Reviewed by Phil Thomson

From the opening stridency of the first few bars, Story affirms - with complete certainty - that 'This Is The Day'. And it certainly is, if it is your first encounter with the singer. She is right. In 'Blessings', she offers us the kind of assured and polished performance guaranteed to keep us riveted until the last few notes have drifted into our sub-conscience. There is no doubt about it. Confidently written and beautifully produced, every title lives out in the music the experiences she has been through and the way her faith has sustained her. The song "Blessings" itself asks those endless rhetorical questions which, eventually, we offer back to God (.what if your blessings come through raindrops.what if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise? etc); uncomfortable, uncompromising and ultimately life changing. The lady wrote or co-wrote the tracks with the kind of intense, vested interest which leaves you in no doubt about the provenance, also making you wonder how she knows you so well. It's that kind of album. Recorded in Georgia at Chris Tomlin's studio and produced by Nathan Nockel (so there's plenty to sing about), this is one hauntingly beautiful piece of work. And here's the truth - it does what it says on the cover.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.