Reviewed by Tony Cummings

"Once again the young men see their visions, once again the old men dream their dreams"- by the time the delicious opener "Deliverance" has faded, with its artful effect created by a Chris Eaton concocted vocal chorus and Ian's husky, impassioned invocation of an age when dreams are fulfilled; I'm in a muse again. One of my dreams is that some of the unnecessary divisions within Christian music- "this is worship directed towards God" and "this is performance, songs about the Christian life" or "this is on-the-edge alternative worship for today's youth" and "this is contemporary worship for an older generation"- will tumble under the weight of such incisive creativity as that offered on 'Forgiveness'. Ian has long had the ability to write deeply incisive songs and if you still believe "all" he's done is put Psalms in contemporary settings, listen to "Breakthrough", a breathtaking expose of Freemasonry or "Teresa", a song about an alcoholic Ian met, who didn't feel she could commit herself to follow Jesus in case she failed. Magnificent songs by a consummate Christian communicator.

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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