Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The former Santana vocalist delivered a second solo gospel set in 1981 which highlighted his funky keyboard-driven pop gospel. So songs like "Blessed Is" and "Have Faith" are a message and groove-driven intro to the album. The production from Skip Konte is more sophisticated than his debut and although this wasn't a huge breakthrough success, that would come 'The Live Experience' in 1983, 'Don't Give In' did help Leon build on his popularity. And the set did contain one absolute classic "Flesh Of My Flesh" which has been subsequently covered by plenty of artists and become a romantic staple for solo spots at church weddings. There are also a couple of covers on this set with the updating and gospelisation of Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Is Lifting Me) Higher And Higher" works OK. Less successful is an ill advised version of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord". "Star Of The Morning" and the title track are the kind of Christian pop which Leon would later develop so well on albums like 'Sky's The Limit'. The album finishes with another fine song, a soulful reminder that we need to respond to the challenge of the great commission with "Go". Interestingly, his debut ended with the altar call invitation "Come" and this one ends with the command to go! Overall, a solid album.

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