Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The third album from Nashville singer/songwriter Dave Barnes achieved success in the Billboard and iTunes charts when it was released in 2008 and it's easy to see why. The opener "Brothers & Sisters" sets out to take Barnes' audience by storm by combining catchy melodies with some juicy guitar work before continuing in the same vein with "Since You Said I Do" which showcases Barnes' vocal skills in a fun testimony to marriage. As well as being an accomplished guitarist and vocalist, Barnes is evidently a versatile songwriter as illustrated in the likes of the tender "On A Night Like This" and an authentic foray into country gospel in "Carry Me Through" before finding time for some ska in the infectious "Someday". Barnes is careful to include subtle references to his faith, allowing this release to appeal to a mainstream audience, but refuses to shy away from tougher issues such as the plight of Sudanese orphans - a cause he is personally involved in - in the thought-provoking "10,000 Children". Occasionally, proceedings drop into the default polished pop mode common amongst other Nashville releases but this does not detract from an otherwise innovative release from an artist whose career keeps going from strength to strength.

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