Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

For his 10th release, Californian singer/songwriter Justin McRoberts has decided to record a selection of songs from the secular arena that have inspired him. McRoberts belief is that there is as much of God and his Kingdom in the talents and songs of non-Christian artists, as there is in the music of believers and here the gutsy voiced troubadour brings his own passionate readings to Nine Inch Nails' "Head Like A Hole" which is transformed from a throbbing metallic clamour into a stark and almost beautiful piano ballad. Featuring artists as diverse as The Rolling Stones, Aimee Mann, Tom Petty and Toad The Wet Sprocket are given equally idiosyncratic and refreshing interpretations. Probably not the best place to start if you are beginning your exploration of the outstanding work of this underrated songsmith but his clique of followers will understand where Justin is coming from with this imaginative set of covers.

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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