Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Garry Kean is a Canadian singer/songwriter living and ministering with his wife and four children in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. They work with an organisation named Jacaranda Community, training women in trades so they can provide for their children; Garry states, "Sometimes, people need to learn how to cope." This 2017 release is designed to blend worship and pop songs, reflecting both Sunday church worship and daily life with all its struggles and victories, hence the overall theme of pressing on. We therefore have reminders of God's faithfulness in "Faithful Age To Age" sitting alongside the contrasting light-hearted tone of "Lost In LA", a reflection on the emptiness of searching for success in Hollywood. Garry has a strong voice with excellent intonation and occasional glimpses of the vocal cheekiness of Robbie Williams in his inflections. Musically the production is solid and well-balanced, although at times the drums' programming seem a little rigid. There are guest lead vocalist appearances from Christine Dente and Marianne Adams and plenty of sweet supporting vocal harmonies throughout. In terms of the songs themselves, 16 tracks represent good value but after the first few there's not enough musical variety to keep interest going - it all begins to sound a bit samey. It would have been better to whittle them down to 10 or 11. In terms of highlights, "Love Barged In" is a jaunty celebration of the difference the love of God makes in a life, and a lovely lyrical line from "Whisper To Your Heart" states, "I will take your whisper with me so the echoes will remind me of the promises I have heard." Proceeds from Garry's music go to the work of the Jacaranda Community.

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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