Reviewed by David Cranson

The thing about American rock music is that it tends to follow the same formula, no matter who the artist is or what the message is that they're trying to convey. Consequently, on this side of the pond you either come to love it or loathe it. If it's done well and done from the heart it can be a powerful tool. This is an excellent album of American rock and I believe that if it got the chance it could sell millions, not only in the 'Christian' market place but also out there in the big, bad world. To many people Mr Schlitt has become THE voice of CCM. This has happened, of course, because he sings with that small American beat combo that begins with 'P'. I have to admit to being a tad worried when I first put the CD in the machine. Having heard a previous solo outing by Scott Wenzel, I was afraid that John would follow suit and wimp out on us. I needn't have worried. I've actually found myself humming some of these tunes as I go about the daily grind, and the words, too, are straight to the heart, without any cop out. Songs like "Wake The Dead", "Don't Look Back", "Let It Show", "The Hard Way" - "As the world mocked the Messiah/He crossed that valley alone/Exchanged his life for my soul/He would not forsake me" and especially, "The Road To Calvary" -"When you want to give up and cry out/Lord, why me?'/Think of him on that road to Calvary"; they all lay it on the line. This certainly isn't an album by that band that starts with 'P', but it certainly is an album worth listening to, again and again. Buy it.

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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