Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This release from the hitmaking Houston-based gospel singer and his ensemble FIYA (Free In Yahweh's Abundance) is an undoubtedly slick affair that promotes praising God in all circumstances. Although homelessness, redundancy and financial problems have played a very real part in the singer's past, many may find Fortune's trademark forthrightness hard to stomach on the back of an historic child injury allegation that has recently resurfaced as well as Fortune's incorrect notion in the likes of the upbeat "Never Again" that problems and a pain are a thing of the past when you become a Christian. Elsewhere though, "It Could Be Worse" has a more realistic "count your blessings" take on life's challenges whilst Fortune candidly references his victory over what sounds like destructive parental influences in "The Curse Is Broken". Musically, this is a rollercoaster ride which mixes the dance-tinged praise of "Make A Sound" and the hip-hop gospel "Throw Your Hands Up" with slower ballad-based numbers such as the breathtakingly powerful "What If?" - a song sung by Fortune's wife Cheryl that poignantly and aptly touches on God's redemptive grace no matter what any of us have done in the past. Guest appearances from the likes of gospel legend Fred Hammond on "Hold On" add further variety to proceedings.

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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