead their way through 10 charged songs with a total run time of ages. The shortest is a lengthy four and a half minutes, the longest just shy of seven. First up is "The Child In Everyone", a slow drum, accordion, acoustic guitar number so reminiscent of Kevin Prosch that I think I've popped the wrong CD in the box. It goes on for nearly seven minutes and ends up consisting of singing Hebrew, namely the word "Hosanna" for quite some time. "I Will Trust You" follows featuring electro pop guitar that surrounds itself with a Delirious?-esque fringe (or goatee). The verses build to the kind of chorus that just makes you want to lift your hands up and adore the King. It can't be helped. Tugs at the heartstrings. Gets the emotions bubbling up. "Glory To The King 1" features driving verses that thrust you into another feel-good chorus. This is neighboured by "The Weight Of The World", a softer number with an ambient feel. Chris has almost got enough letters in his name to make up the adjective that sums up the general album paradigm: chill. The guy's sound is so relaxed I can almost see him recording the album enveloped in cushions and duvets. Every other song a female vocal turns up to soften Chris' gravely tones. Track seven ("Death Where Is Your Sting") is a highlight and provides clear evidence of Chris' take on life as he sings, "I don't mind/Watching as my life goes on by." And why? Because he rightly sees that this intake of breath on earth is a temporary filler before the real thing - necessary but not permanent. Some tracks are a departure from the worship style and wander into what can only be described as melancholic reflection. "If I "Were You" is a typical example, a monologue, I think, expounding what Chris might do if he and God swapped positions for a while (erm, not likely, the job description is too difficult and requires at least an eternal amount of previous on-the-job experience). We end with an acoustic flurry, the worship-fuelled contemplation "Heaven On Earth". This is a worship album (with a subtitled classification 'Reflection') wrapped up in pseudo rock/pop (you know, guitar, drums, simulated string section, accordion) with more than a hint of Mr Prosch. A fine collection from a well respected worship leader.

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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