Reviewed by Brian Carr

Kim has taken a bold step for her latest release by switching recording studios from Nashville. USA. the heart of CCM. to sunny Sussex in good old England, entrusting production to one certain Andy Piercv. It was with great anticipation that I prepared to listen to 'Arms Of Mercy' as Kim has a lot to live up to. Past albums have set a high benchmark and on top of that she has the editor's seal of approval who once described her voice as "one of the most magnificent in CCM." So what of this, her latest offering? The album kicks off with Kim leaving no doubt as to what she is about. "I vow to walk in blind faith/Willing to sacrifice it all/To reflect amazing grace/I am committed to the call." I find it easy to imagine "Committed To The Call" with electric guitars and driving beat being played to a packed stadium rousing today's generation to own it as their anthem. The tempo is upheld by "Rain Of Mercy" reminding us so powerfully of the generosity of God's mercy. These opening tracks have me already convinced that Kim is more than equal to the current top pop songstresses, with no disrespect intended to ladies who possess sweet singing voices, my preference lies with the husky tones with which Kim has been graced. When they are coupled with a ballad. "Hold Me Close", I find myself close to tears: "Whatever I held on to I'm ready to let go/Burn my bridges and dance within the flames." From start to finish this album oozes quality, by that I don't only mean the deft touches in production, the superb musicianship but that quality that cuts through all irrelevancy to impact the heart. Kim has limited her own songwriting input to two tracks, "You Alone" and the final track "Up To The Moon", which is a song addressed to her sons. I didn't find it cloying as is sometimes the case with songs of this nature. All the songs are drawn together by a common thread stimulating the listener into worship, "All That I Want" a powerful personal prayer. Excellent!

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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