Reviewed by Tony Cummings

iTunes actually has a Singer/Songwriter Chart though personally I've always struggled with the phrase, just like I have with Praise & Worship, as it's so broad and potentially takes in so many different musical approaches that it's useless as an indicator of a particular style. So let's just say that, if you didn't know, Fred is a singer/songwriter from Kent and though his sleeve pics often show him clutching an acoustic guitar suggesting a folk-tinged troubadour there's nothing particularly roots acoustic in his chosen musical palate except for two or three songs near the album's close. Instead Fred uses a fair amount of electronica sounds to encase his warm, rich vocals and strong, melodies which stay in the mind even after a couple of plays - no mean feat when listened to by a reviewer like myself who down the decades has heard thousands of albums. Less memorable, though good enough, are Fred's lyrics. "Just One" is addressed to a fiancé/wife ("Just one ring shows the bond in how we feel") and another is addressed to the Lord ("It all comes back to you my guiding light, my guiding light"). Production is good and clearly Fred has spent many a long hour building up arrangements that fit his gentle, reflective compositions. However, it's the stripped down, voice and acoustic "Four Shots" with its plaintive "I'm not as strong as you" refrain which is my favourite cut. One final note, Fred's hardcore fans are also being offered 'Long Walk Home' in a Deluxe version.

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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